Iguana is not a Pet

Ranked #7,694 in Pets & Animals, #194,088 overall

IGUANA IS A WILD ANIMAL!

Iguanas are certainly one of the most popular lizards to be kept as pets. But you should consider that sticking strictly to a vegetarian diet; green iguanas spend most of their lives in the rain forest's canopy.
Iguanas are wild animals, not domestic, and we doubt that they are treated as pets. Is it right what you're doing? Are these animals fit for living in civilization or are we damaging their nature?
If you have a iguana pet, you must learn to take care of it any way it need.
If you are thinking of buying a iguana, best choose a stuffed.

TAKE A MINUTE AND ANSWER THIS QUESTION, PLEASE

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IGUANA: COMPLICATED PET

type=textIguanas are one of the more recent "fad" pets, becoming readily available in many pet stores, often at very low prices. These are young iguanas that don't seem to be too difficult to care for, a myth often perpetuated by retailers hoping to sell them. Of course, they are very cute too! But, as with all reptiles, iguanas have fairly strict feeding and housing requirements. And they grow, often very large (if they survive) and they can be difficult to tame and become aggressive. This is not to say that iguanas cannot make good pets - but they need the proper care right from the start, and owners need to have the right expectations.
Also, it has been found that many reptiles carry Salmonella, meaning it is present in the digestive tract without causing disease. Following common sense hygiene practices when handling iguanas should prevent problems, but if there are young children, pregnant women, immunocompromised people or elderly persons in contact with the iguana, extra care will have to be taken to prevent Salmonella infections, or perhaps a reptile isn't the right pet for your household.

BEAUTIFUL IGUANA

IGUANA: THE SPECIES

type=textGreen, or common, iguanas are among the largest lizards in the Americas, averaging around 6.5 feet (2 meters) long and weighing about 11 pounds (5 kilograms).
They are also among the most popular reptile pets in the United States, despite being quite difficult to care for properly. In fact, most captive iguanas die within the first year, and many are either turned loose by their owners or given to reptile rescue groups.
The green iguana's extensive range comprises the rain forests of northern Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean Islands, and southern Brazil. They spend most of their lives in the canopy, descending only infrequently to mate, lay eggs, or change trees.
Primarily herbivores, iguanas are active during the day, feeding on leaves, flowers, and fruit. They generally live near water and are excellent swimmers. If threatened, they will leap from a branch, often from great heights, and escape with a splash to the water below. They are also tough enough to land on solid ground from as high as 40 feet (12 meters) and survive.
Iguanas' stout build gives them a clumsy look, but they are fast and agile on land. They have strong jaws with razor-sharp teeth and sharp tails, which make up half their body length and can be used as whips to drive off predators. They can also detach their tails if caught and will grow another without permanent damage.
Other members of the iguana family include the Fiji Island banded iguana, the desert iguana, and the Galápagos Islands marine iguana. Their appearance, behavior, and endangered status vary from species to species.

COUPLE

Iguana Fast Facts

type=textType:
Reptile

Diet:
Herbivore

Average life span in the wild:
20 years

Size:
6.6 ft (2 m)

Weight:
11 lbs (5 kg)

Did you know?
In Central America, where iguana meat is frequently consumed, iguanas are referred to as "bamboo chicken" or "chicken of the trees."

MENTAL SKILL GAME

type=textThe Iguanas
Smart Iguanas
Odd and imagine
Incredible Ideas

Use the 5 key to solve this problem:

The children found a nest with 5 eggs Iguana numbered 1 through 6.
The eggs were opened one after another.
Even-numbered eggs were opened 2 minutes after the previous.
Odd-numbered eggs were opened 5 minutes after the previous egg.
The egg number 5 is opened first.

How long did the eggs in open?
What if egg number 2 opens at first?

THESE ARE THE IGUANAS YOU CAN HAVE

Fiesta 23" Plush Iguana

Amazon Price: $4.58 (as of 06/02/2012)Buy Now

This awesome 23-inch plush iguana has "scaly" plush skin and a friendly face. Sure to be a hit with any lizard-lover!

