Spiny-tailed Iguanas
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| The father of some of our 2005 C pectinata hatchlings |
We began working with Spiny-tailed Iguanas (Ctenosaura species) in 2001 with the purchase of some juvenile wild collected C. similis. They are a very attractive but rather poor tempered species and we eventually chose to pass on continuing the project. In 2003 we decided to look at C. pectinata which is reputed to be a much calmer species. They proved much more pleasant to work with and we expanded the project by obtaining some captive born yellow "Banana" morph C. pectinata in 2004 and 2005. We've been very pleased with the species ever since. We've since gone on to aquire a group of hatchling C. melanostera, the Blue-back Iguana in 2007 and hope to establish sustainable breeding groups of both these species.
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| "Norbert" at 20 months old, 22" (Banana morph C. pectinata) |
The Banana Iguanas (C. pectinata) begin life a bright green, slowly turning a pale tan to grey over the next 6 months. In our group, the first hints of yellow started appearing at 10 months of age, becoming a rich yellow to orange-yellow with black markings by 18 months. Adult size for the Bananas seems to be around 2 1/2 feet with a nice chucky body and mildly spiked tail. They are somewhat shy as hatchlings but become tame and friendly by their 1st birthday. They seem to be aggressive towards each other as young hatchlings but all have become very tolerant of one another once moved into their final breeding cages. We rear them on the same diet and under similar conditions as our Uromastyx (see our care sheet for Uromastyx). We do however occasionally mist their cages with water (weekly as hatchlings, less so as they mature), offer the occasional insect, and give them taller habitats with large branches for climbing and basking (see photos).
All of ours allow me to pick them up and after a brief period of squirming, settle in and allow me to freely handle them. We've set them up as 1.2 and 2.4 breeding groups in moderately large vivariums. Our 2005 hatch group has shown the first signs of breeding this spring and with luck we hope get our first eggs later this year.
If we produce any for 2007, we will release a few at $325 each plus shipping. Please e-mail us if you wish to get on a waiting list for some. We don't take deposits but fill "Wanted" lists on a first come, first served basis.
Our 2005 Hatchling Banana Iguana group (C. pectinata)
Yellow Morph Female (mother of some of our initial stock)
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| Iguana Hatchling Tank (upper cage in stack) | Breeder Tank (shower stall type) in our home |
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| Blue-backed Spiny-tailed iguana C. melanosterna (Photo by arkherps) |
Email:
douglasdix@deerfernfarms.com
