Sep 14th, 2007 | Iguanas, Pets | Comments Off
Below is a list of more traits to look for in a healthy, normal iguana:
1. Mouth: When you look inside the iguana’s mouth, it should look pinkish and healthy. Look for any bad signs of yellow coloring or cheesy, stringy mucous discharge. A mouth that is always hanging open is a sign of a respiratory disease, especially if it is mixed with a forced, labored wheezing sound coming from it’s lungs. To look inside the iguana’s mouth, carefully hold the nose using your thumb and index finger while using the other hand to gently pull down on the very tip of the dewlap. Be careful and very gentle, opening it just enough to see the color.
2. Stomach: Its stomach should not look thin. A thin iguana is not a healthy pet. One that has recently eaten will show a big, happy belly. If you see them eating at the store or current owner’s house, that means they do not have an eating problem and will most likely remain that way when you take it home.
3. Vent: An iguana’s vent is the opening through which the animal defecates. It is also where the sex organs are located. To check the vent, hold the animal in a vertical position at about 12 inches from your face facing at its stomach. The vent is the horizontal slit or fold in the skin. The vent should have no discharge or anything sticking around that area, as this can be a sign that there is something wrong. As for defecating, iguanas are clean animals and always clean themselves after defecation.
4. Tail: A healthy iguana tail looks thick, fat, and plump at the base (the area where the tail attaches to the body). There should not be any visible bones in the tail or the body. A fat tail is a sign that the iguana eating regularly.
5. Skin: An iguana’s skin should be bright and tight without any bagginess. Loose skin is a sign that it is not eating enough and not eating well. The skin of a young iguana should be bright green. As the animal gets older, the green gradually becomes more muted with the addition of some brown, blue, or gray patterns. Adult male iguanas also turn into various shades of orange on their arms, legs, and heads during breeding season.
Do not choose a green iguana that has dark or black skin, this is an indication of a sick iguana. Some iguanas have ticks on their skin. This is not a reason to reject the animal. Ticks are easily removed and are not a sign of sickness. Also, it’s okay for the iguana’s skin to look like it’s coming off or to see thin sheets of torn skin. Thin, torn skin coming off its body means that it’s shedding, which is a healthy, natural occurrence that will take place throughout his life.
6. Legs: Healthy iguanas have rounded legs. However, the legs shouldn’t look swollen or fat. Iguanas with fat-looking legs may be suffering from calcium deficiency. Another sign of this illness is when the back or spine is twisted or distorted.
7. Attitude: When picked up, a healthy iguana should display a bit of feistyness or may squirm and try to get away. They may even try to bite you or whip its tail. This is normal. These are wild animals and it is their natural instinct to try to get away to protect themselves. Unless it’s been tamed, if it’s too relaxed or too calm on your hand, it might be sick.
Aug 31st, 2007 | Iguanas | Comments Off
Iguanas by nature like to live in bushes and trees, they also live high in the rain forests to avoid being harmed. If you are planning on buying an iguana and are going to prepare a place for him to live then you will want to do the very best that you can to try and match his natural habitat.
The first thing is to make sure that you enclose your iguana in a roomy environment. In other words, iguanas do not like to be closed in so make sure that there is room for them to roam. Keep in mind that a new baby iguana, if cared for correctly, will easily fill up a 60 gallon tank within a year. That can give you a decent estimate on size.
Add artificial trees and branches for them to climb on. Just make sure that if you use a cage that there are no spaces that he can escape from and if you choose a tank, make sure it is well ventilated.
You need to make sure that you have good circulation but also you need to have heat and humidity. You should make certain that the humidity level inside of the cage is at a constant level of 65%-75%. It is preferred that you place a humidifier inside of the room where the iguana calls home to regulate the humidity level but in a pinch, just spray water in the cage three or four times a day You can purchase small, inexpensive fans that add and circulate heat and add humidity to the enclosure. Closets make great places for iguanas. You could also use a heating pad or a 75 watt bulb to help add warmth to the enclosure. The temperature inside of the enclosure should be at approximately 85 degrees Fahrenheit at all times. Most pet stores will recommend that you use either hot rocks or mercury vapor lamps to keep the temperature regulated as it can be dangerous to the iguana if it is either too hot or too cold. If you choose the hot rocks method, please be extremely careful that your iguana can not get burned.
Remember that iguanas like to climb so put some things in the cage that he can climb on but nothing that allows him an escape route. It would be also be essential to make sure that cats and dogs have no access to the iguana. Iguana’s need a great deal of light too so it is best to use UVA or UVB bulbs in his cage. Keep all electrical cords and wiring away from the iguana. These types of bulbs are the best way to recreate their natural environment which helps them produce vitamin D3 which they need to regulate their digestion process. If you live in a hotter climate you could place the cage in front of a window but that is not recommended if there are any chills or drafts. It is very important that if you are going to purchase an iguana that you take proper care of him. Creating the correct environment for him is part of caring for him the right way. If you can not ensure this then you may want to consider purchasing a different type of pet.
