Building An Iguana cage - 6 Tips!

Iguanas are wild creatures that prefer to live in wide and large ecosystem. They stay high in the trees.

It is more for safety that they spend their day high up in trees, far away from predators and enemies. Iguanas have the talent to hide away from enemies. This is because they can jump from a great height without getting hurt.

Today, their lives are in danger. They are being eaten and caught by wild animals. Thus it is our duty to preserve them.

You can help iguanas from getting extinct in case you are a pet or animal lover by saving them from their predators. They can be taken as pets and brought up with great care and affection.

But this would need proper planning, here are some preliminary measures that have to be taken.

The first and foremost thing is to build an enclosure or a cage building an enclosure or cage. This can be done only if they feel home in the new cage you build.

Here are few tricks in building a nice home for you Iguanas:

1. Search for an enclosure that is secured and spacious. A big closet or a large room will be nice place where in they can roam. Artificial branches and plants can be hung for it to have the feel of a wild environment. The size should vary with age of the Iguana. A cage with no hole will be fine, else there are chances for them to escape. Once it grows you can keep changing the atmosphere to fit its requirement. This can be done once it gets habituated with the new home.
2. The air circulation is an important factor that has to be considered. A cheap comfy closet will be perfect to satisfy the need. For regulation of air a low-cost, quiet and a small fan can be used. The mildew can be prevented if there is proper regulation in the new cage. The humidity and temperature of the cage can be raised with circulation. The walls can be washed using bleach and water if in case a problem with mildew occurs.
3. A heating pad can be used in the night time to warm up the atmosphere. A bulb consuming less electricity can be used. A 75 watt light would do the job.
4. Give your Iguana time to adapt to the new home. They might hurt themselves or traumatize in a new home. Their reaction would be by scratching and rubbing the walls. It will be better that you spend the first few days with your Iguana. Try to create a bond with the pet till it gets used to the new environment.
5. The electrical connections have to be carefully placed. They are very intrusive creatures, you will find them trying to climb and jump hot light equipments and accessible wirings.
6.  Lastly, keep the cage far away from pests. The left over foods should be removed as early as possible.

The process of building a home for Iguana can fun and simple. You will have an accurate for your Iguana by just following the above given steps.

[Continue reading...]

The Iguana Cage

Iguanas are usually small in size. But sometimes they are so huge in size that they would require more space to roam about. Thus you need to learn to build a proper cage.

The aspect to be given importance is the size. The cage must be very spacious because they are reptiles who originally belong to the wild life.

There are people who believe that the growth of Iguana can be restricted to the size of the cage. This concept seems silly and is definitely untrue. The growth of Iguanas is faster in the first quarter and slows down gradually.

So it is better to make sure that proper space and resources are available before you buy an Iguana. Consider this; a newly born Iguana can fill a 60 gallon spaced aquarium in just a year's healthy growth.

A small and tiny cage is sufficient for an Iguana from its birth to a period of six months. A tiny aquarium is enough but you should be mentally ready to invest for the second time because after 6 months of age Iguana grows at a faster pace.

The humidity and temperature of the cage must also be considered before you build one. Iguanas are generally cold blooded so it must be ensured that the cage is warm enough and at the same time not too hot.

The installation of a basking point with temperature varying from 89 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit must not be forgotten and air temperature must be around 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Different parts of the cage should have different temperatures for the regulation of air and for the stability of body temperature.

Fluorescent tubes or mercury vapor lamps can be used to provide such conditions. The usage of hot rocks is also suggested. This idea is definitely against vegetarians. If they burn Iguana then it might culminate to severe bruises and infection or even death.

The cage should be assisted with proper humidity. A humidity range of 65 to 70 will do for an appropriate Iguana cage. A humidifier can do the job of providing necessary level of humidity. If not affordable, spraying water at regular intervals would be just fine.

The humidity can also be controlled by placing a big bowl of water in the cage.

The digestion process is assisted by certain lighting conditions in the cage. This helps in their survival. Sunrays contain ultra violet light that assists the growth of the Iguana. They perform several functions given below.

UVB and UVA lights are required in large amounts for their survival. The UVB helps in producing the vitamin D3 that is an important component required for the digestion process. The UVA promotes their natural behavior.

The most accessible and cheap way to provide UV rays is by letting sunlight into the cage. By providing windows the can be exposed to sunlight. These are certain aspects to note.

It is tough to create such a cage like that of a biodiversity at home but if these help in their healthy survival, they can as well be provided happily.

In case you decide to have a giant Iguana as a pet then one has to be mentally prepared for the arrangements he or she has to make. They are already on the verge of becoming extinct and hence buying them and not treating them well will not be fair on our part. So decide well before you are sure to have an Iguana as a pet.

