CARE, GOOD HABITAT AND COMMITMENT CAN MAKE AN IGUANA A HAPPY COMPANION

A Summary of an article that appeared in the Oregonian, written by Deborah Wood, Special Writer

"Here leez-ard, leez-ard, leez-ard," I said the phrase from the Taco Bell commercial over and over, like a mantra," James related his unusual story to Deborah Wood in her interview. He was telling her about the day he first laid eyes on Daisy the Iguana. Ms Wood interviewed James W. Hatfield III, of Portland, Oregon for the Oregonian. He is author of a 650-page guide to raising green iguanas, "Green Iguana: The Ultimate Owners Manual" .

Up to the moment he had first laid eyes on Daisy the Iguana, James liked animals that were nothing more exotic than your typical neighborhood cat. However, if there is such a thing as 'love at first sight' between Iguana and owner, this was it!

He went on to explain that ,"Seven million iguanas live in the United States, making them one of the nations most popular pets."

This fact was a great surprise to me as I read the article my mother had sent me. I had only met one Iguana in my life. It had been riding on the shoulder of a young teenager who happened to stroll past our flea market booth several years ago. He was on a leash and seemed very tame and loving. As I touched his skin I found it dry and scaled, not slimy as I had imagined... rather like tough leather.

Wood, in her article, went on to report that ," Many of these magnificent lizards have lives that are cut short through inappropriate care, misinformation and neglect". That is why Hatfield wrote his book ,which includes information on temperature and environment, feeding, housing, taming and trouble-shooting medical problems.

Hatfield explained that, "It is very important t learn about how to care for an iguana before you bring one home. They have very specific needs. If you don't provide for those needs, you iguana could die within a day."

Hatfield went on to explain to Wood that, "Iguanas are often purchased as hatchlings, when they are only 4 to 6 inches long." Hatfield emphasized, "In five years or so they may reach a length of 4 to 6 feet. This means they require a large habitat with temperature control and light. An Adult iguana is too large for most children to handle and care for."

In Woods article she reports that , "It's important to touch the animal all over on a daily basis when the iguana is small: It's much easier to socialize a 6-inch iguana than a 6-foot one. "When an iguana is a hatchling, it doesn't know what to think of you."

Hatfield explains further, "Soon the iguana decides that it doesn't mind being around you. After a time, the relationship just jumps to another level. The Iguana develops a connection with you."

Wood writes: " You should expect seasonal problems! Even tame male Iguanas can become aggressive during the mating season, which usually lasts from October through December."

Hatfield tells Wood, "Three months of having an iguana with a bad attitude can get old fast."

Wood reports that " Female iguanas lay eggs whether or not there is a male nearby. It's vital for a female to have proper laying conditions; otherwise she may hold the eggs inside her, which can be fatal... An iguana needs its own roomy home (no fish aquariums) that is tall enough for climbing, properly heated, well-ventilated, well-lighted and placed in an area that gives iguana an interesting view. Especially with our cool North West climate. It takes a serious commitment to make life good for an iguana. "

You can reach Deborah Wood at 1-503-221-8416 or by e-mail at Bowwow@AOL.

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