kowia
Junior Member
Posts: 14
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Post by kowia on Mar 17, 2011 20:12:50 GMT -8
Happy to have found these boards, we are always interested in learning more about Iguanas. We are an animal preserve in Naples FL, and we have a roughly 5 ft Iguana named "Spunky". Spunky is one of 4 reptiles that we have here at the Kowiachobee Animal Preserve, and is a favorite to many who visit the preserve or see him at events.  One of the first questions I have is the lifespan of your Iguanas, as I have seen a pretty wide variety of avg lifespans in literature. From personal experience, how long has your Iguana lived ? We aren't exactly sure how old Spunky is, given that he was an adoption here, and we often don't have a great deal of information about the history of the animals we rescue. We have alot more photos of spunky available on our facebook page if you are interested - www.facebook.com/pages/Kowiachobee-Animal-Preserve/140957184896and we also have pics of him on our website at www.kowia.com |
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Post by hurricanekatt on Apr 2, 2011 10:45:17 GMT -8
Captive igs given proper care can live up to 20-30 years. The oldest I have heard of was 29...then recently I heard of someone who knew an ig that grew to be somewhere between 30-32 (don't remember the exact age they stated). My Tito is only about 2.5 years or so, so this is not "personal experience" but rather "experience" gleaned from others.  lol I love Spunky he is gorgeous. |
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Post by IguanaKing on Apr 5, 2011 17:05:26 GMT -8
Hi Kowia! Welcome to IZ! ;D Spunky is a GORGEOUS iguana! Personal experience here...my Hercules is turning 18 this month...and healthy and youthful as can be. Not noticing any decline or change in him of anything...except maybe his "seasons" aren't quite as long or scary as they once were. He has times where he wants nothing to do with me, as long as he gets fed. Other times...he actually will ignore the food I just put out for him and come to me, climb onto my shoulder, and just relax. Not sure if I can call it "cuddling", but he's known me most of his life, so he does see me as a "friend", a source of safety and security. I'm looking forward to many years ahead with Hercules in my life.  |
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kowia
Junior Member
Posts: 14
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Post by kowia on Apr 5, 2011 19:14:51 GMT -8
I really had no idea that reptiles could have so much personality. I'm glad to hear that iguanas can live 20+ years if taken care of.
I've read that they want to remove them from Florida since they are an invasive species and interfere with the populations of some of our wildlife. Can't help but wonder what they are going to do with all those iguanas.... I hope that they make an effort to find them safe homes or relocate them.
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Post by Jen on Apr 7, 2011 18:10:14 GMT -8
I really had no idea that reptiles could have so much personality. I'm glad to hear that iguanas can live 20+ years if taken care of. I've read that they want to remove them from Florida since they are an invasive species and interfere with the populations of some of our wildlife. Can't help but wonder what they are going to do with all those iguanas.... I hope that they make an effort to find them safe homes or relocate them. Hi welcome to IZ They certainly do have personality and they love to show it ;D. My 4 yr old male is very sweet and gentle whether in season or not, he is very shy and passive. My almost 4 yr old female is snippy and aggressive, she wasn't always that way. As for the Igs in Florida, last I heard they didn't care how, they just wanted them gone. I suppose many will be killed, which is sad. |
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kowia
Junior Member
Posts: 14
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Post by kowia on Apr 9, 2011 8:22:32 GMT -8
Do you know why she is more snippy / aggressive ? I always like to try and understand their behavior. Was she raised with the male ? Might it possibly be a jealousy thing ?
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Post by Jen on Apr 12, 2011 5:21:08 GMT -8
Do you know why she is more snippy / aggressive ? I always like to try and understand their behavior. Was she raised with the male ? Might it possibly be a jealousy thing ? She has always been snippy with other animals whether they be the same species or not. Not sure why she has become so hostile with humans though. It's like grabbing a mini Alligator, mine and my husbands arms are constantly tore up and I have lost count of how many times she has almost bitten me. We got 2 kittens several months ago so this may be why she has become such a brat. |
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kowia
Junior Member
Posts: 14
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Post by kowia on Apr 12, 2011 9:15:02 GMT -8
Yes, I do believe the kittens might possibly be the issue. Most iguana owners spend quite a bit of time with their iguana while raising them. When new people/pets enter the picture, that can cause a problem. Was she raised with the male ?
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Post by Jen on Apr 16, 2011 17:58:16 GMT -8
Yes she was raised around our male although we got him 6 or 7 months after we got her. Angus pretends the cats aren't there when they get near him. It's just the cats and Iggy that just don't mix well. I am wondering if it might be that she is out of her normal seasonal routine. 2 years in a row her and Angus mated and Iggy laid her clutches with no issues (we destroy the eggs) this year they didn't get a chance to mate and so far no sign of her being gravid. So there are 2 possibilities right there as to why she has become such a nightmare or a 3rd theory, she has always been the more dominant of the 2 igs so maybe she was just destined to be an aggressive animal.
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lol I love Spunky he is gorgeous. 
