AboutDiane Expertise I am well versed in all aspects of the care and keeping of green iguanas. This includes all husbandry issues pertaining to the Green Iguana. I am not a vet so I cannot answer medical questions, other than ideas for normal supplementation, removing stuck shed, dropped tail and mites and other general health questions
Experience I own 3 green iguanas, two of which are rescues. I've had my Iguanas for 7 years. I own a yahoo group dedicated to raising healthy iguanas. I've rescued and rehabbed several young iguanas and have placed them in wonderful forever homes. I prefer taking in the "hard cases" that need critical care.
Organizations Scales and Tails Exotic Pet Rescue (one of the founding members)
Publications One of the Co Authors of the Book "The Iguana Dens Care and Keeping of Giant Green Iguanas"
Education/Credentials I was a vet tech for a small animal practice for 6 years.
Past/Present clients I own a yahoo group dedicated to raising healthy iguanas.(babyiguana)
I have answered several Iguana questions on the "reptile" forum on here.
Question hi. you were so wonderful and informative last time i inquired, thankyou. I have a couple of curiousity questions this time.
The first question is about swimming. I was told by some of my new found iguana loving friends that i should let dez swim. I have been doing so in the bath tub, it's true, he really enjoys it. These friends have told me they let their iguanas in the pool with them. This sounds like a lot of fun, but I am wondering if the chlorine would have any long term effects on dez. Would you know of any reasons that this would be dangerous to him?
The other question I have is pertaining to a bearded dragon sharing dez's cage. My roomate is thinking of getting one and provided they can get along we thought about just building one very large cage for them both. the demensions of the cage would be 10'tall, 8' wide, and 4' in depth. Is this a good idea or should it be avoided?
Again thankyou so much for reading and responding to all these questions people send in, your advice is wonderful and very appreciated.
Answer Hi Kit,
Yes, its true that many do allow their igs to swim in their pools... what they do is allow them to swim when its time to add chlorine...at this point, the chlorine level is the lowest....also...tub your ig before allowing him in your pool as he will most likely go to the bathroom in the pool...not a good thing..
Of course, make sure the pool water is warm enough for your ig also. Generally in the 80s would be fine.
As to housing a beardie with your ig...nope....not a good idea at all. There is too much care issues that are different... temperatures, diet, cage size(height vs floor space) humidity,...
Beardies are from Australia....igs live in rain forests...
If your friend would like a basic beardie care sheet, let me know and I can send along one i wrote.
With your new cage..do be careful going too high...I don't recommend over 6-7 feet...plus...you want to place your basking shelves lower than your eye level...when the igs are above you, they tend to get a bit tooo territorial....thinking they are the boss! YOur ig will LOVE to have the space, thats for sure...
