Organization: University of Maine System
Date: Tuesday, 7 Apr 1992 22:24:09 EDT
From: (((ZERO))) <IO00844@MAINE.MAINE.EDU>
Newsgroups: rec.pets.herp
Subject: Re: My First Iguana, part 1
Distribution: world

I'm sure this will be discussed in more detail by others, but for a quick
iguana overview (all in my opinion, of course)...

It usually takes a bit of time to earn the trust of any animal, and iguanas
are no different.  You'll want to work with the iguanas (such as you've done)
by holding them and giving them attention, but not being forceful. I think
one of the first things you should work on is feeding them by hand. This
works in earning a bit of trust and draws the pet and owner together as well.
Many iguanas don't enjoy being held, and would rather sit on a shoulder or
head...or simply adventure about the room (but that comes later when it's
safe).
Yes, your 10 gallon tank is too small, but the iguana condo your building
sounds good. Remember to leave some sort of open or screen top because
lighting is very important. You'll want to get a vitalite and/or an unfiltered
uv light.  You'll probably be familiar with this since you have snakes as
well?
Diet, keep trying veggies and also try to vary the diet. Calcium is very
important and you'll want to get a calcium/phosphous supplement like
reptovit to sprinkle on their food.  I don't agree with a 'bug' diet for
iguanas, but that's just me.  If you are feeding mealworms, be wary of the
fact that mealworms can sometimes do damage to iguana stomach because they
are swallowed alive and can bite on the insides. They've been known to chew
their way out of chameleons. I've heard suggested that you cut the heads off
of the mealworms before they are placed in the food dish.  You should also
watch out with other insects since they are not always bred in the most
sanitary places and can cary diseases.  Lettuce  isn't recommended since
it pretty much has no nutritional value, but things like kale, chards,
dandelion greens, broccoli, etc. are.  Iguanas can be picky eaters and their
tastes change over time so it's a lot of trial and error.
In my experience, there are a few almost worthless iguana books floating
about, but there are a couple good ones as well. Sounds to me like you got
a bad one. There is a book that many people like called Vasjoli's guide to
iguanas or something (can't remember exact title), that will help.
Temperature is also important.  They need some sort of heating pad (though
there has been discussion recently about the non-effectiveness and dangers
of these...burns etc.) or some other heating source (light etc.). Warm
temps. are important (for digestion) but there should also be a 'cooler' spot
in the cage so that the iguana can be the best judge of where it wants to
be.  A piece of driftwood or clean (sealed and mite free) piece of wood is
also recommended as a perch, gym, and 'shade'.
Oh, it's a good idea to keep track of your iguanas growth (by tip to tip and
snout to vent as well).  A lot of people I know have iguanas growing about 1
or 1.5 inches a month. Mine have averaged about 2.75 inches a month for around
10 months so I must be doing something right.

That's all I have time to write now, I'm sure you should get other advice
from others as well...more in depth also.  I've come across in my findings
that iguana advice and raising habits vary from individual. You'll just
have to find something you like and follow it, but it's always good to keep
an ear open about someone elses advice anyway.  Look forward to many great
years with your iguanas and enjoy.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Zero Z. Batzell     | Amiga User.     "We come in peace...shoot to kill!"
(207)-581-7579      | Iguana Keeper.     "NCC-42 U.S.S. HEART OF GOLD"
University of Maine | Video Hobbyist.    "Live long and Don't Panic!!"
student with a      | Star Trek TNG Fan.
(mostly harmless)   | Douglas Adams Fan.     MAJOR: Life, The Universe,
transfer in mind.   | Orson Scott Card Fan.         and Everything.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
  The Enterprise is not a ship for freeloading degenerate hitchhikers.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Newsgroups: rec.pets.herp