Okay, here's the story. I don't currently have iguanas, but in the future I would like to run a reptile/rodent rescue. In that I don't want to be one of the *purely temporary* rescues, but one that has the means to take care of an animal for the rest of its life if it doesn't get adopted.
In that frame of mind, I want the best of the best. No skimping here. What I'd like to build is a giant iguana cage. I have looked through here and one or two other sites and seen many different setups that look awsome. Sorry to say that they're a little tiny compared to what I have in mind. I would like to build an enclosure (cause it's not even really a cage) that is 30ft x 30ft x 8ft tall. Insane, I know and no..those aren't typos. That's truely how big I'd like to build it (and I have it within my means to do it too) All that would be in there is Iguanas, or, if completely empty, perhaps an x-tra large snake (like 14-16 ft long)
Anyways, what I'd like to know is:

Would an iguana have the same problem with space as I have heard some snakes have. Will they be intimidated by extremely large areas??

Can you keep multiple iguanas in the same area?? I have heard of people keeping more than one iguana in the same enclosure, but some people do dumb things so I absolutely want to make sure. There would definately be enough room for them.

I have heard of a self substaining system in which you have certain organisms inside the cage that replicate what is in the wild (breaking down wastes and that sort of thing). With such a huge cage I believe that this would be my best bet for bedding. Could this harm the iguanas? Is there anything specific that would need to be done to do this for iguanas?

I want to put in a pond and waterfall. Do iguanas swim (can they??)? or do they just like to soak? Would they need a depth that is only up to their chest? or would they be able to swim if it was deeper?

How heavy do iguanas get? I have heard that they will like to climb and would like to provide opportunities to do that. Ledges and tree limbs (fake tree limbs) would be good to use in my mind, but I would want to teste them out for weight before I allow an iguana to go crazy on them. If you could be me a maximum weight that would be great, just in case.

I think that's all I need to know for now. Thank you to all who answer. I greatly appreciate it!!
Thank you
Denikka

Wow! This is a massive undertaking you are planning! It sounds amazing and something I am quite envious of; what a great opportunity, to take in unwanted and abandoned animals and be able to have the resources to take care of and rehome them. I wish you the best of luck.

But... I don't by any means mean to put a dampener on your project idea, but have you kept such animals as iguanas before? What experience do you have with reptiles in general? An iguana and some of the much larger snakes mean a huge commitment in care, money and ability to look after. Make sure you think very carefully about what will be needed to take care of these animals for the time they may need, but if you have that then I think you will go a long way!

In answer to your questions, some of our other members and admin staff will be able to better answer them, but I can give my opinion on one or two of them; the enclosure size sounds fantastic! I think an iguana would love that space! I have seen several iguanas living together in harmony in zoos but I believe the general consensus is that they should be housed separately? In which case, if you are planning a rehome/rescue project perhaps several smaller enclosures would be better than the one big one? Others may have better-informed opinions on this.

I believe iguanas can swim and they need moderate humidity levels. They get big - 6ft in length, or bigger, but I can't give you an estimate in weight, one of the iguana-owners will be able to advise you on that, but you are looking at needing to build something with good use of height as they are climbers and spend most of their time high up.

Let us know how you get on with this idea.

__________________
"If you know everything you may as well blow your brains out because the reason for existence is to learn more everyday." - Mark O'Shea, 2004

I don't have any actual personal experiance with raising any kind of lizards, but I did help my mother take care of our King snake when I was younger, where my love of reptiles started. I just want to mention that I'm only 16 (almost 17) and so this won't be in the actual processes for at least 8 years yet. I do however, completely understand what a large undertaking this would be. I'm doing all my reasearch and asking as many questions as possible. I am definately getting all the know-how way before time. I also plan on going down to the Reptile Refuge to check out setups and talk to people there.
So it is possible for iguanas to live together. Okay. I would assume that this is after proper introductions and all that sort of thing.
I totally understand what you say about multiple smaller enclosures. It's definately something I'll think about. I had only planned on a single enclosure so far because I wasn't sure if iguanas could live together or not. If they could then it would be perfect, and if not then it's back to the drawing board. I do have a basic layout anyways,and it's compatible with different sized areas. I would defiantely not want to go smaller than 15ft x 15ft x 8ft tall.
I hadn't heard of iguanas getting over 6 ft. The sites that I have been researching from say that 4-5 ft is the norm. Oh well, I'll take it from someone who knows rather than from an impersonal site. Better to plan for bigger anyways.
I have heard that iguanas need 85%-95% humidity. Is it really that high? I have a plan in mind that would allow me to keep it that high, but I want to make sure that it's the proper amount. Definately don't wanna make the Iggys sick. I have also heard that the temp needs to be 95 degrees in the basking area and the coolest area should be about 80 degrees. I'd also like to make sure that this is correct. Won't do me much good if I'm getting bad information.

Thank you for answering so quickly. All the info is hugely welcome, and you can be absolutely sure that I'm doing ALL my research WAY before I even start getting anywhere near rescuing/rehoming etc.
Thank you
Denikka

As I said, it's a lovely idea - in theory. I understand this is a long-term project for you, so will take some years to put together, but I really would urge you to gain some personal experience before setting up something so massive. Start low with a beginner species, before you even think about owning something like an iguana let along rehoming and rescuing igs.

