Iguanas as Pets
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By :
Eric Lorence
Submitted
2008-05-13 09:12:46 |
There are a many people who adore iguanas and end up buying baby iguanas out of pure emotion. But then when these baby iguanas grow larger than expected, they look to give them away. If the iguanas are given the utmost care, they are likely to grow very large. It is vital to know that some iguanas can grow to weigh 20-50 pounds, in fact, even larger than some cats and dogs! If you do intend to keep an iguana as part of your family, it is essential to know the basics of iguana care.
The Selection of Iguana
If you intend to choose an iguana as a pet, it is important to get the iguana that looks active and alert. But make sure that your choice will fear human interaction. The iguana of your choice must possess bright and clear eyes, must be free from any sort of abrasion, sores, scratches, and any from of marks, and should be in general good health. Be aware that many exotic animals, as Iguanas, sometimes are abused and mistreated in the process of transport to market.
Ensure also that the iguana that you are to buy is not in any way covered with chemicals or other pollutants that signify a dirty environment. A toxic environment means the presence of bacteria and the possible outbreak of a disease that can harm the health of the iguana.
The Housing of the Iguana
For starters, the iguana can be kept in a tank that measures about 30 to 50 gallons. During its entire growth, it will be necessary to have a custom built cage for your pet. It is important that the cage should be higher since iguanas love to jump around. The cage bottom cover is also another important consideration. The cover can be an orchid bark, indoor or outdoor carpeting, an artificial turf, a newspaper, or an alfalfa pellets. Remember that wood chips or barks are unadvisable, as they tend to attract insects and termites. Meanwhile, those cedar chips can be toxic too.
It is better that you set up some branches to allow the climbing sprees of the iguanas. Take note that they are tree-dwelling lizards. The branches must be able to hold on the size of your pet iguana. Hot rocks are likewise not recommended as a substitute for the lighting of the tank.
The Heating Technique
Iguanas should be maintained warm so that proper digestion of their food will be allowed. This technique will also save them from diseases. A good type of thermometer must be placed inside the tank so as to monitor the temperature of the house. There should be a basking spot that has a temperature of between 95-100 degrees F. One of the best heat sources that you can opt for is a spotlight. Other options include the undertank heaters, heat tape, or ceramic lights. Some recovering iguanas will need warmer temperatures especially at night.
Food and Nutrition
As with all pets, a proper diet is essential for your Iguanas health and well being. The green Iguanas are plant-eaters. Any kind of animal protein should not be feed to them. They may like the pizza and junk food treats but these food will do them no good and will henceforth subject them to kidney failures. Vegetables must be given to them in minimal quantities. Spinach is a NO NO to them.
The diet required for iguanas are foods that contain high content of calcium, vitamin D3, and low in phosphorous. High quality, commercial iguana food can also be made part of their diet.
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Author Resource:-
E. S. Lorence is a free lance writer, author, and Internet entrepreneur
based in Alpharetta, GA.
He is also a premier resident expert at-
href="http://www.thoughtsearch.com/">THOUGHTSEARCH.COM
Read more about Iguana care here,
href="http://www.thoughtsearch.com/needssearch/index.php?main_page=prod
uct_info&cPath=92&products_id=268">The Ultimate Iguana Handbook
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