If you want to take proper care of your iguana then it needs proper food for that along with proper housing. The enclosure must be big enough that it promotes proper growth of your pet and the temperature levels are also maintained in it.
You need to ensure that you provide enough greens and balanced diet to your pet ensuring low level protein in it.
It seems to be simple enough to take care of your pet but it is important that you consider all the factors and take proper care of it.
Some of the factors might include the growth rate of your pet and along with that it you should know that your pet has unpredictable temperament. Some of the owners find that their pet outgrow the habitat very quickly, so they might abandon it. Read ahead to know more about iguanas and how you can take care of your pet in a proper way.
These are one of the most popular reptiles that we see. They love fruits, greens and basking under sunlight. Some of the people are unaware about the fact that the pet can grow to a very large size very easily and might even exceed 6 ft, hence a good cage is required according to size.. You need to take care that you socialize your pet when it grows a little old and this will help it to become more comfortable with people.
You need to provide vet care to your pet along with proper accommodation too.
Contents
Behavior of Baby Green iguana
The baby green iguanas usually have a heat seeking desire so they spend a lot of time in the wild under the sun.
- The iguanas are of solitary nature keeping aside the breeding season.
- They should be housed alone in an enclosure as they love being alone.
- They get used to touch of their owner but if you handle them excessively they might take stress.
Take care of Diet of the Baby Green iguana
You can take a look on our guide on feeding with good or toxic food to avoid.
- The iguanas prefer leafy vegetables such as endive, mustard greens, turnip greens or the lettuce.
- Vegetables like the zucchini, carrots and even yellow squash.
- The low protein food is suitable for them as the protein might cause kidney damage.
- Fresh water
- Calcium supplements which are free from phosphorus.
Preferred Environment
Iguanas prefer large habitats which are similar to the natural environment.
The temperature ranging from 75 degree F to 80 degree F is preferred. For basking the iguanas need a temperature of about 95-100 degree F. Since you are housing your pet at home so instead of sunlight you can use basking bulbs like the ceramic heat emitters. Do not use the hot rocks as they might cause burns.
You need to provide a bulb that gives UVB rays too because if the pet does not receive enough UVB rays then it might face vitamin D deficiency. You can read more about How long can an iguana live without heat?
- There are two kinds of UVB bulbs that you can use. These are mercury bulbs and the fluorescent ones. You need to place he bulb at a distance of 12-18 inches of the basking area. You need not block the bulb with plastic or glass as it might filter the beneficial rays.
- You can use reptile carpet or the newspaper for the bedding purposes. Do not use wood as it might cause intestinal blockage.
- Provide vertical space to your pet too for climbing.
- Take fresh water and place it in the enclosure which will help the pet to stimulate defecation.
Preventive care for your pet
You need to take care of your pet in a proper way as it cannot tell you of it is sick or not.
- Take your pet for examination in routine for 12 months.
- Consult a vet who has experience in reptiles and ask any questions if you have.
- Examination for the parasital infection too.
- Blood tests as said by the doctor.
Beware of Medical disorder
Some of the disorders that might happen are:
- Bone disease
- Parasite infection
- Egg binding
- Abscesses
Be aware of your pet while handling it
While your iguana is wrapped up or you have clamped it in between your knees try trimming its claws. Make sure that it is able to breathe. After you complete one remove his feet. Use the nail clippers that are for dog or cat which will trim the nails properly and rounding them.
There might be some bleeding but it is normal. It will stop after some time and you should not trim the nails if you are not confident.
Also while you are handling your pet ensure that the tail in wrapped in a towel or is held gently. Since the baby iguanas are very fast hold them firmly and stay active to respond to its reactions. If your pet shows reluctance then back down.
When you are acquiring an iguana you need to see that there is a vet near you so that you can take proper care of it. Make sure that the vet knows how to treat reptiles. Also, you can stay in touch with the people who know about reptile and you can take advice from them regarding it.
When you get a new iguana you need you get it checked for any infections or parasites. There are medications which will help in controlling the infections and you can give it as directed by the vet.
Your pet is a resilient creature and it will stay strong if you will fulfill its needs and maintain proper temperature along with lightening. If your iguana falls ill then it might be difficult for you to bring it back to health. Some of the coon signs are:
- Your pet is losing weight and is not eating properly
- There is loss of color and darkness is there on the body
- Has not released waste since days
Conclusion
You need to be aware of all the requirements of your pet and the various things you need to avoid.
If you take proper care of your pet it will stay healthy. Do take it to the vet after regular intervals for a certain period. Check out the details regarding how to care of your pet from above.
