Keeping Children away from Iguanas

[Rikki]

I have a friend who is very young, lets just say he is under 13 years of age. He is wanting to purchase an Iguana after just now getting into the reptilian hobby with a Ball Python. I have tried to warn him that an Iguana is not right for hom, most certainly for a person of his age. Many Iguanas wound up in shelters and end up being put to sleep and I would hate to see this happen. An Iguana is a rather large lizard and can be dangerous. I will take no part in his purchase, though I have warned him and I am hoping that some of you can offer some of your advice as well as the experienced reptile keppers that you are. Thank you for taking the time to view this topic, your replies are appreciated.

He will be seeing this thread later today.

[Bartman]

You're absolutly right...so why are you inquiring about anacondas?

[Rikki]

I asked about a breeder, I never said I was going to purchase an anaconda. I have never seen them for sale and was wondering where people purchase them.

[cheech]

I would say the savannah monitor you just bought would more than equal the responsibilty of a iguana.So how can you tell someone what they should or should not buy?

[boywithscales]

does your friend know iguanas get 5-6 feet long? 1 in every 20 are tolerant of people. They dont like humans, They see us as climbing posts. They bite, tail whip, crap on you. require huge massive cages A minimum of 5x6x5. There horribly mean animals. The males have major mood swings. They eat alot!!! They require warm weather and high humidity, your irresponsible if you let an iguana free roam. All Iguanas are wild caught!!! There left overs from meat farms!

Get a bearded dragon, They have better attitudes, and wont rip holes through you.There all captive bred, And still get 2 feet long.

Sorry Iguana lovers if i sound harsh, but its true.

[boywithscales]

Oh yeah, you owning a savannah is not a good example either.

[Rikki]

Originally Posted by cheech

I would say the savannah monitor you just bought would more than equal the responsibilty of a iguana.So how can you tell someone what they should or should not buy?

Because I am older and have been keeping reptiles for years. Thank you (some of you) for your helpful replies.

[geckoguy157]

there's only 2 years difrence ...how long have you been keeping reptiles?? i do agree with you younger people shouldnt have animals liek this they are often an impulse buy and once they realize the huge responsibilty and there size they often just get rid of them.

[Rikki]

Its a 4 year diff. Ive kept reptiles since I was eight, my family has had them for years longer. He is just in the hobby with very little experience.

[geckoguy157]

why didnt you say he was 11 then and not 13. personaly i wouldnt have stared that young of a kid with a ball python no offence ofcourse its just they can often be a pain in the feeding part. you should convince him on a bearded dragon.

[peterm15]

in all reality he needs nothing yet.. he just got his ball like a week or 2 ago.. hes written a bunch of "should i get" threads and in ever one most of the ppl said to wait.. if he is to young to get the hint after 3 threads on smaller lizards like leos ect ect.. he shouldnt own a lizard anyways.. espically after getting one with so many problems early on.. thats just my opinion...

anyways DONT GET AN IGGI, DONT GET ANYTHING YET, see how your ball works out then worry about another lizard.. and start small.. dont just jump into something that is like having a nasty, biting, tail whiping, smelly, take up a whole room baby.. they need 24/7 care and even some adults arent "mature" enough to care for one properly.. so what makes you..

now if im talking about the wrong person here rikki im sorry.. but im pretty sure i know who it is.. and if its not him tell him im sorry.. otherwise if this thread doesnt work talk to his parrents... talk them into not letting him have one

[Ciddian]

Good tip peter.

Rikki, that burm will be a great deal as well.... i know you where interested in that snake wernt you? Just be careful....I am not telling you or your cousin what to get and what not to but peter is right.

Start with one animal... and see how it goes. Give it time to settle so if anything does come up you are ready to give it your 100% attention.

Hopefully your cousin understands.

[labomb]

what roll does this child's parents play in this decision? any responsible parent would say absolutley no, or expect to take full responsibility for it themselves.

[bassteck76]

Well here is the deal.....I have found out from a fellow herper/breeder.....if you get your iguana fixed they will stay a lot calmer. That doesnt mean that a young person with no herp exp needs to get one but it will help if they do. The iguana is about the same choice as the BP just gets a little bit bigger of course. I incourage young people to start out with what they can handle.....most can an iggy if they have some parental support and supervision. It will need a very large cage within a short period of time so that is one of the most up front problems. I would go with a Bearded Dragon or even a Water Dragon. Water's will get about 3 feet so there is still a cage issue there. Beardies are easier to feed and maintain so that may be the way to go. Personally I alway recomend a Leopard Gecko as a first lizard.....they are small...they eat crickets.....and most will walk around on you without whipping or biting all the time....LOL....

Just my 2 cents.....spend it where you like.

Richard

[Bartman]

if you get your iguana fixed they will stay a lot calmer

Fixed? :dumb: