I have previously kept five green iguanas over a period of about 10-12 years. All were adults when I got them, and I kept all until they eventually died of natural causes/old age. So, I do have experience with the species. I have also kept CWD and Desert Iggies.

However, I haven't kept lizards for the last 5/6 years. I started keeping snakes at the beginning of the year and now have quite a collection. However, I have recently started thinking about getting another lizard, but have been put off by the insect feeding, as we live miles from the nearest decent rep shop. Also, obviously the set ups are much larger for lizards than snakes, and although we have room here, my husband is in the army, so if we move, which might be early next year, or might be in six years, we can't guarantee we'll always have masses of room.

Anyway, today I popped over to the rep shop, was chatting to the guy and aske dif he could ever get captive bred Desert Iggies in, as I was toying with the idea of getting them again. He knows I have kept Green Igs before and said he had a baby in that he had taken from someone who was moving abroad, in a 'job lot'. he said it would only go to an experienced keeper, as he won't normally sell them, and offered it to me at a good price, (virtually nothing) saying he'd keep it until I got a set up sorted if I wanted him to. I almost agreed on the spot, but decided to be sensible and give it more thought.

I am very tempted, it was a stunning example, but I have never looked after or had a baby ig before. It was tiny, about 3" long in the body. I have a spare 3ft viv, or a 2 1/2 foot if I move things about, if I set that up with lots of branches, plants, UV, ceramic etc, would that be suitable for such a small baby? How long am I looking at it lasting, 6-12 months? (I am aware they are an arboreal species so need a taller viv eventually/before too long)

How long before I can expect it to reach adult size? And what is the minimum size requirements for an adult iggy, assuming it has access to the living room int he evenings? Our adults were kept in a huge garage conversion with pond etc, and I it won't be possible to provide that sort of set up again by the time the iggy reaches adulthood.

Sorry if these qquestions seem basic, it is a while since I have had to think about these things! I do have a copy of 'The Green Iguana Manual' somewhere, so I'll dig it out and have a read.

I'm so tempted, but just not sure if I can provide what a full grown iggy needs. I do not want to take it on unless I am certain I can provide for it for it's entire life.

Thanks.

A 3 ft viv will not last very long at all green iggys grow very fast we went through 3 vivs started with a 4 ft than went bigger 2 more times before we had to build our own he is now in a 8ftx7ftx31/2ft he is coming onto 3 yrs soon

Gucci was about 6-8" when we got him is the baby igg 3" head to tail? seems really small for a baby iggy

please let us know how you get on if you do decide to get him/her

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Thanks.

The baby is about 3" snout to vent, about 6" including his/her tail.

Your 'viv' looks fab and your iggy is stunning!!!

I am SO tempted, it will be nice to have one from a baby, as never done that before, just had 'crazed' adults no-one wanted or could handle. Be nice to have a chance at getting a friendly one...

I really need to discuss it with my husband, but he is in Afghan, so I can't until he rings me.

if it was me i would go for it if you want something enough you will always find room!

Say no more, every single thing you want to know is here Green Iguana Society Give it a look and if you have any more doubths just ask

If you have the space and expertise to build a viv big enough, them go for it. It can be quite time intensive bringing them up 'tame', and remember if it's a male it will get very aggressive during breeding season. Females will lay eggs whether mated or not, so will have to be provided with a suitable laying site when mature enough.

The Green Iguana Manual should be every iggy owners bible!

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Thankyou. I have had one male that was OK, even during breeding season, one that was bearable, and one that was a total nightmare! (in fact, he was a nightmare most of the time!) I am not afraid to admit, I'd prefer not to go through that again if I didn't have to...

It is the enclosure size that really bothers me most. I am competant to built my own, but I am not entirely sure my husband will be willing to go to the incredible expense it costs to set up a large enclosure, especially the heating and lighting involved. (I had a different husband with the last iggies... )

Also, the fact that we are a forces family does mean we can't always chose our accomodation, although we should usually have a garage, so I guess if I had to, I could keep in a garage again, just a lot of insulating involved.

I'm going to have a chat with my hubby and see what he says, but at the moment I am leaning towards maybe getting a group of desert iguanas instead again, as I had originally planned. I really don't want to en dup with a huge iguana that I have to rehome at some point, so if I decide to get it, I have to know it's for good.

Thanks again.