Aug 18th, 2007 | Iguanas | Comments Off
Before you go out and purchase your first iguana, you must arm yourself with the right information and knowledge about this species. You have know what to look for and what to avoid. Keep in mind that getting a healthy iguana in the beginning is crucial to prevent future challenges and problems.
Although we know more about iguana care now than we did 10 years ago, there are still a lot of misinformed iguana owners and pet stores out there. Unfortunately, there are still some iguanas for sale that aren’t properly cared for. Some of them have thermal burns, deformed faces, or body parts that are missing. You have to be aware of certain things and be able to tell a healthy, normal iguana from a sick and damaged one. If you have further questions or concern, ask the iguana seller before making your final choice.
There are certain qualities and characteristics to look for when selecting the right iguana. Do not just go with the biggest one in the cage. Often times, hatchlings from the same cage arrive at different times and from different sources and the biggest hatchling may just be an older iguana that has been in the cage longer than the others. Below is a list of characteristics to look for in a healthy, normal iguana:
1. Eyes: The eyes should be clean and bright. Watch out for any discharge, tearing, crusty residue, or drooping or swollen eyelids. Iguanas’ eyes must be alert, moving back and forth as if they are watching your every move.
2. Nose: The nose should be clean and free of any mucous or runny discharge. However, healthy iguanas have a clear, watery fluid discharge from their nostrils. Because iguanas don’t sweat, this is how they regulate their body’s salt balance. When this watery fluid touches the glass of its habitat, it dries and forms into salt crystals. An improperly housed iguana will try to get out by banging and rubbing its nose the cage, causing an abrasion. If you see one with a nose that seems to be damaged, do not buy it.
3. Jaw: The jaw should look firm. Watch out for any signs of swelling, puffiness in the face, or any kind of distortion. The number one medical problem associated with captive iguanas is metabolic bone disease that is caused by calcium deficiency. One sign of this disease is a soft and swollen jaw. Even if the animal’s jaw appear to look normal, check for the early symptom of this disease by applying a slight pressure on the side of its jaw. The jaw should be firm, and not spongy.
Be very careful, however, when doing this pressure test. If the iguana is suffering from metabolic bone disease, you don’t want to worsen the problem by cracking its jaw, especially if the disease is in its advanced stage. Simply apply a gentle pressure with your thumb and index finger on the sides of its jaw and you will be able to determine the presence of the disease. Also look at the animal’s face from the side. Make sure that it doesn’t appear swollen and that the lower jaw is aligned with the upper jaw instead of being drawn back.
Jul 27th, 2007 | Iguanas | Comments Off
Whether you own a dog, a cat, or an iguana, there is always a minimum amount of care required on a day-to-day basis to ensure your pet’s health and happiness. It is important therefore to invest a great deal of time in learning about proper care and maintenance of your pet.
This is especially true when you have a pet iguana. Owning an iguana is not like owning domestic animals such as a dog or a cat. You could end up with a lot of problems and frustration unless you do some research before you buy one.
For the sake of both you and your pet iguana, you need to be truly committed and be able to handle the responsibilities of owning such a unique animal. Iguanas are not for everyone. The level of care required to own this animal takes both time and money. You may want to attend a local herpetological society meeting to find out if owning an iguana fits into your lifestyle. One of the best ways to learn about this species is to talk to iguana owners and other people who have had first hand experience on how to raise them.
When talking to iguana owners, you may notice that there is a big difference of opinion on the amount of time, money, and effort it takes to raise an iguana. Some iguana owners claim that their pets are very easy to care for while some owners will say that caring for this type of pet can be quite a challenge. However, the difference is not in the animal itself, but in the attitude of the pet owner. What is hard and challenging for one owner may be easy and enjoyable for another.
Opinion: Taking care of an iguana is easy
For many owners, caring for their pet iguanas is simple and takes very little time and effort. Iguanas do not require the attention and time that some other pets do. Iguana owners believe that the biggest challenge in raising this special animal is the initial preparation of the right environment and diet. Once the initial set up is complete and the owners learned how to take care of their pet iguana, the rest of maintenance is simple and less demanding. Iguanas usually remain in one area for most of the day and only move for food, heat, or when they see something new in their environment.
Opinion: Taking care of an iguana is difficult
Many iguana owners believe that these animals do not make a good pet. For someone who has a genuine fascination, interest, and willingness to provide a suitable environment, these creatures can make a wonderful pet. But for many average pet owners, taking care of an iguana is more than what they have bargained for. Their special needs and requirements such as their diet and habitat can be quite overwhelming and expensive. They can get very large (up to 6ft) and require a very specific level care.
Jun 4th, 2007 | Iguanas, Pets | No Comments
Before you decide to buy an iguana, you have to know the necessary requirements in order to be successful in owning one of nature’s exotic species. Being familiar with the animal’s basic needs should be enough to keep an iguana alive. However, having the proper knowledge of how to raise a happy iguana, one that you can live with for the next 15 to 25 years, will require more than simple feeding and caring.
