| Pet Iguanas |
From "Pet Care"
episode PCW-105 |
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- Remember that green iguanas start out as small, cute babies (figure A) -- but they can reach a length of six feet (figure B)! Are you sure you want a pet of that size?
- Do lots of research on iguanas before you make up your mind. There are many good books available that cover all aspects of raising these animals,
- You should also find a vet before you bring an iguana home: don't wait until you've already adopted the animal to start looking for an expert.
- How do you know whether your child is ready to take on the responsibility for the care of an iguana? Since all iguanas can carry salmonella, ask yourself this: Is my child responsible enough to wash her hands every time she's touched her pet?
- Also try this test: Let her grow a sunflower from a seed (or a pot of catnip, if you don't have a yard). If she can nurture the plant from a seed to full growth, she may be ready to assume the care of an iguana.
- Finally, decide whether you want to buy your iguana from a pet store. A better choice might be to rescue a "used" one -- one that's been given up for adoption.
Guest: Leslie Gordon
Animal care technician
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
Web site resources for Pet Iguanas: Iguana Care at pclink.com Choosing the Right Reptile at petsmart.com Books: Iguanas for Dummies
By Melissa Kaplan
ISBN: 0764552600
Hungry Minds, Inc. (2000)
Available at bookstores nationwide and online.
Iguanas: Everything About Selection, Care, Nutrition, Diseases, Breeding, and Behavior
By Richard D. Bartlett
ISBN: 0812018761
Barron's Educational Series, Inc. (1995)
Available at bookstores nationwide and online.
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