REMEMBER THAT THE IGUANA IS NOT A PET.
CHOOSE ANOTHER DOMESTIC ANIMAL!

YOUR IGUANA TOY

Webkinz HM340 Iguana Plush Animal

Amazon Price: $8.99 (as of 06/02/2012)Buy Now

Webkinz HM340 IGUANA Plush Animal

Manufacturer recommended age: 3 years and up

My son collects critters that most kids would think were disgusting, but he loves this one. It's actually cuter than I thought it would be, even my daughter wants one now. It looks so innocent, and is bigger than I expected. He's big enough to love on, and small enough to store on your bed, or shelf. I think it's approximately 12 inches long, maybe longer, I didn't measure it. Very sweet looking, and adds to my son's critter collection just fine. He wants all the Webkinz lizards, and snakes, so this one fits just fine in his crowd of weird and crazy animals. He also likes putting the code into the computer that comes on it's tag and plays in the world of Webkinz online. You can decorate their rooms and buy stuff for your virtual pet, they have lots of fun playing with the Webkinz online, and the stuffed animal too. This way the animal doesn't get thrown to the bottom of the pile like most stuffed animals.

IF YOU HAVE DECIDED TO HAVE AN IGUANA: LEARN TO CARE FOR IT

Green Iguana: The Ultimate Owner's Manual

Amazon Price: $11.00 (as of 06/02/2012)Buy Now

A number of iguana pet books have been written in recent years, but still only one addresses the complete needs of these big green lizards: "Green Iguana-The Ultimate Owner's Manual" by James W. Hatfield III. This comprehensive yet highly readable book is just what its name says: the ULTIMATE book on green iguanas.
In 650+ pages of clear, lively, compelling and accurate text, the author presents the most current, scientific and useful information available about iguanas.

This new Second Edition introduces important medical black-and-white photos from internationally known veterinarian Scott Stahl, plus new photos in the color section. And to make sure more iguana owners have access to the ULTIMATE iguana book, the retail price was reduced. No other pet care book on any animal offers this level of commitment to its readers.

"Green Iguana-The Ultimate Owner's Manual," the culmination of over 10 years of research, weighs in at more than 2 1/2 pounds and is the largest, most comprehensive, scientifically accurate, up-to-date, helpful, fun, easy-to-read iguana pet care book ever written. And with the book's clear, accessible layout, you can quickly find whatever information you need.

The book's nine chapters and ten appendixes cover everything from birth to death of an iguana.

IGUANA WHIT TATOO

WORDS OF THE PHILOSOPHER

Animal Liberation: The Definitive Classic of the Animal Movement (P.S.)


The modern animal rights movement may be dated to the 1975 publication of Animal Liberation by Australian philosopher Peter Singer," declared Newsweek of the first edition, and this "bible" for animal rights activists has just undergone a second edition. Singer continues his "blistering indictment of so-called humane use of animals in scientific research" ( LJ 12/1/75), describes the current (and still atrocious) state of animal testing, and brings up to date the activities of the animal rights movement, nascent at the time of the first edition's release. This is a necessary purchase for any animal rights collection. See also Heidi J. Welsh's Animal Testing and Consumer Products , reviewed in this issue, p. 98.--Ed.
- Judy Quinn, "Library Journal"

ALL YOUR COMMENTS ARE WELCOME

Please let me know what you think about having wild animals as pets.


