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Post by sillywoman1969 on Aug 25, 2004 11:21:55 GMT -8
I've been researching how to properly take care of iguana like mad!! Tonight I'm building a 6 foot tall wood enclosure, 3 solid sides, mesh front, two shelves with a carpet covered 2 x 4's to climb up to shelves, hole in the top for a heat lamp and on wheels. This is for an aggressive 3 - 4 foot male. I'm rescuing him from a woman who can't handle him or care for him properly. I'm hoping this enclosure is big enough for him until he feels (with us and him) secure to roam the house and such. So I would appreciate some input from yall on this, being I've never owned an Iguana. What I'm really worried about is that she's droppin him off in a pet carrier (at 10 am and i can't get off work till 4:30pm) and i'll have to stash him in an office, i can turn off the air so he doesn't get cold but can't let him out of the carrier because it's my commanders office, (he's gone right now hehe) anyway should i have concerns?? will he be safe?? i want him to be healthy and happy and such so i would SO appreciate anything yall can tell me!!! i imagine yall will hear from me often!!
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Post by Tesa on Aug 25, 2004 13:49:44 GMT -8
She's dropping it off before you even have a house for it? Criminy! You are gonna have your hands FULL tonight!
The pet carrier isn't exactly the greatest of conditions, but the iguana will survive just fine for that short period.
If he's already aggressive, chances are he's gonna be EXTREMELY ticked off when he comes out of that carrier, not to mention scared to death. I would suggest that you dont let him out until you have a suitable enclosure available. (dunno how you are gonna do that in one evening!)
If he should escape, rather than chasing him until you are ALL crazy, try to carefully toss a towel or blanket over him so he will stop running long enough for you to get your hands on him. Again! Be very aware of those teeth! These lil buggars are very flexible and can get to you from odd angles.
Kudos to you for having backbone enough to take him on! It'll take alot of time and patience for you all to be comfortable with each other. It's well worth it in the end tho.....these creatures are fascinating!
We'll be here to help in any way we can.
Welcome to IZ!
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Post by sillywoman1969 on Aug 25, 2004 14:20:17 GMT -8
i'm building the enclosure today, i have a brother and a son both very handy with a saw and drill so we'll have it done in no time and she's dropping it off at my job tomorrow, I'm hoping that maybe I can weedle the rest of the day off from the acting commander once he sees the iguana in the commanders office, hehe. I've been doing some intense reading on the agressive behavior and I'm prepared for it. His claws have never been cut either so I'll be wrapped in some towels before even attempting to open the carrier door, I'm going to try and get him into the enclosure with as little hands on handling as possible but i'll have gloves too just in case. We'll go slow, first just putting my hands in the enclosure until i can tell his not so scared then go to some petting then possible holding, we'll just see how it goes. I have a billion questions about him for yall but just don't have time to ask just yet! Gotta get outta here and get grub for my workers tonight, hehe Thanks for responding I was very worried about him being in the carrier too long!!
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Post by CCP1083 on Aug 26, 2004 6:38:19 GMT -8
Wow...you have your hands full. 2 thumbs up for you taking him on, even knowing he's aggressive. That right there shows your dedicated already. Good Luck with the cage and getting him in there! Update us as soon as you can, and try to post some pics.
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Post by sillywoman1969 on Aug 26, 2004 8:06:41 GMT -8
OMG what a task!! Sawdust was flying!! lol was up till about 2:30 this morning making his enclosure. It has a mesh top and mesh door and wheels so we can roll him out into the sun, but it's so big we had to take the doors off the hinges to get him into his room, i left a wood panel at the bottom so he can hide outta view and we put in a "poop" tray at the bottom so we can just slide it out without disturbing him, I think we did a smokin job considering we had no blue prints! I'm waiting to build basking shelves till i get him and his branches but i'll get that done asap! I'll take some pictures as soon as he's in and comfy!! I'm so excited! What is the best type of thermometer to put in there with him and what temperature do I need to keep him at?
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Post by Tesa on Aug 26, 2004 12:05:52 GMT -8
I got a humorous mental image of ya'll scurrying around trying to get this thing done. (Been there myself) ;D
Thermometers: Preferences vary. I like to use the kind with the long wire probe. The basking spot temperature should be measured at exactly the spot where his body will be, and should be 90-95 degrees.
I'm really anxious to see pics!
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Post by CCP1083 on Aug 26, 2004 12:16:34 GMT -8
I imagined you would be up till the wee hours of the morning. Well congrats on the completion. You will definately have to post pictures, especially when your son gets done w/ the paintings...(if he does). Very anxious to see. Have fun!
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Post by Diane on Aug 28, 2004 15:28:31 GMT -8
Being the owner of a 5 ft., 10 lb. extremely aggressive male iguana, i suggest you be very wary when you try to approach your new ig. I suggest you just spend time speaking to him through the screen door in a soft and soothing voice for a few days until he begins to settle in. as far as putting your hands in the cage? be cautious there as well that he doesn't try to launch himself at you and you are not ready for it. My Narcy can jump a good 4-5 foot to get at someone if he is really has a mind to, and he's quick about it too. Just go slow and be ever so careful. It's good that you know he's aggressive to begin with. i have a pair of leather gloves and leather arm coverings that i wear when handling my guy. when you get to trying to pick him up, it's also best if you are wearing long pants. . .i have had Narcy's tail cut my legs before when the top of his tail rakes across my skin. Truly, i am not trying to scare you away, i just want to be sure you are most cautious to keep yourself from getting hurt. Best of Luck!
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