My iguana, Laviathan, is 4 or 5 years old now, not too sure on that exactly. He is free roaming, definately male, and today he lost 3 of the wax deposits in his pores. After doing some reasearch here on the site, (which I might add has been very helpful) I am wondering what it might mean. We live in upstate New York, was wondering if theres a particular time of year that iguanas come into season. The wax was pretruding a good bit and caught on the edge of the carpet. I didnt really know what happened until a little later when I found the wax itself and didnt know what it was. After a little bit I noticed he was missing 3 of his... well wax things in his pores. There isnt blood or anything, but there are other pores that look very full per se. Whats the deal? Is there a way to lessen the size of them without hurting him? Otherwise, they are going to get caught on other things the same way.

Luckily he hasnt been really agressive towards me or anyone else. Pretty docile until I try to clip his nails, which I admit I havent done in forever. They are too long, but I'm afraid to do it as I'll get his quicks, and end up bleeding myself from the much too long claws. Wrapping him in a towel doesnt help much, he just struggles more and hisses.

So any advice on either would be great. Thanks in advance!

I wouldn't worry about the wax plugs, he'll wear them down himself by dragging them all over your house. My boy lost a few last year in a bath time dominance throwdown we had (I totally won) and I just monitored the pores when they grew back and there were no incidents.

I have had luck with setting my guy on the window sill so he can look out and be distracted and I just very carefully clip the tip off of each nail. I usually do it after his bath so he is nice and relaxed and the nails are soft.

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Welcome to the HCN! Im glad you find our site informative

I agree with Lacey....the plugs will be ok...just watch to make sure they arent bleeding at all ...in case of infection....

Welcome to HC Network....glad you enjoy it here......

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Warmest Regards from Lyn

Gil, my 4 year old male, lost several plugs last year. He was fine; do as Lyn suggested and just keep an eye on them.

As for his nails... you may want to consider snipping them once he's asleep... well asleep. He won't be as apt to fight you. OR you can have the vet do it during his annual exam, if it's coming up soon.

Gil gets sassy when it's time for nail trimming, but it's just one of those mandatory things... for his safety and mine.

WELCOME to Herp Center... we're glad you found us!

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~~Steph

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I dont see how I could do it when he's sleeping hehe... another odd thing is that he doesnt seem to enjoy a bath like most iguanas do, he does everything he can to get out of it. He also -hates- bananas. He also has an issue where he tends to rub his head against things barricading his way til it a scale or two comes off and it is rubbed raw.... considering hes a free roamer, this isnt a cage thing, its doors.

As for breeding time, is there any particular time I should expect it, or is it random? Fall in upstate NY.

Thanks again everyone ^^

I don't know anything at all about iguanas, but welcome to HCN!

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~Juliane~

welcome to H C and if I may ask where are you in New York , Im in Dutchess Cty towm of Unionvale..

When is the iguana's typical breeding season, anyways... I think Bud hit his last year around mid-winter and I figured it was just 'that time of the year' where they're from.

EDIT: Forgot to say what I was thinking I was going to: Welcome to the boards and Laviathon is a kickass name for an iguana. Very good choice. =)

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Im kind of confused about this plug thing? What are we talking about here. I do understand about sperm plugs, is this the same?