[Continue reading...]

Green Iguanas Myths

There are many myths related to green iguanas. Many of these myths can prove quite harmful to the iguanas as it can interfere with the ability of a person to take care of the iguana. Many of these do not prove to be harmful but a few of these can prove vital to the healthy well being of an iguana. The following are a few common myths related to iguanas which you should give some importance to:

1. Green iguanas can be fed with lettuce – it is also partly right. It can be fed with lettuce with no second thought since vegetarian diets are best suited for iguanas. But you should be careful on not to make it a regular diet as most of the salad lettuce have only a little amount of nutritional value. Many realize this when it is already late to have a change in the diet of the iguana. A main reason for this is that a green iguana used to lettuce as its main diet will continue to feed on lettuce even if its diet is added with better food. Vegetables with high nutritional value such as turnip greens, collards and mustard greens must be added to your iguana’s main diet if you are focusing on the proper care of the iguanas.
2. Iguana’s growth will be constrained to the size of their cages – many people have this notion that if you keep iguanas in smaller cages then they will have shunted growth. To keep their iguana in handy sizes, definitely this idea will not work in the case of the green iguanas. A healthy green iguana which has been taken care of properly can show a growth of up to six feet. Hence keeping green iguanas in smaller cages will make its life very uncomfortable.
3. 3) Gravel is consumed by iguanas to help in their digestion – this myth is one of the most dangerous. To help their green iguanas in digesting its food, many people place gravel or small pebble to its enclosure. But accidental consumption of these materials may end up killing your iguana. Therefore accidental or purposely feeding gravel to your iguanas should be avoided.
4. Hot rocks are the best for heating – a few cages of green iguanas contain hot rocks as a few people think hot rocks will help maintain iguana’s body temperature. You should keep in mind that iguanas are actually cold blooded animals and when they are very close to hot rocks they have a risk of being cooked to death. The best heating equipment for your green iguana cages would be the special lighting which is available at most of the pet stores.
5. Pet food, insects and many animal products can be a part of iguana’s diet – many of them still say that iguanas should also be provided with animal proteins. However green iguanas are best kept on herbivorous diets. The metabolism and the body of a green iguana are best destined to utilize plant products most effectively. Animal proteins can pose many health problems to it. Gouts will be developed iguanas on the excessive diet of animal proteins.Serious kidney problems will also be a part of it. Wild iguanas eat insects only due to accidental mix up with its food.

These are just a few of the most important myths related to green iguanas. These truths about myths will help you to give best care to your green iguanas.

[Continue reading...]

Giant Green Iguana

The "in" thing among the reptile family is the giant green Iguanas. They are the most known reptiles that are in most households taken care of and are held captive in many places. So it is not going to be surprising if the demand for these giant Iguanas goes above that of the usual dogs or cats.

The word "giant" makes us to imagine a real huge Iguana. But they are the normal size when young and then they slowly grow to their maximum size. Hence it would be a waste to get the young ones accessories that can turn up worthless.

Thus the giant green Iguanas don't mean the literal sense. They grow to their maximum size only if one knows how to bring them up. Let's see about how we can do that.

A healthiest Iguana has to chosen for a start. Alert and active Iguanas can be considered to be healthy because such features can be easily found. Their body parts and others have to be checked. They must be carefully chosen without scratches, lumps or bumps. They should basically appear round and healthy to a lay man's eye.

The difference between a healthy and an unhealthy  Iguana  can be found out in their movements. A stagnant and dormant Iguana shows they aren't healthy. A very curious and active Iguana can be easily found out. You can find them constantly roaming in search of something or the other. Their eyes appear round and the tongue must flick constantly in and out.

The selection should not be on the basis of calm and composed nature of Iguanas thinking it will help us in bringing them up easily. Picking a sick Iguana with pity should as well not be done. These reptiles may even remain sick throughout. Hence it is important to chose an active Iguana as a pet.

The next criterion to be thought of is to give it a comfortable and suitable home. The size of the aquarium will depend upon the size and bulkiness of your Iguana. The young ones would require around 10 to 30 galloon aquarium.

A ready made cage would be the best idea to start off with. It will help in lessening the transfer aspects as your Iguana grows. Transferring from cage to cage would be difficult at one point of time. Even if the cage seems too large it will become apt at a stage. Because as Iguanas grow bigger and bigger they would require larger room to roam about.

The aspect of food is very important when it comes to bringing up Iguanas. The young ones have to be invariably fed everyday. At later stages the food can be restricted to once in two days depending upon the situation.

