Interested in Iguanas

OK I have looked high and low over the internet and cant find anyone to tell me how to raise an iguana eveybody says the other person is wrong. I want to talk to someone who has had a lot of time working with iguana and can suggest a few books. I want to know about diet humidity and temps.

One of the best places to look for very in dept info on iguanas is www.anapsid.org Melissa Kaplan has done a lot with iguanas and I have spent a lot of time on her website, she has a lot on their diet down to why certain food are not good. Spinach for example is okay for a side dish but it Can cause a loss of calcium in iguanas.

I know some a bout igs, I am constantly being given Igs because of my rescue, I have some answers but not all. I am always learning more because science is always changing.

Diet-Green such as Collard greens and Mustard Greens are best for the base food, I use a 5 different ingredients rule with my Igs. For example I use Collard Greens, Kale, Mustard Green, Leeks, Spinach, Cilantro, and Parsley. The latter four are used mixed in with the first 3 mentioned. This basic diet is great for Igs, I personally stay away from carrots and especially from Lettuce which has no nutritional value and has very little calcium. The food list I gave is high in calcium which is VERY essential for iguanas. Without calcium their bones will not grow properly and will be brittle and break easily. Always have fresh water available in a tub big enough they can sit in.

Humidity-Think of Florida. Iguanas are almost native there now, they thrive in Florida weather. High humidity helps with their shedding, there respiratory system and overall health. Iguanas swim very well they stay by the waterside so they can easily slip away or just get wet.

Temps-Think of Florida again, they love the warmth. With humidity temps need to be on the high side of their cage. I keep my Igs High side at 90-95 degrees and low side at 85 degrees.

Cage-They need a lot of room to run, as they are very good at doing while young. They are not like snakes and can do okay in small spaces, these are animals that can roam a full acre and still want more room. A lot of people let their Igs free roam-meaning they are allowed to go just about anywhere around the house.

Books-One of the best books for complete info on iguanas is The Complete Iguana-The Ultimate Owners Manual by James W. Hatfield III he has spent a lot of work and has great knowledge. His website is www.Iguana.com

I hope this is helpful. Feel free to PM me if you have other questions, if you are lucky my little brain may have an answer for you.

One more thing, with iguanas sunlight can be very helpful, especially when sick. One hour in the sun a week is nice, longer is better. I have seen iguanas with damaged skin heal better when they are in a cage outside, unlike humans UV light is extremely healthy for Igs. My cage give the Igs a chance to either sit in the sunlight or sit in the shade. They usually spend all their time in the sun.

Originally Posted by Junkyard

One of the best places to look for very in dept info on iguanas is www.anapsid.org Melissa Kaplan has done a lot with iguanas and I have spent a lot of time on her website, she has a lot on their diet down to why certain food are not good. Spinach for example is okay for a side dish but it Can cause a loss of calcium in iguanas.

Watch out for Kaplan. While her site has a lot of decent information, the whole time it seems like she wants to convince you not to get one. There's been a few threads on this site about her as well.

Originally Posted by Junkyard

Diet-Green such as Collard greens and Mustard Greens are best for the base food, I use a 5 different ingredients rule with my Igs. For example I use Collard Greens, Kale, Mustard Green, Leeks, Spinach, Cilantro, and Parsley. The latter four are used mixed in with the first 3 mentioned. This basic diet is great for Igs, I personally stay away from carrots and especially from Lettuce which has no nutritional value and has very little calcium. The food list I gave is high in calcium which is VERY essential for iguanas. Without calcium their bones will not grow properly and will be brittle and break easily. Always have fresh water available in a tub big enough they can sit in.

For more food info.. see one of the BEST nutritional sites I've ever come accross (the food frequency is for bearded dragons, but it's pretty close for Igs as well).
http://home.comcast.net/~holachapulin/Nutrition.html


I have an Iguana also (though we're moving so she's going to a new home this sunday), so feel free to ask any questions of me as well.
Here's my little girl (OK, kinda a large girl):


And here's the cage she's in:

I know about the sunlight and UVA and UVB. I heard that windows will block UVB is that true. The cage will be 6 ft high 6 ft long and 4 ft deep and right next to a window in my room. I will make it myself and I all ready have all the wood needed along with sealant and enough to make a few floors.

Yes Kaplan does seem to rather keep the Igs in the wild, but she is also getting to be older and in her mind a little wiser. But she also has quite a few Igs hrself. I ignore all her worriedness as I am capable of taking care of reptiles. According to her Boa Constrictors are too much.

Windows do not block UV light unless the glass is treated with a plastic film tint that is formulated to keep the rays out. Your cage is a good size, you are well on your way.
There really is a whole lot out there for nutritional values for these guys/gals, just keep searching and you will find most of the info you need.

Brian that is a beautiful girl you have there. Thanks for the link I am going to use it for my Beardie, that is a helpful site.

Thats good cause now I dont have to drop a lot of money on light bulbs. Still have to spend money though. My birthday is next month and I will be turning 16 so I will ask my parents to buy it. I do have the finiances and all to take care of one. I also have the time and space needed.

Good for you. We would like to see some pics when you finally get your Iguana, you can even name it Iggy...LOL. Iguanas do not cost much to buy, so I am happy to see you are willing to give it a good life. They cost money to keep and eat a lot of greens, you will be going grocery shopping a lot, they are a lot of fun. You will learn a great amount of responsibility from them.

Yeah I would still drop the money on a decent UVB bulb. Windows (by definition) do block some of the UVB, but not all. Better safe than sorry (unless you get a UVB meter and measure how much the iguana would actually get... but if you're going to drop that kind of cash you might as well save money and just get a light or two)

Originally Posted by Junkyard

Good for you. We would like to see some pics when you finally get your Iguana, you can even name it Iggy...LOL.

But I was going to name it that. Its going to be a while and I still need to convice my parents I can do it. Im going to get all the info I can present it to them slowly then after school starts and my grades are good then I ask them for it. My bday isnt till the end of the month.