OTHER REVIEWS ARE ALSO WELCOME

  • jimmyworldstar Dec 3, 2011 @ 11:32 am | delete
    I think they need to live in a warm climate right? I think people get bored of them because they're not as interactive so they just toss them aside. Hopefully they can adapt to the wild easily.
  • Showpup Nov 20, 2011 @ 8:42 am | delete
    As a former wildlife rehabber, I think iguanas belong in the wild! I've also seen far too many iguanas not cared for properly. Makes my heart sad to see them in pet shops.
  • JosePedro Nov 15, 2011 @ 1:51 pm | delete
    I agree with you: Iguana is not a pet. Thanks for the job.
  • Omanaomamana Nov 12, 2011 @ 7:50 pm | delete
    Thanks for the information.
  • AnthonyAltorenna Aug 27, 2011 @ 2:42 pm | delete
    Iguanas are interesting animals, but are not well suited as pets - especially when they reach maturity. Florida now has established populations of iguanas from escaped or released pets.
  • gypsyman27 May 22, 2011 @ 10:23 pm | delete
    I agree. I don't think people should have Iguanas for pets. They could be dangerous and living in captivity is probably not very good for them. See you around the galaxy...
  • ChrisDay Jan 13, 2011 @ 12:27 am | delete
    Too many precious animals are kept as pets, forlornly kept in cages to live out their days in a far-from-natural setting. This lens is for them!
  • RinchenChodron Jan 3, 2011 @ 8:00 pm | delete
    Thank you for this thoughtful lens. I agree they should not be pets.
  • Tipi Jan 2, 2011 @ 6:11 pm | delete
    Yup, wild animals are called wild for a reason and there are plenty of pets to choose from. It seems people always have a taste for the exotics and are not prepared to care for them as they need to be. I like your stuffed toy iguana pet idea!
  • Tipi Jan 2, 2011 @ 6:10 pm | delete
    Yup, wild animals are called wild for a reason and there are plenty of pets to choose from. It seems people always have a taste for the exotics and are not prepared to care for them as they need to be. I like your stuffed toy iguana pet idea!
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FUN IGUANA COSTUME


Deluxe Kids Iguana Costume
Child Small




This is a BRAND NEW costume in its original packaging.

Kids Iguana Costume includes the deluxe plush life-like detailed jumpsuit, headpiece, mitts and feet.

We DO combine shipping! So you will save money on shipping for each additional item you purchase.

DO YOU LIKE IGUANAS?


Wild animals
Land Iguana
Light Switch Covers
single toggle switch




Land Iguana Light Switch Cover is new and handcrafted utilizing unique process resulting in a stunning high gloss ceramic-like finish. SET OF MATCHING SCREWS IS INCLUDED giving it a perfect finishing touch. Made of durable metal material.


Wild animals
Land Iguana
Light Switch Covers
double toggle switch




Land Iguana Light Switch Cover is new and handcrafted utilizing unique process resulting in a stunning high gloss ceramic-like finish. SET OF MATCHING SCREWS IS INCLUDED giving it a perfect finishing touch. Made of durable metal material.

WATCH THE IGUANA


Land Iguana
10x10 Wall Clock




Land Iguana Wall Clock is new, handcrafted utilizing unique process resulting in a stunning high gloss ceramic-like finish. Measures 10" x 10", comes with a wall mounting hook. Single AA battery is not included.

IGUANA COASTERS


Land Iguana
Set Of 4 Coasters
Soft




Land Iguana Coaster is new commercial quality product that will complement your home decor. Available in 3.5" x 3.5" soft rubber-backed polyester and 4.25 x 4.25 ceramic high gloss finish tiles with rubber backing. Colors will not bleed.

I WANT TO KNOW WHAT O THER PEOPLE THINK ABOUT TO HAVE IGUANA PETS

This is an issue that causes dispute because iguanas aren't pets. I think we should follow them in his condition of wild animals. But I'm open to hearing other points of view

DO YOU AGREE TO HAVE IGUANAS AS PETS?

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Yes, and many people are having iguanas as pets, so that will not hurt.

No, the iguana have right to live as the wild animals they are.

Kim says:

ONLY IF THEY ARE EXPERIENCED AND KNOW EXACTLY HOW TO TAKE CARE OF THEM AND MEET ALL OF THEIR NEEDS. THESE ANIMALS ARE BEAUTIFUL AND TOO MANY ARE DYING EARLY IN CAPTIVITY THROUGH OWNERS IGNORANCE.

Showpup says:

Too complicated for most people to own and care for properly.

