Spiney and Sequoia | Teneka'sHomeSchool

Spiney & Sequoia

Here is my iguana, Spiney. I’ve had him since about April 2022. This one being the most “interesting” of them all. On the one hand, he is quite COOL! He moves very quickly and I can already see his “personality”. He seems to have a “short” tolerance. However, I’ve yet to get use to him/hold him the way I wanted to, still working on that. I know he suppose to get much bigger so the sooner I can “dominate” the “relationship” the better. In spite of his “dominating” appearance, I think he probably prefers to just get away from people but can be “confrontational” if he needs to be. He probably is okay with me but won’t really tolerate anyone else he hasn’t “warmed up to”. Yet....very cool!

In regards to his habitat, I think I’ve about got it down. Achieving a very hot and very humid environment isn’t too too difficult. I started him in this terrarium that you see in the pictures. As you can see, it’s already too small for him. Finding a much larger habitat for him while keeping his humidity and temperature right, took a little time but I did manage to “figure” it out. Keep reading the next section for that “effort” - which I'll post by December. Anyway, very COOL, as are all my pets!

As of 7/31/2023

First and foremost, Spiney finally let me hold him. That was very COOL! Iguana's can appear as if they might be "dangerous" especially with those sharp claws and of course that long tail. Spiney likes to whip his. However, the claws aren't really that sharp and they (at least in regards to Spiney) holding him is as simple as holding any of my other pets. Keeping in mind, when he is okay with being held. I read that when their dewlap (jowls) are extended that means they don't want to be held. No idea what that means. However, when Spiney doesn't want to be held, he just whips his tail!

I'm still working on his habitat, however, I think I've got it all figured out! Finding a place that is "suitable" for an Iguana is a challenge. Especially when you keep in mind how large they can get, with tail. For now he has relocated to the downstairs bathroom which works well for both of us. Perfect heat and humidity. However, I have plans! Feeding, is simple enough, however, you should not give them too much fruit!

As of 7/17/2024

I have a few updates as it pertains to Spiney. First Spiney has been renamed "Sequoia"! Turns out Spiney isn't a he, she is actually a female iguana. When trying to check those, organs, it's not as easy as you'd think. I knew when she started laying eggs, which means she reached her sexual muturity. What a way to find out right!?

However, we hope to have Mr. Sequoia, also known as "Spiney", in a few more months!

As for her habtiat, the bathroom worked out well for a while but now it's just ugggggh! First you have to consider the humidity. Bathroom walls and all that humidiy in the air doesn't work out well. MOLE! I've since gotten a smaller but more suitable enclosure for her. This will work out well for awhile. There is still that growth factor, and I think they should have plenty of room to move around. Don't want her having to be cooped in a box, right?

So, the most important thing I've learned is that for iguanas and any other type of animal that needs a humid environment, an enclosure is a must! Helps keep the humidity high. In the winter, you'll need it! You have to be prepared to spend some money on a nice enclourse big enough for an iguana. Consider that if you ever think about getting an iguana as a pet.