I dont know if I have done the right thing or not, but its going to be a temperary arrangement no doubt, if I can get him the proper housing he needs.

Here's the story, the fun of keeping reptiles it certainly gets around..

I have been asked on numerous accounts now if I would take an Iguana cause the owner cant look after it no longer, I refused totally, I never actually met the people, but tonight they came to my house begging me to take him as they are desperate.

I havent seen him yet but he's about 3 foot long, he does have UV but his housing isnt quite what he needs, too small.

I told them I cannot take him as I dont have proper housing for him, but tonight I gave in and said I will take him but not untill next week when I can sort something out housing wise and or find him a proper home or rescue center.

Its all hands on deck here sorting out room for him, so I can get something sorted for him, I do have a megaray bulb, just need various attatchments, heating is not a problem.

Who knows if all works out well, he could have a permenent home with me, but only time will tell.

I feel I have let myself in for trouble, but these people dont seem to want to do anything apart from me take him, so it will be down to me to find him what he needs, either a home with me or a rescue center.

I would like any input from you guys, I could really do with some support here, am I doing the right thing?

well don, I can clearly see that you do care for the ig, and it is a sad sight to see that the owner is so despearte tyo get rid of him. But, like you say you were thinking about doing, taking it to a rescue home. Now, the reason so many iggies are found in rescue homes, is because the owner can no longer look after it. Now, it could be a big step getting this ig, especially if it is disruptive or very nervous, even violent. They also take up a lot of room, and can take a lot of care, hence the reason for a lot of people getting rid of them. If you do really feel ready to take it on, you have to think of the consequences of if thinhgs did go bad, then what would you do, and if you do really want it, because, once ytou have it, its your responsibility. Would be really cool if you were to take it on don, but like I say, what you haev to think, is why so many people pass on there iggies, and what probs they can cause.
Cheers,
Ian

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www.mantis-inc.co.uk

I will also add that the reason that a lot people get rid of their iguanas is not so much that they CAN'T take care of them but more along the line that they don't WANT to take care of them.
But thats another thread!

Donna this is a tough one! This is going to be a biiiiiiiiiiig step up from Bearded Dragons and Leopard Geckos! Iguanas can be a handful. You may get a darling little lover of an iguana, or you may get the nasty green lizard from Hades! And you won't really know for sure till its been there a while. If you take it on and don't decide to keep it you may be in the same boat that the current owner is, not being able to get rid of it. And these guys live a loooooooong time. Youv'e been around long enough to hear the horror stories of aggressive igs. This is your call and you have to decide if you can deal with an iguana. Once you have had it dumped on you you may be stuck with it like it or not.
Now with gloom and doom out of the way. If you decide to go for it there are enough of us certifiable ig slaves around to talk you thru it!

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Merlin,
What's Life Without A Little Magic!

Thanks for the responses, and I have been thinking about it for a few weeks, I am willing to put my heart and sole into caring for him, and I did ask questions about if he was aggressive and eating well and other stuff.

The girl that came to see me said it was her grandma who has him and he tail whips but hasnt bitten, and that she cant handle him.

I know I am going to have my work cut out and I know its a big step up from my other babies, but I want to take him to give him that chance, he will get a lot of love and attention from me

I think the little guy needs a chance of a good home, and I am willing to give him that, the more I think about it the more determind I am, I have a week to get all what he needs, and I know I have you guys for support when I need it.

I have already designated his space and will be ordering an enclosure in the week.

Seems you have made up your mind already. You are an experienced owner and certainly know what owning an ig involves. You have stated your concerns about being able to provide it the necessary care but have you asked yourself how will that affect you and your current herps?

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Wish list: Blue Tongue Skinks and Uruplatus =)

Yes I have gone over and over it in my head regarding my other herps, I am quite nervouse about getting this ig, yet quite excited too.

I am not going to give my other herps less attention, they will all be treated exactly the same as before, just an extra big one to provide for, and give my love to, and I have plenty of that,

I spend all my days running round for my herps, its what I love doing, and like merlin said, once I get this Iguana I am stuck with it, and thats probably why these people are desperate to get rid of the poor guy, cause they cant find anyone to take him, only me, I gave in when they came round looking and sounding ever so desperate.

Once I have all he needs and the right enclosure I think I will feel more at ease about things, it just all seems to be happening so quick, so I have to work quick... which makes me panic a little.

I just hope it all goes well, I will not just dump him anywhere, he will get the proper care he needs while with me, hopefully it will be a nice ride and not too bumpy.

Donna...

I commend you for what you are about to do. Now since you have decided to make the commitment.....know in your heart that you can do this and keep your thoughts possitive (he's a sweet baby, just scared....etc.). Animals are very sensitive to the energies we give out, very much like human children...they can sense our fears or anxieties, but thankfully also our love and security.

I wish you and him the best of luck

Thanks Herpmom I really appreciate all the feedback,

Oh Donna...I have faith in you....Iguanas are as hard or as easy as any other lizard...just depends on how you look at it...I think you will have a good time with a green darling just as I have a great time with 5 of them.....Good luck and I cant wait to see pictures....Lyn

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Warmest Regards from Lyn

Thanks Lyn, you are all just great...

you know, I haven't even thought about the iguanas health, it could be in a poorly condition, they didnt say it was, but they used sort of emotional blackmail by saying if I dont take him he could die...thats how desperate they sounded

Now that I have thought about it, he could be in need of vet treatment, I really hope he is ok..

I might try to find out where they live tomorrow and go and see him, just wish I had the stuff for him now.