Feeding them green leafy plants would be preferred than non vegetarian stuff. A balanced and healthy diet is ensured this way. Care should be taken in feeding else problems like fat, lazy and obese.

Female Iguanas usually don't eat the food we serve. This usually happens when they are about to give birth. The lost appetite returns after the process of laying eggs. It is good to have your Iguanas thin and energetic.

When the necessary steps are taken you can find your Iguana growing healthy and active. It is important that you act on every aspect to give your Iguana a greater lifespan.

[Continue reading...]

Albino Iguana- Learning To Feed Them

Albino Iguanas rely on environment for survival. They are creatures that are very sensitive. Albino iguana as a pet has to be properly treated in every aspect that it survives in you captivity.

The important factor for bringing them up is the food that they must be given. Feeding them appropriate is the responsibility of the owner. They must be taken proper care. The following paragraphs give a detail on what, when, how and where an Albino Iguana should be fed.

Scientifically Iguanas are herbivores and hence their diet should mainly contain green leafy plants. But still, there are people who feed their iguanas with animal proteinacious  food and insects. They are very sensitive and even a minor fault can cause a major disorder.

It is only by accident that Iguanas eat insects. When there are insects on the plant that iguana feeds on then it so happens that they ultimately consume both. This is what we see on magazines and televisions. They are proven to be herbivores.

Vegetables are recommended to be fed than insects and animal proteins. These are valuable suggestions given by veterinarians and experts. The physical health of your Iguana can be improved this way.

Albino iguanas also require water, hence make sure that you provide them clean water. While drinking water they usually dip their heads into the glass, so make sure that you provide it a tall glass of fresh water. They can sometimes be seen quenching thirst by licking off small droplets of water from plants.

Fresh water must always be supplied to iguanas. They must not be fed with remaining vegetables because there are chances for their digestive systems to be affected. It might culminate to a sickness or sometimes death.

A regular basis should be taken to feed iguanas. It has to be fed everyday and the most appropriate time to feed it would be an hour after it is awake. Feeding at regular intervals throughout the day can be done but in small quantities. It should never be fed immense before sleep.

Feeding them in the morning helps in the process of digestion. The morning temperature is the most suitable and it gives the right environment for the digestion of food.

The bulkiness and size of the Iguana will give you an idea about how much you have to feed them. You can feed them how much ever they want. This will also help you note their appetite.

Food for Albino Iguanas should be given in shallow bowls made of plastic, glass or ceramic and must be regularly cleaned. It should be sturdy to hold it and should be safe from tripping.

There are varieties of leafy vegetables available hence you can feed them interesting. This will make them feel home and healthy. They are known to consume variety of wild flowers and fruits.

It is important that a proper sunshine and lighting is made available for Iguanas. Sunrays have calcium that help them digest their food.

Thus feed the Albino iguana the right food and in proper amounts to keep them hail and healthy.

[Continue reading...]

The Rhinoceros Iguanas

One of the largest of all the iguanas, rhinoceros iguanas can reach four feet in length. Their name is attributed to the three horn-like outgrowths on the end of their nose. They are gray or olive green in color, with dark cross bands, which blends in with the rocks of their natural habitat. As cold-blooded reptiles, these iguanas must warm up under the sun before being active during the day (diurnal.) Iguanas of the cyclura genus are found on many Caribbean islands, but the rhinoceros iguana is found only in the islands of Haiti and the Dominican republic.

Rhinoceros iguanas eat leaves, flowers and fruit. They have been observed to eat insects, land crabs, eggs. They are normally ground dwelling lizard, but they will climb trees at times to eat leaves and fruits.

They are primarily found near coastlines of Hispaniola in Haiti. However, due to due human civilization, many were forced to relocate inland. Majority of the populations live in the southern portions of the Dominican Republic. Smaller populations live in neighboring Haiti. They are protected and a threatened species in the Dominican Republic. In Haiti, where they are sometimes hunted for food or local trade.

Habitat destruction and hunting for food and trade constitutes the largest threat to the rhinoceros iguana.

Caring for Rhino Iguanas as Pets
A rhino iguana may require a standard 30 - 50 gallon tank.  But as it grows, a custom-built cage may be necessary.  The size of the cage will depend on the size of the iguana.  To compute for the ideal size for a particular iguana:  cage length is one and one half of the lizard length; width is two thirds of the lizard length; height may be equal to the lizard length.  A higher cage though may be preferred as iguanas love to climb and stay up. Branches may be set-up inside the cage for their climbing necessities.  Choose branches that will match the size your iguana.

