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Post by AJ on Mar 31, 2006 8:38:00 GMT -5
In my life I've had chickens, dogs, cats, and cattle, but nothing in the reptile family, and since I have moved to the city I was wondering if an Iguana would be a good choice for a pet lizard, or if something else would be better to start with?
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Post by Marie on Mar 31, 2006 9:41:03 GMT -5
The Green Iguana is a very inexpensive lizard to initially purchase but to properly care for, it is a extremely high maintenance lizard. These lizards can get to 5'-6' and lives to 25. They will with in a very short time need a 6x6x3 enclosure. Their UVB lighting and heating requirements are very specific. Iguanas are not social at all and does best as an only pet. It also can take up to a year or more to tame and socialize it. The males (and sometimes females) can become very aggressive during breeding season. They basically take a lot time, patience, room, and $$MONEY$$. And like all reptiles the vet care for them is expensive too and qualified reptile vets can be extremely hard to find. Some people have to travel hours to reach their vets.
A good starter lizard is a Bearded Dragon. They do not get to a very large size. They are very social compared to iguanas. They have UVB needs but it is easier to provide the proper amount. The purchase price of a Bearded Dragon is higher than an iguana but the maintenance costs are a whole lot less. And they take a lot less room.
But whatever reptile you get you need to research it thoroughly. And don't trust the petstores to give accurate info. They just interested (most times) in selling what is on their shelves. All reptiles take care that is totally different from mammals.. But they are a very rewarding pet to have.
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Post by AJ on Mar 31, 2006 17:57:06 GMT -5
Alright, thx. I talked to my friend who used to have an igauana this afternoon and he said the same thing about iguanas' high needs, but he suggested if I wanted a large lizard still I should go with a water dragon because they dont live quite as long and they are a little cheaper to maintain, what do you think?
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Post by james on May 24, 2006 13:36:02 GMT -5
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stano40
Member
"If you don't want the english languange to change, then use spell check"
Posts: 194
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Post by stano40 on Jun 25, 2006 15:07:45 GMT -5
Try a bearded dragon, chinese water dragon or if you like snakes ball pythons are great. My suggestion is to buy from a breeder or go to a reptile show where the quality and health of the animal will be better.
Read up first on what the requirements are for each reptile and know that you will spend more money for enclosures, food, substrate and furniture for the reptile, like; rocks, wood, 401K for its college fund.
Don't use sand as a substrate. Too many problems with impaction, especially if you feed the reptile on sand.
bob
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Post by GrEeNIgUaNaeGgS on Jun 30, 2006 15:11:43 GMT -5
Iam thinking about getting a beared dragon,
Whatsthe biggert a male would get? and a female?
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