New Article: Green Iguana Care & Natural History

[findiviglio]

Hi All,

The Green Iguana (Iguana iguana)is truly a study in contrasts. Captive-bred by the millions on farms in Latin America, the 7-inch-long hatchlings are widely considered to be suitable for novice reptile keepers. Indeed, with proper care, they mature into one of the most impressive and responsive of all reptilian pets. Yet these tropical lizards have very specific needs that must be met if they are to thrive, and their eventual size (4-6 feet) and potentially aggressive behaviors are serious considerations. Read article here: Green Iguana Care - Housing, Diet and Handling | That Reptile Blog

Comments and questions appreciated. As I do not place notices here each time I post a new article on That Reptile Blog, you may wish to check in periodically or subscribe; you can do so here That Reptile Blog. Please also check out my posts on Twitter Twitter.

Thanks, Frank
My Bio, with photos of animals I’ve been lucky enough to work with That Pet Place welcomes Zoologist/Herpetologist Frank Indiviglio to That Reptile Blog | That Reptile Blog
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[Owler]

Nice article, however I'm confused as to your list of food items. I switch between butternut squash, watercress and collard greens for staples - should I be feeding less squash? There are so many conflicting opinions on the internet with Iguana care!

Admire your work Frank, lots of very interesting articles on your blog

Here's my iggy, she's 11 and as you can tell from the picture can get quite soppy at times...

[findiviglio]

Hello Myles,

Thanks very much for the kind words.

There are variations of the basic diet that work well, but not much information as to details - "how much squash is too much", .etc. Iguanas have evolved to feed primarily upon leafy greens as opposed to vegetables, so providing a variety of these, is the safest route to go. The diets I've used for iguanas and related lizards generally included squash, zuccinni, etc on a regular basis, but in small amounts.

However, given that the animal is 11 and in good health,I hesitate to recommend much of a change (I once ran into a zoo visitor who fed her red eared slider candy and mints as daily treats - I was about to lecture her, but resisted when I learned the animal was 41 and had bred repeatedly!...many such stories). I would begin slowly introducing a variety of other greens such as those mentioned in the article and perhaps gradually cut back a bit, not drastically, on squash. Major, sudden changes could cause more harm than good, upset the digestive system, etc. Assuming there's been no major health problems, you are safe in continuing more or less as you have been.

Thanks again for your thoughts...please feel free to post on my blog as well, when you have a chance, Best, Frank