Rhino iguanas need to heat their bodies to properly digest food and to help them fight diseases. A thermometer may be used to monitor the temperature in any enclosed area.  Ideal temperature should reach around 85 degrees Fahrenheit.  Additional heat may be supplied by a spotlight, heat tape or any undertank heaters.  Hot rocks are not recommended for they can damage your iguana's skin and may even cause serious burns.

Lighting is a must for iguanas.  Full-spectrum bulbs help produce Vitamin D3 helping iguanas in their calcium absorption.  However, recent studies show that no artificial lighting can ever duplicate the benefits derived from natural sunlight.   It is therefore recommended that iguanas be exposed to natural sunlight on a regular basis.  Natural sunlight coupled with good diet is the cheaper way to raise rhino iguana.  Be wary though not to expose the iguana to sunlight while inside the aquarium as the temperature rise inside may be lethal.

Proper feeding must always be a major consideration in handling your rhino iguanas.  Always remember that the health and well-being of your pet iguana will largely depend on the kind of food that you give them.  Iguanas require a diet rich in Vitamin D3, calcium and phosphorus. Good source for these are greens such as mustard greens, dandelion greens and turnip greens. Iguanas are by nature, herbivores.  They are plant eaters.  Dog food, cat food and human food should be avoided.  These are not good for the iguanas and can result to kidney failure at their young age.  Broccoli, cauliflower, sprouts and cabbages can be given but in small amounts. These vegetables can cause thyroid problem if frequently given.  Spinach is also not good for them, it binds calcium.  Other vegetables such as zucchini and squash, and other fruits, like raspberries, blackberries and bananas can be added to their diet.

While it is important to monitor the temperature surrounding of the rhino iguana, it is equally important to check on the humidity.  They need water and humidity.  Regular misting or a humidifier will help maintain humidity to proper level. Ideally, enclosures should maintain humidity level of about 95 - 100 percent.  A gauge which monitors both temperature and humidity can help address this monitoring.

[Continue reading...]

Red Iguana And Their Care

The iguana family is considered the largest among the lizard families. Though the most common are green iguanas, there are also those with different colors including the red iguanas. One of the most popular red iguanas is the red-side skink. These are found in the forest habitat of Southern and Eastern Africa.

Caring for the Red Iguana
A red Iguana can stay in a 30 gallon aquarium. They may vary in size and styles made of glass, metal or wood. The basic requirement for keeping their cage is cleanliness. Keep it free from dirt, soil and loose barks as they may be contaminated and the iguana may ingest them. They must be supplied with appropriate supply of food and water. The cage must be provided with branches and twigs, rocks but must be disinfected to prevent infections.

Iguanas must be properly groomed. Bathing is a pleasant activity. It can be done using lukewarm water. Care must be given as not to surprise or panic iguanas during bathing.

Iguanas must be handled carefully and frequently to tame them. They show fondness on the pet owners who handles them regularly. They should be touched and held gently 3 times a day for fifteen minutes each. They like being stroke on their back and neck. However, be mindful that Iguanas are animals, that they can be aggressive at times. It may take patience and consistency in taming them.

Iguanas are herbivores so they should be fed with varieties of vegetables and fruits. The majority of the food intake must be more on the leafy vegetables. Limitation must be on protein rich foods. They should be fed everyday.

Water is very essential so it must be readily available. Normally they get water content only through the plants they consume. They need water regularly to prevent being dehydrated as they expose themselves to the required body heat.

If proper care and diet is not given to Iguanas, they may contract disease. Some of the ailments that iguanas may contract are:

Back leg and tail paralysis - This is due to vitamin B1 deficiency. This needs Veterinarian attention who will administer injection of essential vitamin and minerals.

Nose Abrasions - Attempts to get out of their cage may cause abrasions to their nose and face. Usually they rub their noses on the corners of their aquarium. The abrasions may be caused by broken glass, wires, loose metals, pointed objects. This may be avoided regular inspection of their cage and removing any potential harm to the iguana.

Heat Injuries - These are usually acquired due to contact with heating apparatus provided for the iguanas for their cage. Typical causes are hot light bulbs, hot rocks. Care and attention must be observed in installing heat supply for the cage.

Bacterial Infection - This can set in generally if the cage is unkempt, damp and dirty. Gangrene may set in with their toes and tails where the bacteria usually attack.

Parasites - As a result also of unsanitized surrounding and unsanitary food preparation. Parasites may settle in the internal organs of the iguana like the gastrointestinal tract. This case may cause death if left untreated in the early stage.

Organ failure - Organ failure may set in due to age. But that comes after a decade or more. This can occur also due to bacterial infection. Symptoms will be weight loss, loss of appetite, inactivity and bloating.

Egg Binding - This is typical to female iguanas when they fail to let their eggs come out of their reproductive tracts.

[Continue reading...]