I'm not saying that keeping multiple igs in the same enclosure is the best way; I have seen them housed together, although as I also said, many would advise that they should be housed alone, and of course you certainly wouldn't want to house two of different sexes together as they would breed and that would not help the cause of rehoming.

Humidity needed is not as high as that I don't believe - I think it's about 65-70% but they are a tropical species. I would really wait for an iguana owner to post a reply, as I have no personal experience with this species, but as I said I would like to offer my opinions.

If you can get this project off the ground, and you do it with the best knowledge and experience I think it will be a wonderful thing. Good luck!

__________________
"If you know everything you may as well blow your brains out because the reason for existence is to learn more everyday." - Mark O'Shea, 2004

Oh I absolutely have every intention of getting some experiance. Perhaps try to get a job at the Reptile Refuge, at the least spend some time there with the staff. If the job doesn't work out, definately get some sort of lizard as a pet (I've always wanted a bearded dragon...maybe..lol..) Definately not right now, as I'm living with my grandparents. They don't mind the rats..but I think a medium sized lizard would be pushing it.
Thanks for the mention about the humidity. I didn't think 85-95% could be quite right. Maybe for a more aquatic/semi aquatic lizard and I do know of a type of iguana that lives party underwater (well..to feed), but it just didn't sound right.
I definately will be starting small and not rushing off to rescue an iguana or 16ft anaconda...lol...start small and once I have a bit of experiance with those I will consider more about the larger lizards/snakes.
Thanks for your input. It's hugely appreciated and any constructive critisism is welcome from anyone. If anyone who reads this thinks that I'm really missing something important, or has any suggestions on..well..just about anything, I will definately listen to them with an open mind. I want to do the absolute best for these animals and myself (in that order) and you guys are the experts. So once again. Thank you and if anyone has anything to say, anything at all, it will be totally welcomed.
Thank you
Denikka

If you are planning on starting a rescue you have to consider the fact that each new iguana will have to be properly sexed and quarantined for about 8 weeks by itself. also if it has mites or other parasites it will need a hospital cage that will allow you to treat it so a 'self sufficent' substrate will not work in that situation. Also Males cannot be housed together.

Iguanas are territorial. I personally would not house them togther. Some people make it work, but then you have the problem of trying to figure out what to do with the ones that don't get along. and you have to worry about bullies. And improperly sexing iguanas and having them mate. plus igs that are housed together need to be the same size, so you cant keep and 8 oz. iggy with an 18lb adult.

ALSO iguanas are mean. Especially during breeding season. It takes alot of work to socialize one iguana, and even then they revert back to their wild ways during breeding seaon and can do you serious damage.

I'm not trying to be a downer, i'm just trying to make sure you know what you are getting into.
I hve taken in rescue igs before and now I refuse to do it. it was too much of a territorial battle to have 2 igs in the same house, let alone having them see each other.
I wish you the best of luck!

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Those who say it can't be done should get out of the way of those who are doing it.

~*~Lacey~*~

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I agree with the others here. Iguanas are naturally solitary animals. Although I have females that get along fine, I have caging available if things should go sour in their relationship. My male is kept in a completely different room so the girls wont stress. It is a great idea, but in time you can modify your idea to cage multiple iguanas seperately. Best wishes

__________________
Warmest Regards from Lyn

Thank you all for your wonderful ideas suggestions and everything else.
I have now descided instead of having one large 30ft x 30ft enclosure, to reduce that size so that I can have up to four 15ft x 15ft enclosures. That is still bigger than the average household room, and a bit more managable. I may add 1 or 2 enclosures on to that later, depending on the amount of iguanas I am called to rescue. For the initial building processes, it will be just the 4.
Moshpitrockchick:
Thank you for pointing out about mites/other parasites etc. I wasn't even aware of the quarentining period. That was something I hadn't thought of. I'll definately be designing smaller hospital cages for this reason.
As for the breeding season. Is this only is there is a member/members of the opposite sex around? of is it a seasonal thing? and if it is seasonal, what season?
You say you have rescued iguanas before. What was your process like? Did you first get them used to their new sorroundings and then have them checked by a vet? Vet first? Any specific order than you found that seemed to work? And how did you go about getting them used to *nice* humans? Did you have some sort of regiment? Anything specific I should really be looking for (behaviour that indicates aggressiveness, that sort of thing)?? Also, what was your successes like? Where you ever really able to rehabilitate the iguanas to a point where they could go to new homes?
Thank you for your input.
As for the self sufficient substrate, it was something that I had just heard of and thought it would be good for such a large area. I was also hoping to use it in other lizards and snake enclosures IF it was possible. As of now I wouldn't be using any such thing in any hospital caging, but perhaps it would still be ok for the large anclosure AFTER the igs are given a clean bill of health.

Lyn:
Do you keep your females and males seperated because sight will stress out your girls? or is it more scent/physical contact that sort of thing? I would like to have plexiglass between the enclosures, but I'm sure I can figure something out (such as painting the glass or something like that) if it's sight that will irritate them.

