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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Pet Iguanas

Iguanas are one of the most popular reptile pets in the world. As required for pet owners to acquire animals for caring, they need to learn the characteristics of the reptile from its anatomy, feeding requirement and habitat.

The enthusiasm one has for a new pet of any kind often wears off quickly if the animal is no longer healthy and finds them experiencing problems. It only takes understanding and education to prevent those problems to make life easy and happy for both owners and pets

If you have already decided to obtain an Iguana as a pet, there are a few facts to keep in mind. The longevity of the animal is up to 15 years in captivity, the size of adults reach up to 6 feet in length. There are basic and important dietary requirements to consider.  It is also important to understand that these animals are capable of inflicting injury on their owners. Though it is established there are more cases domestic dog biting than there are the number of Iguanas in the United States, it is safe to bear in mind that the iguana pet is a wild animal regardless of how much you think it is not.

The availability of farm raised Iguanas from Central and South America has drastically reduced the price, increased the quantity available, and generally increased the health of the babies arriving into the United States as well as other countries.   These facts make it easier than ever to obtain a healthy animal to start, or to expand your reptilian collection!

The area that needs major attention is the diet of Iguanas. As popularly known, the iguanas are herbivore. To be more specific Iguana is actually a folivore, which means animals that primarily eat leaves.  It's natural habitat are branches of trees and there is no evidence that Iguanas, young or old, eat insects etc. For they do not possess any predatory capability like jumping or quick movements to capture fast moving insects.  Besides iguana simply cannot properly metabolize anything other than leaves.  Iguana has a digestive system that is known as a "Hind- Gut fermenter".  Meaning they use the lower intestinal tract to produce vitamins and absorb it's ingested food.   Fiber is a critical component of their diet.  It changes as the animal matures. Approximately, fiber should be no less than 16% of their diet.

Body temperature plays an important role for Iguanas to digest their foods.  In their habitat the Iguanas seek a sunny basking spot to raise their body temperatures to around 98 degrees Fahrenheit.   When they achieve the required body temperature they will begin to feed. The proper body temperature helps the animal in digesting its food.

During captivity, it is important to provide pet iguanas with the proper heating equipment to maintain required temperature.

The rate at which Iguanas eat is a function of its health, environment and age.

If junk foods are for children, junk food for the Iguanas is fruits.  It is equally as hard to get most common Iguanas to eat their greens instead of cantaloupe.

Dark leafy greens comprise the majority of Iguana's diet.   Minimize intake of spinach, parsley and kale. These greens contain oxalate which blocks Iguana's ability to absorb calcium.  There is still ongoing research proves this issue, but it is probably safe to avoid these greens.

Young iguanas should be fed daily.  In their natural habitat, these animals feed several times per day.  As they mature the frequency of meals decreases.   They have no ability to chew food; they bite off chunks of greenery and swallow it whole.  Therefore in captivity, It is important to chop all their food to a size that can be handled by your iguanas.

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Iguana's Ecological Environment

Green iguanas are known to be the most popular and largest lizard pet that inhabits primarily in most of the U.S.A. Their natural habitat is located in tropical forests in Central and South Africa, the Caribbean  and Eastern Pacific. They are also a natural breed in Florida and Hawaii .

Physical Attributes of the Green Iguana

After being hatched as a baby iguana their length is already about 17 to 25 centimeters. The reptile could grow fast at a rate of achieving 5 to 7 ft in 4 years provided they are given the right nutrition and caring as a pet. Its weight on the other hand could reach up to weight of 4 to 8 kg .

The color green of green iguanas are achieved upon adulthood. At younger stages, their color varies from brown to green. Their color also changes depending on their mood, temperature and health condition.

One of the trademark features of an iguana is its dewlap located below the throat. This is more prominent in the males than the female green iguanas.

The eyes of the iguanas are in lateral position with respect to their head. Meaning they are at the sides like those of fish. One unique about the iguana is its possession of a third eye. This photo sensory organ is also responsible for triggering hormone production for reproduction. Sensitive to light changes, it does recognize images, having only a rudimentary retina and lens. It is visible as a gray or white spot on the top of some lizard's heads referred to as "pineal eye" or "third eye."

Green iguanas love to stay on top of trees. The young iguanas tend to stay at the lower part of the trees, while the older ones prefer the top canopies to hunt for food and get more sunlight. They love waters. They stay on trees near a body of water, as it is their way of escape from their predator.

