Iguanas are one of those animals that you see in almost every pet store. They are even being given away as prizes at fairs and festivals for people that win carnival games. Unfortunately, the popularity and ease with which a person can get an Iguana leads to a large number of them being placed for adoption and in need of rescue.

Gizmo

This handsome fellow is available for adoption at this time from Triangle Iguana Rescue & Foundation.

Iguanas do make very good pets, for the right person and family. However, many people fail to realize that these beautiful animals require very specific care in order to survive, and that they get very, very large. As the Iguana starts to grow…and grow, and grow, and grow, people quickly realize that this is not the cute little lizard they thought they could easily keep in their house, and they are soon looking to find it a new home.

What You Need to Know About Iguanas

Iguanas have a very specific diet. They require fresh fruits and vegetables every day in order to maintain proper health. They also have very specific mineral requirements that must be tended to so that their bones to stay healthy and grow properly. You will have to be able to dedicate a good portion of time each day to caring for and feeding your Iguana to ensure that they stay healthy.

It is often shocking to realize that there are so many people who adopt or purchase an Iguana without realizing how large they can get. People have the misconception that an Iguana will only get as big as the cage that it is in. This is completely untrue, and it is cruel and abusive to leave an Iguana in a small cage in an attempt to keep it small. Iguanas can get to be up to six feet long and require a cage that will fit their body. They also need climbing space, as they are arboreal, or tree dwelling, animals. If you cannot provide an extremely large enclosure with all of the accessories that an Iguana will need you do not need to adopt an Iguana, no matter how badly you or your child are wanting one.

Behavioral Issues and Concerns with Iguanas

If you are looking to adopt an Iguana that has been rescued, be prepared to have to deal with a number of behavioral issues that it may have developed. Iguanas are highly intelligent creatures. If they have been neglected and abused, it can certainly present itself in their behavior. They have a very strong personality, and if they are not happy you are going to know about it, usually by way of a stinging whip of their tail.

For the right person, these issues can eventually be overcome. But it is going to take time, dedication and patience to teach your adopted Iguana that you mean it no harm, and that it is safe with you. Expect to spend at least a few hours a day acclimating your Iguana to it’s new home, and getting it used to life as a pet.

“I am the lizard king. I can do anything.” ~ Jim Morrison.

I first heard of Iggy’s existence soon after moving to a new home. The next door neighbor came out to chat and during the course of the conversation commented on how difficult it was to get her teenage son to take care of his iguana. You know, the usual problems with testosterone-driven, defiant 15-year old man/boys. I didn’t think much of it at the time. The mother apparently was aware of the problem and I simply assumed that she was responsible enough to take care of it. Wrong!

A few weeks later the woman told me that Iggy was dead. Seems her son kept forgetting to feed the poor creature and by the time Iggy was taken to a doctor it was too late to save him.

Adding a Rescued Iguana to Your Family

Green Iguana

Not everyone wants a pet who’s cute and cuddly or who can fly around the house. Many who want a different type of pet opt to purchase or to adopt an iguana. Iguanas require specialized care and, because of that, there are an abundance of iguanas who have been rescued and who are awaiting loving homes.

Rescued iguanas typically come from abusive or neglectful situations and, as a result, are unhealthy and will need a lot of care and attention. A rescued iguana may also require considerable, expensive veterinary care, something you must carefully consider before you decide to adopt a rescued iguana.

Caring for a rescued iguana is much different than caring for other types of pets. Some of the factors you should take into consideration when making a decision, include:

Time and patience. Abused iguanas are going to be mistrustful and frightened, especially at first, which is natural for any animal that has been hurt at the hands of a human. You must have the patience and the time to prove to your newest family member that he is safe and he can trust you.

Space. Don’t expect a rescued iguana to bond with you immediately or even to come to you willingly at first. Give your iguana the space that he needs. When he begins to feel comfortable in his new surroundings, you can take the first steps to holding him and interacting with him more.

In addition, never force interaction with your iguana while he’s healing from whatever physical problems he has: At that point, the most important thing is for him to get healthy again. Once he’s healthy, you can start working toward bonding with him.

Unfortunately, not all iguanas can be fully rehabilitated, and there is no guarantee that your iguana will get over the abuse and be able to bond with you. Make sure you understand and are willing to accept that risk when you adopt a rescued iguana.

Care. According to the Green Iguana Society, rescued iguanas and iguanas in general tend to be dehydrated. As a result, you will need to give electrolytes (ask your veterinarian for the exact amount) to your iguana via a syringe to help him become hydrated again. A qualified vet will be able to show you how much to give and how to often to give liquid to your iguana.

Diet. Chances are your iguana was not fed the proper diet in his previous home. Depending on how long he was with the rescue who saved him, he may or may not have already had his diet changed over. If it has not been changed, you will have to gradually change your iguana’s diet so he is getting the foods he needs. The process of changing the diet should take no more than two weeks.

Finances. Veterinary care for an iguana can be extremely costly, especially when ongoing care is required. Be sure you can afford the necessary veterinarian care for your rescued iguana.

Finally, if you are adopting a rescued iguana and little is known about his past, it’s essential that you take him to an experienced vet for a thorough checkup. The Green Iguana Society recommends having the vet do a full blood panel, a fecal smear, and a fecal float.