How to Sex baby iguanas?
There are 2 ways to determine gender at that stage of iguana development, and none of them involve the animal's appearance at all. The first is by cloacal probe (one gender has a deeper cloaca than the other) and is mildly dangerous to the animal at the best of times, especially if done by an untrained individual. The other option is to have Zoogen incorporated analyze the DNA of your animal. I have included their website in my sources. The DNA is obtained as a blood sample and sent to the company on an index card. Their website explains everything, and I know from personal experience they do a good job.
Green iguana questions?
You have inadequate heat and UV in your set-up..... Heating should be provided by a roof-mounted 150 watt or 250 watt ceramic heat emitter: http://www.petsolutions.com/images/Produ... or a reptile radiator http://reptilekeeping.co.uk/images/euror... connect either device to a thermostat set at 75ºF. The probe should be sited ½-way off the floor at the opposite end of the vivarium to the heater [the cool end]. It is ESSENTIAL that the heater is protected by a mesh guard to prevent your lizard burning itself: http://www.customguards.co.uk/wp-content... or http://www.customguards.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/wpsc/product_images/reptile-radiator-guard-white.jpg Day-time Ultra-Violet light, "normal" white light and basking spot heat should be provided by a 160 watt mercury vapour UV & Heat Lamp such as the Zoo Med PowerSun lamp. This should also have a guard over it and switched on from 12 to 14 hours a day. http://styr-paa-dyr.dk/upload/Krybdyr/Exo_Terra_Solar_Glo.jpg ======================================... Baby iguanas need LOTS of calcium carbonate as they grow fast and are prone to Metabolic Bone Disease. Use the ones without vitamin D3 as it is toxic when given orally over a long period. Use Rep-Cal Calcium without D3 http://s3.amazonaws.com/tc-photos/11442/product/standard/105556.jpg or Fluker’s Calcium Without D3 http://www.petsolutions.com/images/Products/91173017.jpg ALL food should be dusted liberally wit this powder and a small bowl of dry powder left in the vivarium for the lizard to "help your self" as it feels the need for extra. 2 days a week use a light sprinkling of reptile multivitamin powder instead of the calcium, such as Rep-Cal Herptivite Multivitamin with Beta Carotene http://www.petmountain.com/photos/product/giant/114420S519600/-/3-3-oz.jpg .
Iguana .... baby to adult (see pictures) (also other questions about them)?
I really think you need to do as much research beforehand. Iguanas are not recommended for novice reptile owners, however, it can be done. I would actually recommend just getting ONE because their enclosures will need to be very large. At least 4feet wide x 6feet tall. And no, you can not house two together because they are VERY territorial and may potentially fight at any moment, without warning. Don't risk it. It's not worth it. If you're going to get two or more, you better have the money and space for multiple large enclosures. They grow VERY fast as well. They can reach full length (5-6 feet) around the two year mark (give or take) under great care. (Their growth rate slows down as they age; juveniles grow nearly 2 inches a month) And you are correct, they do not need insects in their diet. Give him a mixture of collard, mustard, dandelion greens and vegetables. But google and find what plants/veggies are safe for iguanas. Handle your iguana as much as possible and do NOT back down when they threaten to bite or tail whip (but be careful).. When a person backs down, it trains them that all they need to do is threaten you and they will be left alone. So keep handling them gently by supporting their body weight on your forearm. Also hand feed them and give them treats (such as banana pieces, etc) and they will hopefully grow to gain your trust. When I first trained my iguana, I would put on a pair of gloves because my skin was constantly scratched up from his nails and it would act as a small barrier from a potential bite. But after awhile, you get accustomed to it. I wish you good luck on your purchase and plans. Just do as much research as possible because iguanas are not easy pets. They require a lot of time and patience; more than most people think as unfortunately many iguanas suffer because of it. And the most importantly, make sure you provide the accurate heat temperatures and the most important UVB florescent tubing. (ReptiSUN 10.0 is most recommended) Without this bulb, your iguana will get sick and eventually die. They cannot live without UVB rays.
Baby iguana has burn on head?
When I first got my baby iguana (about a month ago) I didnt realize the UV light was too close. Next thing I know (the same day i got him) his head was starting to turn black. Of course I quickly fixed the problem! It is fine now, but his head has not changed back to its normal color. I didnt do anything to the burn because it wasnt sever. Heres a picture: http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/8189/... Any suggestions?
Can Iguanas eat baby chickens?
