Many people find iguanas one of the most fascinating reptile species. There’s no doubt that they have a spectacular appearance and aloof allure. Some reptile lovers may even be tempted to trap wild iguanas and keep them as pets. But this would be a terrible idea. Let’s look at the reasons why and check out some potential iguana alternatives.
Wild Iguanas Are Known to be Aggressive
Many reptile lovers underestimate how aggressive iguanas can be. These are large animals that can grow up to 4’11/185 cm in length. Meanwhile, they weigh about 9 lbs/2kg. This can make them very difficult to handle if they decide they want to escape.
While iguanas generally lean toward “flight” over “fight”, they can be triggered by rough handling, loud noises, and excessive stimuli. So, they’re not good reptiles for households with small children.
These lizards also have sharp teeth and claws, so they can do damage and engage in destructive behavior. Iguanas may also display personality changes as they age. Often they may exhibit docile behavior as youngsters but become moodier as they grow older. This is something that owners often don’t expect.
They’re much more erratic pets than beginner-friendly reptiles, such as bearded dragons. It’s impossible to fully domesticate an iguana, so it’s better to leave them in the wild.
Wild Iguanas Can Transmit Disease
Wild iguanas can carry a serious risk of disease. Firstly, it’s very easy to contract salmonella from these reptiles. This disease is extremely dangerous and is more likely to be transmitted from wild iguanas than domestic lizards. Some people may also experience allergies from iguanas including asthma attacks. Personal hygiene is crucial when caring for any pet reptile. Always wash your hands properly and maintain their enclosure.
Green iguanas may also carry parasites and be more susceptible to viruses. They may also present a health risk to other pet reptiles that you may own. It’s better to leave wild animals in the wild. If you want to bring home a new reptile, consult an experienced breeder or visit a well-run reptile shop.
Inconsistent Lifespans
Iguanas may live up to 20 years in captivity. This is quite a time investment. It’s not quite the same as getting a long-lived Russian tortoise but it’s still something to consider before getting a new pet.
Another issue is that wild iguanas have inconsistent lifespans. They may only survive for up to eight years in nature. Owners can’t know what traumas their iguana experienced in the wild or potential diseases they carry. But a wild iguana (such as a marine iguana) may not survive for long in captivity. Some of these lizards may even endure stress and depression from living in an enclosure.
Many Places Ban Iguana-Keeping
Potential reptile pet owners must be aware of the legal requirements and restrictions in their area. States including Hawaii and New York ban iguanas as exotic pets. In Florida, the situation is even more serious because iguanas are an invasive species. Only owners with a prohibited pet license can keep their iguanas in the Sunshine State. Because these lizards are so pervasive, it’s even legal for landowners to humanely cull iguanas on their property.
Some people may risk keeping an iguana regardless of the law. However, this is a terrible idea. Firstly, you won’t be able to take your pet to the vet if it develops an illness. The law will prevent the vet from treating it, and they won’t want to risk their license. Another issue is that the owner will be culpable if someone contracts salmonella from an illegally domesticated iguana. Don’t risk the potential consequences of illegal pet ownership!
Alternatives to Wild Iguanas as Pets
We hope we’ve made it clear that owning a pet iguana is not a wise plan. Luckily there are plenty of other reptiles that might make great pet alternatives. Check these out now.
Bearded Dragons
Bearded dragons are the most obvious alternatives to iguanas. Their personalities are much more docile so it’s safer for them to be around children. Furthermore, there are plenty of licensed breeders who ensure that they are born in ethical conditions. This reduces the risk of diseases and parasites.
It’s relatively easy to care for bearded dragons, too. They require a large terrarium with UV lighting. Also, you must feed them daily, change their water, and clean them regularly. Bearded dragons only live for about 10 to 15 years, so they’re great reptiles for first-time pet owners.
Water Dragons
Water dragons are another great option if you want a bigger lizard. These striking green reptiles have mellow personalities, and they’re easy to handle. It’s advisable to buy a capture-bred water dragon because they’ll have fewer health problems than those in the wild. Note that these lizards require more specialized care than bearded dragons.
They need humidity of about 80 percent. As their name suggests, they love swimming and soaking in water. That’s why it’s necessary to provide a deep enough pan or pool for them to enter. Clean this water regularly to preserve your water dragon’s health. Similarly to bearded dragons, they live for about 15 years.
Leopard Geckos
Bigger lizards require more work, space, and money to care for. Leopard geckos are one of the most popular starter reptile pets. It’s the opposite of owning an iguana. They’re small, docile, and tolerate handling. This makes them a brilliant first pet for children. Feeding them is relatively straightforward. They’ll eat mustard greens, cress, mealworms, and crickets. These geckos will live for about 15 years.
