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Post by zeke101 on Oct 19, 2004 15:26:49 GMT -8
Well Zeke seems to be doing great lately! He's alert and seems to be back to his old self, except for his back legs.. They're still swollen.. But he can walk.. Anyways.. My dad really doesn't like the smell of the iguana cage, just because there were Anoles (spelling?) in it before, and it was never cleaned.. He asked me today "Melissa? Is this Iguana going to be our family pet then? And I want you to realize that if you say yes, then we're not getting a dog.." (I have been bugging the heck outta Dad for the last year to get a dog.. I've always wanted one) so anyways I said, "Well.. no.. Its not a family pet ... Its MY pet. I'm the one that looked after it when Heather wasn't home.. I'm the one that nursed him back to health.. I'm the only one that really cares about that iguana.. He's MY pet.. I want to keep him.. " And he replied with "Well what are we going to do about the smell?" And I simply said "Get a new cage.. " And he just sighed.. I think he realizes now how serious I am about it .. He brought up the subject of giving him to a school (when we were in the grocery store) and I flipped! I got a few strange looks haha.. But I don't care.. Thats my Ig now.. and I love him! Hopefully we'll get a new cage for him soon! -Melissa&Zeke-
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Post by IguanaKing on Oct 19, 2004 16:10:31 GMT -8
That's GREAT news Melissa!!! ;D Keep up the good work, the swelling in his legs should eventually go down. What that is is a build-up of fibrous tissue, it is a survival mechanism that kicks in to protect his bones when they become weak. As his bones get stronger, the swelling should slowly go away, it might take a long time though. Just keep feeding him good food and make sure he gets his dose of UVB every day. I hope he gets a new cage soon, but it'll be MUCH better if you can get your dad to buy materials and help you build one, he'll quickly outgrow anything you can buy that is already built. Maybe Mark can help you with planning the cage and finding the materials, I hear that his cage designs are light, inexpensive, and fairly easy to assemble.
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Post by zeke101 on Oct 20, 2004 10:41:20 GMT -8
Well I think Dad is going to buy a cage soon.. I don't think he'll build one with me.. But I went out side today, and spent almost an hour cleaning up a peice of spruce (or maybe its pine.. i'm not shore) and i stripped the bark off of it and i'm going to sand it down later.. Then I'll put it in the oven for a while.. How long and what temperature would you suggest? -Melissa&Zeke-
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Post by zeke101 on Oct 20, 2004 11:14:09 GMT -8
I just sanded off the wood, and its in the oven now.. I'm keeping a good eye on it..
I'll post another update when I put it in his tank!
-Melissa&Zeke-
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Post by prism_wolf on Oct 23, 2004 4:31:47 GMT -8
Melissa...you are one tough chick... ;D
The wood should be cooked for about an hour at 250 I believe. This will kill the cooties and bugs without scorching the wood.
I'm glad dad is coming around. He will become very proud of you once he realizes just how much you have done for him and how well you care for him in the future.
Good job!
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Post by zeke101 on Oct 23, 2004 5:32:22 GMT -8
Well Zeke doesn't seem to like the branch very much.. I haven't seen him get up on it yet.. Maybe he doesn't know how.. Maybe he can't get up onto it... I've picked him up and placed him on top of it tho, and he seemed fine.. He's just sit there and stare at the wood for a minute, and then jump off tho Dad has started to get mad at the smell.. He asked how much it would be for a proper iguana tank, and I said around $150.. And he freaked :S He's looking for a used aquarium tho.. Or a proper used iguana tank.. I don't think he'll have much luck with the tank tho.. Plus its really expensive -Melissa&Zeke-
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Post by prism_wolf on Oct 23, 2004 5:56:08 GMT -8
Suggest you would like it for an early Christmas gift perhaps! Making one that is more his size will be much cheaper that purchasing one that's to small in aquarium style tanks.
I have a thought. You probably have a woodworking class at your high school. Approach the shop teacher with the idea of an iguana cage as a class project. You will probably need to pay for the materials, but the labor is free and your dad won't have to mess with building it himself...since it doesn't sound like he's to keen on it anyway.
I will be doing this with my daughter's HS in one of the shop classes...the welding class...to possibly build a shelving unit to hold cat kennels for our humane society cats.
It's worth a shot!
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Nanshe
Senior
I am owned by Elvis & Angel :)
Posts: 167
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Post by Nanshe on Oct 23, 2004 10:54:17 GMT -8
That is an EXCELLENT idea Prism! I am going to approach the HS about this too!