It would be inaccurate and unfair to imply that iguanas are simple pets to care for and that everyone should have one. Iguanas are special animals with special needs that may or may not be suitable to a potential owner. An iguana requires a lot from its owner, especially during the first few months of obtaining one.
Iguanas are not like many urban pets. If having an adaptable pet that is easy to care for is what you have in mind, then you’re better off getting a cat or a fish. If you are buying an iguana just to look at or show to your friends, just go to the zoo or watch the National Geographic channel because you will soon regret your reason for getting one. Last but not the least, if you don’t have the time, patience, money, and commitment to raise an unusual and challenging pet, an iguana is not right for you.
On the other hand, if you are prepared to take on the challenge of raising a unique animal, an iguana can be the perfect match. Ask yourself the following six questions before you buy an iguana:
1. Can I give my iguana the proper care, feeding, and habitat necessary for its survival?
2. Can I provide the medical care and expense in order for it to stay healthy?
3. Do I have a real interest in these animals or is it more a phase that I am going through?
4. Do I have the time, energy, and patience to train a special animal?
5. As a responsible pet owner, am I willing to educate myself of the animal’s special needs and concerns?
6. If the iguana is for my child, will I be willing and able to take over the responsibility of caring for it if my child loses interest?
May 27th, 2007 | Iguanas | Comments Off
According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife, there were over 3 million iguanas that were imported in the U.S. from 1988 until 1995. Until recently, most of these animals were wild-caught, meaning that a group of locals (mostly children) went to the jungle and picked up as many hatchling iguanas as they could find. They would then get paid for each hatchling that they’ve captured.
About 30% to 50% of these hatchlings died from the time they were captured to the time they get to the pet store in Europe and the United States. While some of these iguanas are lucky enough to get to the pet store alive, they are usually sick, stressed, with skin and bones damaged from improper caring. The removal of iguanas from the wild is one of the major causes of the animals’ decrease in population. This, however, can be stopped by buying only farm-raised iguanas.
Nowadays, most of the iguanas that come here from South and Central America are farm-raised. Because they are raised on farms, these lizards arrive at the pet store healthy, plump, and not stressed. Although not all iguanas that are shipped here are farm-raised, if you see a thick, healthy young hatching, it is most likely farm-raised.
What exactly is a farm-raised iguana? As the name implies, these are iguanas that are raised in an environment (a farm) where there is a specific breeding area for the baby iguanas. There are two ways to farm iguanas. The first way is by catching gravid (pregnant) female iguanas in the wild and placing them in free-range pens. They are kept there until they lay their eggs.
The eggs are collected and placed in incubators. When the eggs hatch, the hatchlings are properly cared for until they are ready to be sold. The farmers then release the adult female iguanas back into the jungle. The following year, farmers look for a new group of gravid female iguanas and begin the cycle again.
The second way of farming iguanas is when farmers raise their own stock to breed in captivity, as opposed to capturing gravid females from the jungle each year. This process creates a more positive approach to preserving the population of the species. This is because no gravid female iguanas are taken out of their natural habitat, therefore allowing their numbers to increase.
May 1st, 2007 | Iguanas | Comments Off
Congratulations on choosing a new iguana as your new pet. You have decided that it’s time to add an iguana to your family. You have armed yourself with proper knowledge and know-how by reading books about them and talking to iguana owners. You have completed the habitat and is functioning properly and you have the right food properly prepared.
Where do you go now?
Nowadays, your search for a green iguana is not just limited to going to a local pet store. There are many legitimate places for you to go to get your “perfect” pet. Below is a list of sources for green iguanas:
1. Newspaper ads: Looking through the classified ads under the pet section is a great way to find an iguana. This is especially true if you live in a big city where you have a wider selection to choose from. Here you’ll have a chance to meet and talk with the iguana owners and see the iguana before making your purchase.
2. Herp society: Being a member of a herp society gives you the advantage of getting an inexpensive iguana or maybe even a free one. Joining a herp society also gives you the opportunity to interact with other iguana owners, share your experience, and even get tips and suggestions on how to better improve your relationship with your reptile. Check the phone book to find a herp society near you or go online to find a list of herp societies in other cities and states.
3. Humane society: You probably think that only dogs and cats are the only animals that you can find at the animal shelter. However, you’ll be surprised at how many different varieties of animals actually end up there. There is a good chance that your local shelter will have an iguana waiting for a good home. In some cases, the shelter will give you the iguana for free if you can prove that you know how to properly take care of it.
4. Iguana Rescue group: Iguana lovers from all over the country are also taking part to ensure the safety and survival of this species. They have set-up clearing houses for abandoned or injured iguanas. Check your local vet or the herp society to find an Iguana Rescue group near you.
5. Specialized reptile store: The more selection of iguanas for you to choose from, the better your chances are of finding one suitable for you. Some pet stores carry only reptiles and amphibians and will more likely have a wide selection of iguanas. In addition, a store that specializes in reptile is more likely to have a staff that knows a lot more about reptiles and can answer any questions you might have regarding the species.
6. Mail order: Some companies have an exclusive deal with captive-raised or farm-raised iguanas. You may look online or to the national herpetological magazine to obtain more information.