The females only go down the tree to dig its burrows and lay eggs. The burrows are dug to about 45 cm to 1m deep. It takes 65 days from conception before an iguana lays its eggs.  It takes them about 3 days to lay which could total from 10 to 30 eggs. The size and quantity of the eggs depends on the mother iguana's size. They are sociable mothers who shares nest with other iguanas especially when there are limited available spots for nesting. Unlike other egg laying animals, iguanas does not brood its egg. They just get back to the nest regularly to inspect. The incubation period lasts to about 90 to 120 days. Temperature ranges from 85 to 91 deg F. The hatchlings use their special teeth called caruncle to crack their eggs.

Iguanas could live at an average of 10 to 12 years up to a maximum of 20 years if they are fed and taken cared of in captivity. Iguanas that live in the wilds are believed to survive its harsh environment only to about 8 years. Care and proper nutrition must be observed in keeping the iguanas as pets. They require a diet of vegetables and fruits rich in Phosphorous, Calcium and vitamin D. Bananas rich in Potassium is a favorite.

Room temperature that must be observed must be 80 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. The basking temperature they need from the sun ranges from 90 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit while the regular air temperature they are accustomed is no lower than 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Being cold blooded reptiles, they need that much heat. It is part of their normal body metabolism especially their digestive system. Without the proper surrounding temperature, iguanas will not be able to digest their food properly and trigger to cause illness which may compound to more health issues eventually. Iguanas like other animals do sleep. Therefore it is necessary that his surroundings be able to provide total darkness during the night without jeopardizing the required temperature.

Iguanas must not be allowed to roam free around the house in cold places and live on its own. They might be exposed to long period of cold temperature only to find out it is too late the reverse the situation. By the time the problem is noticed these pet may have already contracted bone diseases that are often incurable.

Iguanas eat leaves and flowers. If you feed them with diet that is too rich in protein and carbohydrates, they will soon become unhealthy and sickly

It is necessary to replicate iguanas' natural habitat to ensure their survival in their protective artificial homes. Before deciding to keep an iguana, acquire first the knowledge about its biophysical anatomy, healthcare, eating traits and food requirements. Lastly and most important, learn the basics of its surroundings and provide an accurate replication of its natural environment.

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Characterizing The Green Iguanas

Green iguanas are known to be the most popular and largest lizard pet that inhabits primarily in most of the U.S.A. Their natural habitat is located in tropical forests in Central and South Africa, the Caribbean  and Eastern Pacific. They are also a natural breed in Florida and Hawaii .

Physical Attributes of the Green Iguana

After being hatched as a baby iguana their length is already about 17 to 25 centimeters. The reptile could grow fast at a rate of achieving 5 to 7 ft in 4 years provided they are given the right nutrition and caring as a pet. Its weight on the other hand could reach up to weight of 4 to 8 kg .

The color green of green iguanas are achieved upon adulthood. At younger stages, their color varies from brown to green. Their color also changes depending on their mood, temperature and health condition.

One of the trademark features of an iguana is its dewlap located below the throat. This is more prominent in the males than the female green iguanas.

The eyes of the iguanas are in lateral position with respect to their head. Meaning they are at the sides like those of fish. One unique about the iguana is its possession of a third eye. This photo sensory organ is also responsible for triggering hormone production for reproduction. Sensitive to light changes, it does recognize images, having only a rudimentary retina and lens. It is visible as a gray or white spot on the top of some lizard's heads referred to as "pineal eye" or "third eye."

Green iguanas love to stay on top of trees. The young iguanas tend to stay at the lower part of the trees, while the older ones prefer the top canopies to hunt for food and get more sunlight. They love waters. They stay on trees near a body of water, as it is their way of escape from their predator.

The females only go down the tree to dig its burrows and lay eggs. The burrows are dug to about 45 cm to 1m deep. It takes 65 days from conception before an iguana lays its eggs.  It takes them about 3 days to lay which could total from 10 to 30 eggs. The size and quantity of the eggs depends on the mother iguana's size. They are sociable mothers who shares nest with other iguanas especially when there are limited available spots for nesting. Unlike other egg laying animals, iguanas does not brood its egg. They just get back to the nest regularly to inspect. The incubation period lasts to about 90 to 120 days. Temperature ranges from 85 to 91 deg F. The hatchlings use their special teeth called caruncle to crack their eggs.