~Nan
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Post by zeke101 on Oct 23, 2004 15:26:14 GMT -8
Well I certainly would approach the woodworking teacher in my HS about it, but the thing is, is that I was talking to my sister and dad today, and well... They told me that its Heather's iguana, and she can sell him if she wants.. She told me that his cage is too stinky, and that there's "no use" in keeping him if neither her nor my dad will go out and spend any money on a new cage for him.. She said that she wanted to 'donate' him to a school.. This really ticked me off.. I started freaking out, saying he was MY pet now.. That I had cared for him.. And I started to bawl.. She said that she's going to try to find someone to buy him then.. I was a state all day.. I love that ig.. I just don't know what to do! I definatly would go build a cage, but I would NOT build one out of wood because the one we have now is wood, and the smell is NASTY! I can't afford any glass or metal materials.. I can't really afford anything! If I had a job, that would be another thing! Maybe I could tell my dad that if he bought a cage, I'll get a job and pay him back.. But I'm timid about these things.. I'm a REALLY shy person, and I'm really intimidated about getting a job.. But it is an idea! I'll talk to him about it when he's in a good mood! But the chances are that he won't buy one, he'll just make me get a job, and buy it myself.. But if he lets me do that, it's better than anything! Especially selling Zeke!!!!!
-Melissa&Zeke-
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Post by JennaAndIguanaGwen on Oct 23, 2004 15:40:03 GMT -8
I just finished reading this whole thing. I've done more reading in the last two hours than in about the last two weeks! I'm glad to hear that Zeke is doing much better but about your dad and sister.... If I was in your postion I would do the same thing and do anything to keep the animal that my sister gave me and she got it back after it got healthy! I dont think she even deserves to look at Zeke! If you didnt step in and nurse him he would be dead! You are much more responsible than your sister. I can't believe your dad would even think of giving Zeke back to your sister! I would have definately flipped out! theres no way I would want some one to have an animal that says they will take care of but dont. I hope you will think of something that will let you keep Zeke. Try anything you think might work. If you absolutely cant keep him find him a good home that will love him as you do. Good luck...
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Post by WillemsMom on Oct 24, 2004 5:53:26 GMT -8
Oh Melissa, this is lousy. Sometimes your dad takes big steps forward and then he falls back again. I don't want to copmment about Heather. BUT, this is a good opportunity for you to overcome your shyness. You know we are all behind you! If you decide to get a job we'll all be rooting for you. And, BTW, you have nothing to be shy about. You have many wonderful qualities that are very visible in your care of Zeke. Hey, do you think you could get a job in a vet's office? They'd be very lucky to have you.
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Post by prism_wolf on Oct 24, 2004 7:29:07 GMT -8
Melissa...wood is really the most inexpensive way to go...and when you start fresh and seal it properly...they don't smell. I've sealed it with polyeurothane using 3 coats. Mine's two years old now and the only time it smells is when I neglect the newspapers for a day. They do take cleaning every day.
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Post by IguanaKing on Oct 24, 2004 12:46:03 GMT -8
How about PVC pipe? That's cheaper and lighter than wood actually and doesn't absorb odors. Sure wish Mark would venture into this thread...he has a lot of experience with making PVC cages...I, on the other hand, have none. Melissa, if your dad will let you, go ahead and get a job. I was once just like you, I couldn't imagine myself interacting with strangers on a regular basis, but I managed to do it, so can you. I'm still VERY SHY, but dealing with strange people really isn't as scary as it seems. I fell in love with iguanas almost the same way you did...my brother bought one and wasn't taking proper care of it, so I took over...unfortunately, it was too late, the ig died. I don't really want to sound judgmental, but it almost sounds like your sister is jealous that you were able to do something she couldn't. I know she's older than you...but tell her to "Grow up, and get over it" . It seems you're much more mature than she is. You've come a long way, you have overcome incredible odds all by yourself...keep fightin'!!! I REALLY admire your spirit. ;D
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Post by JennaAndIguanaGwen on Oct 24, 2004 13:23:06 GMT -8
I just asked Mark if he would come over here if he hasn't left yet so I hope he'll be here soon.
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Post by mar on Oct 24, 2004 13:43:56 GMT -8
Well someone over here is calling my name so may as well show up. I have not read this thread from the beginning as I have NO experience with MBD and was going to leave it to those who do. From skimming a few posts I get that you are looking for a cheap cage solution. Right now I am arranging with www.lizardcages.com to sell my cage design through there. I plan on selling my 4x4 and 4x8 footprints either 6 or 7 feet tall for $200 and $300 respectively, this price includes climbing stuff. Compare this to CBD, Animal Plastics, or Vision's price and you will find that my cage is about the cost of what they charge in shipping. I am also open to custom shapes and sizes. Right now I am nearly finished with two prototypes, one corner and one 4x4x6. The corner one may still be "called for" but the 4x4x6 is not. PM me if interested and I will give you my e-mail to move this personal business off board. Mark
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