Why do you want an Iguana?

They are not the most sociable of reptiles. An adult Green Iguana can be a serious problem if they get violent. Razor sharp teeth and claws will cut you to shreds and a 4 ft long tail with a knife like edge on the top whipping at you would seriously hurt. People have been hospitalised by these animals.

Gareth has given a lot of good advice there and the link he gave with the "Iguanas for Dummies" book is a great book as a source of information on them. Most Iguana books are tiny compared to that and Melissa Kaplan is well known in the reptile world for knowing her stuff.

You should really think hard about getting one. There is nothing worse than people buying a baby Iguana thinking they are cute and then they end up having to be re-homed because people don't think about what they are going to do when in 3 years time it is 6ft long and needs a huge vivarium, or to free roam around the house.

Have a look on reptiles forums, they are always up for grabs, most of the time free because people cannot look after them properly anymore.

I waited 2 years before getting mine, did lots of research and thinking if it was a good idea or not. Mine is only 18 months old and I have had him/ her for almost a year and I don't regret it at all. It looks like I have a good one as he/ she doesn't mind humans and nobody has ever been bitten or whipped....... yet. Even a "tame" Iguana can suddenly change and turn into a nasty animal overnight and then you have a problem. All you can do is spend as much time with them as possible and hope for the best. I have lots of tiny cuts all over hands and arms which are just from being walked on, the claws are that sharp. So just imagine the damage that could be done if they wanted to hurt you.

If you do decide to get one then I wish you lots of luck. They can be a great pet in that they do bond with people and they take an interest in what you are doing. It just takes a lot of time and discipline as YOU have to remain head of the house, not the Iguana. Which isn't as easy as it sounds.