> Care
The
Green Iguana
by Lowell Ackerman, D.V.M.
http://www.pet-vet.com/reptile_care.html
Iguanas are
becoming more popular pets and, with appropriate care, they can be
expected to live 13 to 15 years. An adult may grow to as long as
1.8 meters and weigh up to 6.8 kilograms.
The green iguana
is native to Central and South America where it typically spends
much of its time basking in the sunshine along forest edges.
Iguanas are
lizards, and like other reptiles, the leading cause of death is
failure to adapt to captivity. Proper housing and nutrition are
critical to keeping reptiles healthy. Unlike mammals which are
warm-blooded, the cold-blooded iguana requires external heat to
maintain body temperature and to digest food. Cage temperatures
should be maintained between 29.5C and 32C (85-90F) during the day
and between 24C and 26.5C (75-80F) at night. Because all heating
appliances can fatally burn a reptile, they should be controlled
by reliable thermostats that are tested periodically for accuracy.
Since reptiles
are used to basking in sunlight, they should have access to
approximately 10 hours of unfiltered sunshine daily (our an
acceptable indoor light source) and at least 12 hours of darkness
in order to create the necessary light cycle.
Cages must be
kept extremely clean. Daily cleaning and weekly disinfecting of
cages are essential using cleaners safe for reptiles. Newspapers
make an ideal cage liner and should be changed daily.
Iguanas are
solitary creatures and cagemates are not recommended. If you must
add another iguana to the home, it should be quarantined for at
least 60 days before being introduced into a collection.
Iguanas need a
constant source of fresh, clean drinking water and small iguanas
need a place to soak. Large shallow dishes are ideal for this
purpose.
Young, rapidly
growing iguanas generally require two feedings daily, which
consists of one part protein food to two parts plant food. Older
iguanas eat approximately 90% vegetable food once to twice daily.
It is best to follow the diet recommended where the iguana was
purchased, to maintain consistency.
It is important
to realize that iguanas are not meant to be excessively handled.
Handling is often quite stressful to reptiles although they may
become accustomed to some contact with time. If you need a pet to
hug, an iguana is not for you.
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