Omanaomamana says:

Iguana is a wild animal.

callinsky says:

I am firmly against it.

ArdenBaird says:

Years ago I had a room mate that had two iguanas. The male was always escaping. One day I heard something hitting my bedroom door over and over. I opened the door and it was the male. The female bit me when I was holding her while my room mate got a bath ready. On top of that they smelled!! I think they're beautiful creatures that should stay in the wild.

 
view all 8 comments

IGUANA SIGN

Iguana Crossing Sign This is a brand new sign with the following features: 12" x 12" screen printed on caution yellow Sturdy .032 aluminum sign with rounded corners and drilled hole for hanging It features a picture of an Iguana on a tree branch.


IGUANA LOVER Street Sign ~ Custom Aluminum Street Signs



4"X18" ALUMINUM .040 THICK WITH WHITE 5-7 YEAR OUTDOOR VINYL. GREAT GIFT FOR HARD TO SHOP FOR PERSON. WE CAN MAKE IN 6"X24" SIZE AS WELL IF YOU DON''T SEE IT LISTED IN OUR STORE JUST CONTACT US.

IGUANA PRINT


Black Tailed Iguana Lizard Color Reptile Print Antique



Old Antique Historical Victorian Prints Maps and Historic Fine Art----------. Black Tailed Iguana Lizard Color Reptile Print Antique Print From Harmsworth Natural History . . 1910 . Size 10 X 7.5 Inches ( 255 X 190 ) . Extraordinary Quality Natural History Prints . . Reverse Side Of Colour Prints Have Another Colour Print And The Reverse Of Black/White Prints Have Printing. . . "Quality Selling At Your Price" .

YOUR IGUANA MUG


Land Iguana
15oz Mug




Land Iguana Mug is new. Why drink coffee out of an ordinary mug when an imprinted mug is so much cooler? Microwave safe, FDA approved. Image is printed on both sides of the mug. Dishwasher use is not recommended.

IGUANA JEWELRY BOX


Iguana Trinket Box Jeweled -Collectible Jewelry Box Colorful Enameled Figurine



This spectacular trinket box features a colorful lizard. It's adorned with handset Swarovski crystals and high polished enamel. A must have for lizard enthusiasts.Approx. 3-1/2" L x 2" W x 1-7/8" H. It opens on a hinge at his back and has an inset magnetic closure to keep the trinket box shut securely. Beautiful handpainted details. 24k gold plated trim. Boutique quality.Comes in attractive satin lined gift box that is perfect for gift giving!

IGUANA NAPKIN HOLDER


Land Iguana
6 Inch Tile Napkin Holder




Land Iguana Tile Napkin Holder is measuring 6w x 6h x 4d. Made from high quality solid maple wood with satin finish and two 4.25 commercial grade mirror gloss ceramic tiles. Holds napkins, mail, letters or files. In addition, customized engraving, on the face of the item, is available on request.

IGUANA APRON


Land Iguana
Full Length Apron With Pockets 22w X 30l




Land Iguana Apron is commercial quality product. Whether it's put to use in a restaurant or home, this apron will always help keep you clean. 100% cotton with Teflon finish for added protection. 1" wide neck and waist ties, adjustable neck strap for full and medium length aprons.

HELP PROTECT WILDLIFE

Blue Mountain Wildlife provides caring people a place to bring injured wildlife for the specialized treatment needed to return to the wild, and increases awareness & appreciation of wildlife through public education.

YOUR WELCOME TO VISIT MY OTHER LENSES

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by

SofiaMann

Hola! There are many animals suitable as pets. These species and races who have been domesticated for many generations. But others, such as iguanas, they... more »

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Amazon Spotlight 

Iguanas For Dummies

Amazon Price: $1.73 (as of 06/02/2012)Buy Now

So, you wanna iguana. Or you already have one. Now what? This fun and friendly guide gives you expert advice on selecting an iguana and taking care of your fascinating pet throughout its life. It provides valuable tips on diet, habitat, health, and other important iguana issues.