Yes, the rumors are true unfortunately haha. Iguanas, particularly green iguanas, and especially the adult males, can be quite cantankerous and not what people think they’re signing up for when buying a 6” lizard for $29.99 at petco.

We picked up this guy as a rescue after he had been surrendered once getting about 1.5’ long and getting more difficult to handle. We knew what we were getting into with this species so nothing has been unexpected so far, and he has definitely gotten more difficult to handle as he’s gotten larger. Partially because weight+claw size results in needing more skin protection, and partially because he is more territorial every year, especially during summer.

Iguanas are super cool, but your average green iguana is NOT chill. Especially as adults.

To answer your question: if you can eventually accommodate a coat closet sized enclosure and are willing to understand their diet, iguanas aren’t really that tricky or high maintenance. If you’re looking for a scaly puppy, they’re almost always a grumpy and terrible fit 😬