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#132798
FutureCROChunter
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Desert Iguanas?? 
Im very interested in the desert iguanas...does anybody have experience with them? have one? had one? I appreciate any help or care adive given, thank youSteven
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08/30/04 11:40pm
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#132907
Garcia
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Message To: FutureCROChunter In reference to Message Id: 132798
Desert Iguanas??
i have one at the moment it had to go to go to the vet cause he jumped out the window check it out on google they are called spiny tailed iguanas they are from new mexico and all thos hot places. they are the fastest reptiles in the world with a record of 21.1 miles an hour. cool huh. not much different then green iguanas except behavior and diet. only a little though. 
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08/31/04 3:20am
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#132933
Castiliana
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Message To: Garcia In reference to Message Id: 132907
Desert Iguanas??
Spiney tail iguanas (black iguanas)(native to southern mexico, and central america, are dark grey/black with a spiney plated tail similar to that of the uromastyx) and desert iguanas are 2 completely different species with the desert iguana being native to Arizona and a few other parts of the south west. Desert iguanas are also completely different from green iguanas (with the exception of thier captive diet) and more closely related to the chuckawala, they are a arid dwelling species, creamy pale in colour, of reletively small size (16 inches StT) non arborial (ground dwelling) and social (rather than highly territorial like green iguanas) with a specialized vegetative diet consisting of mostly creosote bush in the wild (but can be fed a diet similar to that of the green iguana in captivity). Desert Iguanas are also a protected species in some states so it is a good idea to check with your local game and fish office BEFORE buying one. The are extreemely beautiful lizards, though hard to find captively bred. (though i have none at this time it is a future goal of mine to start a captive breeding program with them) So be sure that your source has obtained them legally.Mellisa kaplans care sheet on desert iguanas is here:
http://www.anapsid.org/dichuck.html *note: Garcia please find out if you have a desert iguana or a spiney tail as thier habitat needs, diet, and temperatures are COMPLETELY different, there are pictures of both readily available online.
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08/31/04 8:47am
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#133100
FutureCROChunter
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Message To: Castiliana In reference to Message Id: 132933
Desert Iguanas??
Ok, i dont think they are native here, that i live in VA...but do you have to keep the desert iguana in a desert enviroment, i mean they are captive bred and born, so they wouldnt really need the same looking enviroment that they have in the wild...i was gonna set them up like i have my bearded dragons and my friend has her green iguana, in a large enough enclosure with linoleum floors and a slant and another level where the lights and stuff will be, which will be covered in carpet. And them maybe some decor, but i want it real simple and safe. Well thank you for your infor Castiliana!
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08/31/04 2:11pm
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#133133
Castiliana
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Message To: FutureCROChunter In reference to Message Id: 133100
Desert Iguanas??
desert igs will need the same humidity/temp/uv requirements in a new habitat as they have in the wild. i do not know if they like to dig but if they do you will need to provide a sandy substrate to keep them comfortable as well. Just because something is captive bred does not change its physical needs, the desert iguana’s body has evolved to suit certain environmental conditions and providing too much humidity, or too little UVB, the wrong type of temps or basking spots can cause everything from shed problems to skin diseases, calcium deficientcies, respritory illness.. the list goes on and on. All iguanas are highly specialized lizards and need very specific habitat conditions to thrive. a desert iguana, not being arborial, would probably be more at home with a large basking rock than a carpet covered shelf, tho the shelf may work it wont absorb and radiate heat like the desert he is built for would. You probably want fairly open wire sides as well to keep humidity levels low, especially in VA where the natural humidity could allready cause problems. Do some web searches there are a few good references out there on desert igs to get you going in the right dirrection
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08/31/04 3:13pm
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#133225
FutureCROChunter
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Message To: Castiliana In reference to Message Id: 133133
Desert Iguanas??
Of course i would provide the humidity, the uvb, the right temps, and everything, i just dont wanna use sand thats all...
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08/31/04 5:37pm
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#133504
Jif
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Message To: FutureCROChunter In reference to Message Id: 133225
Desert Iguanas??
I keep 5 Desert Iguanas. They love to dig so they would not be very happy in an environment that didn’t provide that opportunity. I keep mine on sand and it’s really not that difficult to keep things clean. They are primarily herbivorous as adults but can take crix, mealies, or waxworms once in a while. Check out the Chuckwalla forum at KS and you’ll get lots of info on these guys. They are fun and interesting to keep. 
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08/31/04 10:02pm
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#133518
Markay
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Message To: Jif In reference to Message Id: 133504
Desert Iguanas??
nice pic desert iguanas are sweet man
~|M|~
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08/31/04 10:15pm
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#133686
FutureCROChunter
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Message To: Markay In reference to Message Id: 133518
Desert Iguanas??
Hey thanks Jif, ill figure something out i guess if i do end up getting one, and would you happen to have any more pics of these guys, their enclosures?
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09/01/04 1:49am
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#133753
Jif
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Message To: FutureCROChunter In reference to Message Id: 133686
More DI photos
 
And one of my favorites.
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09/01/04 8:53am
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#133905
Castiliana
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Message To: Jif In reference to Message Id: 133753
More DI photos
Beautiful, just beautiful!
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09/01/04 2:44pm
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