I live in Puerto Rico, Caribbean island. The weather here averages 85 degress and 50 in winter months. My farm (see my blog then MyFarm album) is surrounded by heavy vegetation. One small river runs along this land. Here, I've seen 2 kinds of lizzards. The small ones that never measure more than 3-4 inches and a larger one 12 inches the most running outside in the wild, grey color. There are no other wild animals in this area. Other than monkeys in the south of this island, not near my farm. Maybe this extra information can help you?
What do baby iguanas eat?
I will assume you mean green iguanas. This species is 100% vegetarian, so their diet should consist of fresh greens, vegetables, and (to a lesser degree) fruit. But they cannot live on lettuce alone, so which greens and vegetables you feed should be picked because of their nutritional value. Below is a list of good foods from my blog, Much Ado About Chameleons. Do not use cheap iguana pellets from the pet store or insects.In addition to this, make sure to sprinkle some plain calcium powder lightly over the food bowl every day, to help build strong bones.Best IngredientsFood items that are high in calcium but low in phosphorous, oxalates, and/or goitrogens.Mustard Greens, Turnip Greens, Collard Greens, Dandelion Leaves, Hibiscus Leaves or Flowers, Mulberry leaves, Grape Leaves, Escarole Lettuce, Squash – either Butternut or Spaghetti, Papaya, Watercress, Alfalfa, Orange, Carrot, Arugula, Basil, Apple, Spirulina, Dried, Seaweed/Kelp, Flax Seeds, Sesame Seeds, Bee Pollen.Good to OK IngredientsFood items that are moderately high in calcium and moderately low in phosphorous, oxalates, and/or goitrogensKale, Sweet Potato, Mango, Green Beans, Blueberries, Strawberries, Zucchini, Whole Bran, Barley, Oats, Wheat Germ, High-Quality Money or Iguana Food (low in animal protein.)Poor IngredientsAvoid these food items completely or use them in extreme moderation. These items may be too low in calcium, high in phosphorous, oxalates, and/or goitrogens, or animal fat and protein. Broccoli, Cabbage, Bok Choy, Watercress, Spinach, Soy, Apricots, Figs, Kiwi, Asparagus, Dog/Cat/Fish Food, Eggs, Meat, Dead Insects, Vertebrates, Iceberg Lettuce
I'm AFRAID of my son's baby IGUANA! How hard do they bite?
I am keeping a baby iguana for a few months until my son gets his own place. During this time I want to work on training and socializing (of course) as I've raised many animals including birds and know that this is extremely important. When I bought my ferret years ago, the first day it bit me so hard I cried and thought *what did i get myself into...I just paid $150 for an animal im now afraid to touch!* Well...I did research and did fine with training her, altho the bites at first were painful lol. NOW here I am with a baby iguana, the perfect time to train/work with him/her...but im afraid to open the cage. Please just answer how severe the bites are, and if I take him out of the cage to hold, will he try to get away? Like and hide? DO NOT answer my question if you are going to use this opportunity to LECTURE me, or make yourself feel smart by being rude to me. I am one of the few responsible pet owners out there, and I am asking for help- so be helpful or move on to another question:)
Do you like iguanas?
I absolutely love iguanas, and though I would love to have one as a pet some day, I know that I shouldn’t unless I can provide a perfect home, heat humidity, huge terrarium (and I mean huge) and lot’s of care. I love that iguanas are herbivores because in my experience I hate feeding live and dead animals and insects to the other carnivores I’ve had. I love how beautiful they are, and how large they get, and how loving they can be in the right environment. But the same way that I am against lions and tigers being kept captive as pets or otherwise, I also dislike the idea of reptiles and birds being kept captive. Naturally I hold an exception for sick animals, and those who have been illegally captured and cannot be reintroduced into their natural habitat, but I am strictly against the purchase of any reptile that isn’t a rescue animal. Cats and Dogs are pets, as they have been for thousands of years, and I believe that they gain something from being with a person that they do not have in the wild as strays, however animals like iguanas, and any other mostly wild animal (that haven’t been kept as pets for millennia) should remain as wild animals, cool though they may be, and possibly loving, and despite the possibility of them dying in the wild in some awful way, keeping such an animal in a sub-par environment is not only cruel it is unjustifiable. Unless one can provide a home that rivals that from which they come in the wild I do not believe they should be kept in captivity. But I can say with happiness, I love Iguanas, such amazing animals, and though I myself will likely never have one (unless I can provide an adequate home for a rescue) I enjoy seeing them in the wild, and watching their behavior through nature documentaries and videos.