Originally we were going to put him in this area, behind our apartment:
We were going to cover up the exposed areas with a rubber or PVC-coated wire. Little did we know, not only is this not allowed, but the landlady moved into the apartment upstairs from us. She walks past our little back area at least twice a day, going to and from her apartment to the office. We couldn't even build him a cage and have it be in the back or front area. It's not allowed.
Fizban at 3 months old.
Fizban, taken on the day before yesterday.
We figured we had about a year to get him the big cage, but it started to get too small for him at about seven months old. My old iguana was in a 50-gallon tank for two years. I figured he never grew because he would grow to his accomodations. Not true. I think he actually had a calcium deficiency due to the absence of UVB rays. If these lamps were even made back then (in the late 90's), nobody was aware that iguanas need UVB light in order to absorb the calcium you give them.
Not the case with Fizban. We had three lamps on him during the day: a UVA lamp (regular old lightbulb), a UVB incandescent lamp, and a lamp with a CHE bulb (Ceramic Heat Emitter). A CHE produces heat, but no light, and it's perfect for keeping the iguana's cage warm (and dark) at night. I made sure to give him all the correct foods, and supplement it with calcium and a multivitamin. He was very healthy, and nice and green, unlike many other juvenile iguanas out there. He was ornery already, and he never seemed to get used to us walking past his cage. Just like any animal, an iguana's personality can vary. When buying an iguana, I pick what seems to be the friendliest one. Unfortunately, they only had one iguana when we came to buy Fizban.
Nikki, saying goodbye to our Fizban.
We could tell that he was stressed in the tank, because he got even more ornery, even when I was replacing his food and water bowls. He sure can whip that tail!
Rather than try to sell him on Craig's List or something, we chose to bring him back to the reptile store. We didn't ask for any money. Maybe he'll calm down enough for someone to want to buy him. I hope he ends up in a good home. We also gave the shop owner his vitamins and such. At least we helped out a small business over here. I'd always rather do that than shop at PetCo or PetSmart, etc.
I really miss him. I'm used to him watching me as I putter about our bedroom. Now the room just feels desolate. I can feel the absence of life in there.
Next time, we'll build the cage first, then get the iguana. We have the bowls, lights and decorations already. Having an iguana is a major investment. The pet itself is about $20. What you have to get for him to be comfortable and live happily, costs hundreds.
Fizban at the reptile store. Bye bye, green boy. :(
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