About the Book
Publisher: IDG Books Worldwide
Year: 2000
ISBN: 0-7645-5260-0
Description: Softcover, 353 pages. 8 Pages of full color photos, with numerous black and white photos throughout the text. Utilizes the conventions common to all "Dummies" series books, including a set of icons to mark very important sections of the text.
Review
If you have looked at Melissa Kaplan's iguana care web site, much of the material in "Iguanas for Dummies" will be somewhat familiar. However, there is quite a bit of additional material in the book, and it is well organized and well written so that this book should be of use to anyone who has an iguana. "Iguanas for Dummies" should also be required reading for anyone considering an iguana as a pet. The section on deciding on an iguana as a pet is helpful, but the rest of the book will give any potential owner an excellent idea of what level of commitment is required to have an iguana in the family.
"Iguanas for Dummies" is fairly easy to read and contains a vast amount of information that is well organized and easy to find if needed for reference. As with other "Dummies" series books, a very thorough index makes is simple to find information as needed. Kaplan's writing is fluid and readable, and her respect and fondness for iguanas is readily apparent.
The book begins with deciding if a iguana is the pet for you (covering such things as size, temperament, needs, etc.), finding and choosing an iguana, and the basics of preparing a home for your iguana. This is followed by basic iguana information (classification, origins, anatomy, behavior and communication). After this, Kaplan writes in depth on caring for iguanas, with topics including housing, outdoor enclosures, and cleaning and disinfecting cages, and moving on to feeding, taming and other care necessities. The section on health is thorough but not too detailed, and includes a section on human health risks. A brief section on breeding follows, which is actually of interest to owners of single iguanas as it covers topics such behavioral changes during breeding season (some really practical advice here) and what to do if your female starts producing eggs (she may still produce infertile eggs in the absence of a male).
The main part of the book is followed by some chapters in a different type of format - covering ten plant identification and nutrition web sites, ten tips on socializing iguanas, and ten reasons to see a veterinarian.
The appendices are also very practical and useful, including an extensive list of toxic and safe ornamental plants, and a list of mail order suppliers (many with web sites) as well as other references.
While "Iguanas for Dummies" offers a wealth of information on choosing iguanas and their basic care, it's strongest point is the inclusion of loads of practical advice on wide variety of topics. Issues such as socialization, travelling with iguanas, taking them out and about, finding someone to care for them in while the owner is away are covered as well as the basics. The coverage of aggression during breeding season is thorough and practical, and there is detailed advice on dealing with reptile mites, and cleaning and disinfecting cages. As well, the section on the natural history of iguanas and their anatomy is very interesting.
"Iguanas for Dummies" is a very nice book that would be a great addition to any iguana owners reference library. I certainly would not hesitate to recommend this book to anyone who has an iguana or who is considering a iguana as a pet.