Helmeted ig

[Maureen]

Hello...new to the forum, see my intro post if you want, or not ;D I've been looking to add to my long list of pets and now that I've been bitten by the reptile bug...I've been planning to get a BD but recently came across a "forest chameleon" at a pet store. I fell in love on the spot but didn't want to buy one without some info...after some research I learned that he/she is actually called a helmeted iguana but couldn't find out much more. Has anyone here ever owned one? I'm curious about lifespan, hardiness. handling, personality, etc. Thanks in advance!

[sallybreeder]

Wow those are probably very intressting but I have never heard of them? Is this pet store an okay store not like petco or a place that is bad?

[Pooka]

Sorry Maureen I have no idea where to find a good source of info on the helmeted iggy. I assume you have researched all you can via google.. so other then that no clues.

[ClementeDragons]

Here is a site that I go to for my reptile info

www.anapsid.org/cristata.html

[fishing4dragons]

also if you get one is it going to be in the same tank as your other reptiles? like the wd's? i know i wanted a chameleon and i was told that i could not mix them becuz of the chameleon would be intimidated (spell?) be the wd. But since u say its also called a helmeted iguana then it might be different. But just thought i would throw wut very little i knew about a chameleon.

[Maureen]

The iguana would move into the WDs old house (55gal) when she gets her now one. There is a privately owned pet store near me that has one, but considering that they're selling her/him under the wrong name (forest chameleon) I'm hesitant to get my info only from them. If anyone wants to see a pic, do an image search on google. Thank you for all of the replies everybody! I will keep you all posted if I find anything or get one.

[ClementeDragons]

Maureen said:

There is a privately owned pet store near me that has one, but considering that they're selling her/him under the wrong name (forest chameleon) I'm hesitant to get my info only from them.

Most people know that species as Forest Chameleon, I have seen quit a few of those on kingsnake.com and people usually refer to them as forest chameleon instead of helmeted Iguana.

Here is a link
market.kingsnake.com/detail.php?cat=34&de=270576

[Zippy]

They sound like interesting pets. Good luck with it.

[Reptile World Order]

BASIC CARE SHEET FOR THE HELMETED IGUANA

Common Name: Helmeted Iguana
Scientific Name: Corythophanes cristatus
Distribution: S. Mexico to N. Columbia
Size: 10" - 14"

NATURAL HABITAT :

This arboreal lizard is found in tropical rain forests,
In Northern Columbia, Also found in South Mexico
Being arboreal they need lots of space. Adults in captivity need
at least a 4' x 2' x 18" vivarium.

BEHAVIOUR :

Will usually become tame with handling.
To much handling will stress this animal.
Males can become territorial, Keep separate from other males.
These Lizards are active during the day.
Keep the vivarium well ventilated.

CAPTIVE ENVIRONMENT :

Use UV lighting 12-14 hours per day ( Arcadia D3 ).
Provide a basking area with access to a cooler area.
These lizards like climbing, supply plenty of (imitation plants)
and lots of climbing branches, logs and cork bark.

TEMPERATURE :

Daytime temperature should be:
Basking Area 80 to 90 degrees F.
Cool Area 76 degrees F.
Night temperature should range between 70-80 degrees F.
Use a reptile heat mat for 24-hour ground heat inside the vivarium.

HUMIDITY / WATER REQUIREMENTS :

These lizards require high levels of humidity.
Supply a large, deep bowl for drinking and bathing.
Mist the vivarium every 2-3 days. Keep the vivarium well ventilated.

NUTRITIONAL REQUIREMENTS :

These lizards are carnivores, they will eat insects.
Always offer a variety, black or brown crickets, mealworms, waxworms Locust.
Always use a good dusting supplement.