Iguanas could live at an average of 10 to 12 years up to a maximum of 20 years if they are fed and taken cared of in captivity. Iguanas that live in the wilds are believed to survive its harsh environment only to about 8 years. Care and proper nutrition must be observed in keeping the iguanas as pets. They require a diet of vegetables and fruits rich in Phosphorous, Calcium and vitamin D. Bananas rich in Potassium is a favorite.

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Portrayal Of Marine Iguanas

Land iguanas live on trees and stays on top to bask in the sun to normalize their body temperature. They are look similar to and could be mistaken as ordinary lizards if not for its size which is much larger. These tree dwelling lizards are agile and are good swimmers. Most often they stay on trees where there is a body of water nearby. The water is always its escape when they are threatened by predators. Being fast movers they also transfer from one place to the other. Sometimes they can be spotted crossing a road.

The Marine Iguana (Amblyrhynchus cristatus) however moved not as fast but they are better swimmers and they stay in seawater coastlines as their home because they live on eating algae. The iguana can only be found only on the Galapagos Islands The entire coastline is inhabited by marine iguanas. Their ability is unique among modern lizards, to live and forage in the sea. It has spread to all the islands in the archipelago and is sometimes called the Galapagos Marine Iguana. It lives on the rocks of the Galapagos shore and can be seen in marshes or mangrove beaches.

Amblyrhynchus cristatus are mostly black but the young have lighter color and a dorsal stripe. Adult specimens appear in grayish color. Scientists explain that marine iguanas have to have dark black emerge from water. They feed on marine algae almost entirely. It is brilliant that they are designed to expel salt through nasal glands. The expelled salt coating could make their faces white. Adult males vary in color according to season. During breeding season, male adults in the south appear as reddish and teal-green colors while it is brick red and black in Sta Cruz Island and in brick red and greenish in Fernandina Islands.

The marine iguanas living in the Galapagos differ in size according to their host islands. Those in the Fernandina and Isabella islands are the largest, while those on the Genovese Island are the smallest. Adult male’s length may reach up to 1.3 m long while females could be around 0.6 m. They may weigh up to 1.5 kg.

Marine iguanas may also vary in their size according to varying food conditions. When algae decreased for a period of two years during an El Nino, Their length size decreases to as much as 20%. When the food supply normalized, their lengths returned to regular size. It is believed that their bones shrink during those periods of food shortage.

The marine iguana can only stay a limited period in water as to hunt for algae as they are cold blooded animals. However, if they search for food around shallow waters, they could stay up to half an hour and underwater. After each dive, they return to the shore and bask under the sun to normalize body temperature. When cold, the marine iguanas tend to be more aggressive. Actually that is their defense mechanism because in reality, as their body is cold from under the water, they cannot move fast and avoid predators. So they become aggressive when anyone approaches them.

The main predators of marine iguanas are cats and dogs. They are easy victims as these lizards moves very slow. The population of the marine iguanas in the Galapagos Island is dwindling because of predation and El Nino. They are estimated at 50,000 to 100,000. The species is protected by Ecuadorian laws.

Scientists believe that land and marine iguanas may have evolved from common ancestor. Other opinions claim that they may have evolved from an extinct sea reptile.

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Health Care For Iguanas

If Iguanas are acquired for being a pet, the owner must be prepared to accept a responsibility of really taking good care of it. Just as a family decides in adopting a child from an orphanage, the new parents must have basic knowledge of how to rear children, how to nurture them not just physically but emotionally as well. In the case of the new pet owner of an Iguana, he/she must be able to provide the necessary caring, attention, health and atmosphere. An atmosphere that the iguana is really home close to the likeness of his natural habitat.

Some of the common illnesses are as follows:

