Iguanas Are Not Beginner Reptiles
October 26th 2010 12:33
Sean Halo
Iguanas have teeth. Iguanas can be mean and territorial. Iguanas can bite. Iguanas can tail lash. Iguanas can hurt.
This reptile can reach 5 and even up to 7 feet long, including the tail, which is a pretty good size. They can weigh up to 25 pounds, which can inflict serious damage onto an unsupervised child.
Iguanas are more of a fad pet, and once one person in a group gets one, tons of people go out and buy them. Most people don't do the proper research and end up rehoming the pet or just throwing in out in the yard.
But, anyway... This is an animal that is not ideal for a beginner reptile keeper.
Both male and female iguanas can get aggressive and cage territorial. They will bite, scratch, whip their tail, and even lunge at you. Males, though, will come into season and will become very aggressive around breeding season, with or without a female being around.
There are different situations in which a pet iguana may bite, which can include but are not limited to the following:
* Accidental bites that may inflict minor damage. These bites typically occur during feeding time.
* Mating bites, where the male will grab hold and turn violent. Even the most docile iguana will become the slightest bit aggressive during breeding season, with or without a female present.
* Competition bites that will occur typically among two males, but can occur among females, as well. In some cases, they may confuse a human for another iguana and may go into attack mode, which can be dangerous.
When dealing with iguanas, make sure to use proper equipment and gloves, in case the iguana decides to attack.
Sue Soloman
| 99 |
| Vote |
Add To: 
subscribe to this blog
