I'm a 21 year old college student living in a house with four guys all around my age. Should I risk getting one? Or just wait until I live on my own?
2006-09-29 18:04:07 · 18 answers · asked by PANDABEAR 5 in Pets ➔ Reptiles
I would say as a reptile owner myself, to wait till you have a place of your own if it means that much to you...
Lizards require special needs with food, water, lighting and heat...
You must be able and willing to care for it properly knowing to get an aquarium large enough to allow for it to grow...
They need live food and fresh water and a tree to climb on which means you need a vented top to your aquarium as well...
He needs the correct amount of heat with a heat lamp and a temperature guage inside the tank to tell you how warm it is...
He also needs equal amounts of light and darkness so he can be awake and asleep..
If you are the kind of person that parties and has loud music or TV, the lizard will not be able to sleep at night...
And he will need his food periodically dusted with vitamins he cannot get in captivity...
I have owned iguanas and bearded dragons with my husband and they need food and water every few days, so you can't plan on a long vacation...
2006-09-30 01:32:50 · answer #1 · answered by aspenkdp2003 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Please wait.
Iguanas can grow pretty large. Once they're about 3 years old, they'll need an enclosure that's at least 6 feet by 8 feet to be happy and healthy. An iguana needs an enclosure that's twice as long as he is and sometimes, they grow to be 3 or 4 feet long with the tail.
They can also live a long long time. 10-15 years if cared for properly.
Seriously, if you're just wanting a small reptile, the iguana might be more than you bargained for. I had to take mine to the vet often and that cost quite a bit considering I had to go to a reptile vet. And cage cleaning once per week. And calcium supplements. Maybe you should think about something small in the meantime, like a skink. Then re-research the iguana once you have a place of your own.
2006-09-30 13:20:54 · answer #2 · answered by T_Jania 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Iguanas require a lot of room. It might not seem like it at first because they are only about 6 inches from head to tail. But within a couple of years, if taken care of properly, can weight 10-15 pounds and be anywhere from 5 to 6 feet long. At that size, they require sn enclosure at least 8 feet tall, 8 feet long, and 4 feet wide. Trust me, I have a male iguana, when I got him he was 6 inches from head to tail. He is 4 years old now, weighs 15 pounds, and is almost 6 feet long from head to tail. Handling him puts holes and scratches all over my arms. Might be something to think about.
2006-10-02 15:34:07 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Wait. Unless they are willing to help feed and handle it. Iguanas get big and can develop nasty temperments if they are not used to being handled regularly. They can get a little smelly too. But if you get a young one and feed it properly and give it a good enviroment and handle it daily, it should be fine. They do require special care so research and think about it, and also ask them if they would mind. If you just want a personal pet for your self thats easy to take care of, get a small bird instead.
2006-09-30 02:33:22 · answer #4 · answered by Debra K 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
i would wait for 1 being a collage student you will most likely not have the time to care for 1 properly. iguanas need a calm place to be can you provide that? no loud people or other noises please think alot before getting one and remember they get very large. we have one she is over 6 feet long.
2006-09-30 03:11:51 · answer #5 · answered by kimber95482 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I would start out with something that is going to stay smaller-and then work up to an iquana. That way you will know if you enjoy the hobby before you end up with a 6 foot lizard. Better for you and better for the lizard.
2006-09-30 14:54:01 · answer #6 · answered by hoodoowoman 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Dont get one, especially if your in college. They grow up to 6 feet long, need a tank the size of a large bathroom, can bite, and are really expensive. only experienced reptile owners should get one.
2006-09-30 10:23:01 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Wait until you get a place of your own. Iguanas get to be large lizards.
2006-09-30 09:31:50 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
No I dont think you should get one at all.My son had 2 over a period of 3 years and both died from different things,and he did look after them. I personally think its cruel to keep them,it doesn't matter how big your averiam is they should be running free and living in there own climate.
2006-09-30 08:35:54 · answer #9 · answered by beckham 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Well since you are in college you may not have to proper time to take care of it.. Think about how much time you have to give to it each day. make sure that you read up on them before you get one. join my group and i will answer all your questions.
2006-09-30 12:01:23 · answer #10 · answered by turtleguy17 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