Like I've said. I want the best of the best. For the animals first and me second.Money will not be an issue here (I know that sounds unlikely at best, especially coming from a 16yr old, but it's true). I will waste no expense on creating this rescue. All of your help has been wonderful. You have brought up things that I hadn't though about yet, and the sooner I can have the basics planned to the little details, the more time I will have to research exactly what I am going to have to do and what I'm going to need for each individual animal that might come into my care. Every little thing that anyone can think of will be most helpful. Even if you think it's WAY off topic, PM me. Even if you don't think it's that important, or assume I've already thought of it, mention it. I welcome ALL advice anyone here has to give.
Thank you.
Denikka

I'm first off, not the expert on igs, but I can add a few other things I've been told. First off, igs can be very visual (there is some debate here) so if you've got plexiglass b/w cages with two sexually mature males, they will definitely be stressed out. I would presume the same b/w male and females. Also, keep in mind that while some igs are totally sweet and personable, some are most definitely not. I don't think its a matter of reahabilitating them, for some its just their nature. An aggressive iguana at six feet is quite a challenge to contend with. I applaud your enthusiasm with this project and I sincerely hope you can make it work. Being in the pet industry I can't tell you how many igs get abandoned for one reason or another so there would be plenty for you to rescue I'm sure. If your set on rescuing iguanas, I would suggest adopting one yourself. This may be playing devils advocate a bit, but when you get one, don't get the sweetest cutest ig. Get one thats a bit testy, a bit more mature. Maybe been neglected so its not socialized. I dealt with one that would not tame no matter who handled it or what you did. On another hand we had one named Neeko that was a full six foot male that was like an old lap cat. I would hate for this rescue to overwhelm you first thing out. You really should try owning an iguana yourself so you can see what may be in store for you. I have Bearded Dragons, they are not even sort of like the igs I've dealt with. As to humidity, I have heard that it should be about 80%. That may be high but research is the key. The igs at my store respond very well to increased humidity. It stays about 70/75. If it gets lower, the colors look drab and they don't seem to eat as well. (These are babies too which may have something to do with it). Once again, I really hope this is something you'll do. Rescue is a much needed industry for the herp hobby.

Is this only is there is a member/members of the opposite sex around? or is it a seasonal thing?
Its reguardless of who is around although I found it was alot rougher when I had 3 males in the house.
Some iguanas don't go through a big change and some become total terrors.
Females also lay eggs, wheither there is amale around or not. Some iguanas will retain and reabsorb the eggs also. It is a real strain on the females that you will also have to take into mind. They need a laying box, extra calcium, and you also have to worry about egg binding.

and if it is seasonal, what season?
It is just called being 'in season' or 'breeding season' It depends upon the individual iguana. Mine was at his worst from november until march, but I think I recall some members who have had some very long very rough seasons where they couldnt handle their iguanas at all.


You say you have rescued iguanas before. What was your process like?
It is mostly a word of mouth thing...people woud tell people that I take in sick animals and then over time i'd get a call or two, alot of the time it was for animals that were abandoned and hen they were recieving improper care from someone who didnt want an iguana to begin with.

Did you first get them used to their new sorroundings and then have them checked by a vet?
I don't have a local exotic vet, I do all of my own work. I am a vet assistant and I can send out any blood that I need to have worked up. Usually the animals are dumped on me unexpectedly so they go to my work until I can set up a temp. quarantine cage in another part of my house. They all get fecal floats done and just a general health check.

And how did you go about getting them used to *nice* humans? Did you have some sort of regiment?
It takes ALOT of time, each iguana should get an hour of face time a day to help in its socialization. Some iguanas have gone their whole lives in tiny cages without any human interaction and you just have to take it slow...sit near the cage one day, and get closer day by day until you can open the cage and put your hand in it, and then put yuor hand near the ig, and then a few days later brush against its back...you get the point. sometimes they take to you right away and sometimes they are hostile and do not want your company.
Unsocialized iguanas are agressive and mean and can do alot of damage. You have to be able to read them and know their warning signs and you have to not be afraid of them. My iguana and I are interlocked in a constant battle over who is the 'alpha' iguana. If he puffs and hisses at me I get right back in his face and hiss at him, If he wiggles an rolls and scratches to get away from me I hold on tighter.

Anything specific I should really be looking for (behaviour that indicates aggressiveness, that sort of thing)??
If you are rweally serious aboutt his go out and get the Ultimate Iguana Owner's Manual by James Hattfield, it is required reading for anyone who wants to get an iguana. I like to think I know alot about iguanas but I read and re-read that book all of the time because I always learn something new.

Also, what was your successes like? Where you ever really able to rehabilitate the iguanas to a point where they could go to new homes?
If you find the right people who know what they are getting themselves into you can rehome any iguana. I've been fortunate enough to find experienced peopl who know that getting an iguana is quite a chore and they accept that iguanas will look down on you no matter how well you treat them. Its just a fact of being an iguana slave..




Wow this was a long reply!

__________________

Those who say it can't be done should get out of the way of those who are doing it.

~*~Lacey~*~

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