Iguana Care

     There are some basic things you need to know to take care of an iguana.
(Iguana health) .  Prices of Iguanas and other lizards.
 

     HEATING - Iguanas need a source of heat that never goes below 75 degrees
     Fahrenheit. Heat rocks or under cage heating pads are good sources of heat.  It is
     important to check the temperature regularly.  Black heat lamps are the best source of
     heating.  Some people use regular heat lamps.  Iguanas need darkness at night to
     sleep.  Their system will go haywire if they have constant light.

     LIGHTING - Iguanas need ultraviolet rays that are in natural sunlight. In the
     summertime, they can get sunlight by putting their cage by an open window so the glass
     doesn't filter the ultraviolet rays.  If you let the iguana out of the cage to soak in they
     rays, be sure you have a heavy duty screen on the window.  During the winter months,
     you will need a spotlight and full spectrum light.  The temperature should not exceed
     100 degrees Fahrenheit.  There should be enough area in the cage so the iguana can
     move around and get variations in temperature.

     HUMIDITY - Daily misting can get the level of humidity that an iguana needs. Do not
     mist at night. Iguanas need to be dry when the sun goes down or they will become
     chilled.  A large water can in the cage is very important.

     FOOD - There are things you need to feed your iguana to keep it healthy.  They like a
     variety of foods, so feed them more than a regular routine of foods.  They get bored
     very easily and will fast when not expected.  (Kinda like some kids!) A wide variety
     must be given to be sure your iguana gets all the necessary nutrients.

     These are foods that they like.

                               VEGETABLES
                            (10% -20% of the diet)
         Fresh vegetables are best.  If the vegetable is raw, it must be grated.  Canned
                   vegetables are ok, but never use frozen vegetables.

       The most popular vegetables are green beans, lima beans, asparagus, peas, carrots,
      black eyed peas, squash, okra, kidney beans, navy beans, butter beans and corn (once
                                 and a while).

                              LEAFY GREENS
                               (80% of the diet)

      These are the common leafy greens that iguanas eat: mustard greens, parsley, red leaf
       lettuce (only once in a while), dandelion, bean sprouts, collard greens, turnip greens,
             beet greens but not the beets, alfalfa sprouts and dandelion flowers.

                                   FRUIT
                            (10% or less of the diet)

       You can feed your iguana any fruit except citrus or bananas.  They do not like citrus,
      (oranges and grapefruit), bananas are too high in phosphorus.  They especially like red
                      fruit.  Kiwi is a good source for potassium.

                                JUNK FOOD
           (Use these only as treats, they don't hurt and iguanas like them.)
       Good treats are cooked rice, spaghetti, hard boiled eggs, noodles, plain yogurt and
                              whole wheat bread.

                    VITAMIN AND CALCIUM ADDITIVES

        It is important to find a good vitamin and calcium additive for your iguana.  Young
       iguanas need additives in every meal.  Older iguanas need them two or three times a
             week.  Your pet store should be able to recommend an additive.

     HANDLING - Most iguanas like being handled.  They will respond to voice once
     they get to know their owner.  A few iguanas do not like human contact. As they grow
     older, they will recognize you better.  If you have a room you can let the iguana loose in
     during the day, the iguana may become more friendly.  Don't give up on your iguana.

COST -Iguana - $17.00
                  Gecko - $69.99
                  Skunk Gecko $ 21.99
(A gecko is another lizard.  They feed on insects.  Geckos are not poisonous.)