1. Fibrous Osteodystrophy - Also known as Metabolic bone disease. Symptoms of this ailment are swollen jaw, swollen limbs, loss of alertness and appetite, inactiveness and fracture on the spine or limbs. If not properly treated, the problem may even lead o death.  This disease is acquired through improper nutrition in feeding iguanas. They may be fed alright, but if the food being ingested are not the correct ones, they may still be prone to this disease. To prevent this from happening, the food requirements must be fruits and vegetables rich in calcium, phosphorous, potassium and Vitamins B and  D.
2. Tail and Back leg Paralysis - Paralysis of the tail and back legs usually occurs for iguanas due to lack of vitamin b1. Major cases need immediate treatment through injection of essential vitamins and minerals. To prevent recurrence, maintenance of vitamin supplements must be provided.
3. Abrasions on the mouth and nose - Abrasions leading to bacterial infection, rostrum ulceration and deformities. This problem arises when iguanas become uneasy or are agitated and they try to escape from its cage.
4. Burns - This is associated with the heating and lighting equipment installed in or near the cage of the pet iguana. There is no better way to prevent this than making sure all such peripherals are installed safely away from the iguana's reach. For treatment, tap water at room temp to cool down  minor burns and dry it keep it in a cool dry place. For major burns, apply burn ointment to prevent infection and see a Vet at as soon as immediately.
5. Bacterial Infection - This occurs when two or more improper factors are disregarded. First one is when the pet is not well tended, not fed with correct nutrition. Second is when it acquires sores or cuts because of the 1st problem. Third combines with the two which is the filth and unhygienic surrounding of the pet cage. Then the iguana has the perfect equation to derive bacterial infection. Bacterial infection requires Veterinarian attention. The 4th problem is trying to play a Doctor and try to give iguana the medicines out of guessing and assumptions.
6. Bladder and gout stones are acquired when iguanas are fed with too much protein from insects. Protein is harder to process by their digestive system and so it crystallizes and form stones. These stones harms the internal organs and cause infection. A symptom of this disease is enlarged abdomen.
7. Egg binding - This happens to pregnant females when their laying of eggs are distracted and gets trapped through its reproductive tracks. This is a fatal problem which could cause death. Therefore, it is a must that during laying of its eggs, the iguanas are not to be disturbed.

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How To Take Care Of The Iguanas In Captivity

Iguanas reflect a character of simplicity, patience, peace and endurance. They represent nature, the endangered species and its preservation. They are owned mostly by people who are advocates of nature, native arts and music about nature. They are owned by people whose personality is close to their characters. However, Iguanas are cool pets; they can be owned by any pet lovers young and old. However, to own them requires proper knowledge on their characteristics and how to take care of them.

The following are the important points that need attention

1) Feeding - During the early stage of their life, young Iguanas devour insects as their body need protein. Nevertheless, as they grow old, they require plant foods rich in calcium, phosphorous and potassium. By nature, iguanas are herbivores. They only eat insects as survival instinct when there is no food available in the wilds. Protein is good for the young, but for adults, protein is not advisable because their digestive system will not be able to digest them properly. Being natural herbivores, their digestive track is designed only to process plants, fruits and vegetables. Since they poorly digest proteins, it could crystallize and damage its kidneys and gouts. In fact there was comparative observation between iguanas fed with insects and iguanas fed with vegetables. Those fed with purely vegetables that reach faster growth and lives longer than those who eat insects.

2) Housing - Iguanas must be kept in cages or glass aquarium with ample space for them to move about and contain some branches for them to cling on and exercise their muscles. There must be proper ventilation. It must be always kept clean. Wild as they are, they could still contract infection if attacked by bacteria that thrives on dirt and filth.

3) Environment - The surroundings of the iguanas must reflect its natural habitat. In terms of smell, sound and temperature, the area must be free of pollutants from air and sound. Just imagine that their natural habitat are on top of the trees, with clean air and the ambiance of the flowing water nearby, birds chirping and the cool air breezing unto the leaves. That should be adapted as much as possible if not total clean air and peaceful surroundings only. The temperature must be maintained at 25 to 35 deg C.

4) Light - Iguanas need sunlight but too much exposure is also harmful. They being cold blooded animals need to keep warm. Artificial UVB and UVA light which are controlled automatically are available in the pet shops.

If one is serious in taking care an iguana, he must be very serous too in learning first on its characteristics and he must be prepared to address the necessary requirements to nurture the iguana, reach its full growth potential and remain healthy throughout its lifetime. It is just like being committed to a life that was adopted and it all depends on you to take care of it. Perhaps you need each other, so the man must do its role. He takes care; the iguana remains healthy, grows beautifully and become a symbol of success to its owner.

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How To Pet A Giant Green Iguana

The giant green iguana as its name implies describes that indeed it is a large reptile and ideal for pet lovers who love to take care of large animals. They grow to about the length of 5 to 6 feet on growth rate faster than human growth. It can reach maximum size in only about 4 to 5 years. Its life span can reach to about 12 to 15 years.

The cage for keeping giant green iguanas must be large enough to cover its size with allowance to provide freedom of movement. Ideal size must be twice its length in width and same length in height and width. Approximately this will be about 12 ft x 6 ft x 6 ft.

This large size also gives space for tree branches for the giant green iguanas to stay on and move about for the much needed muscle exercise and mood toning. As much as possible, the cage must contain the likeness of its natural habitat surroundings. Iguanas come from the jungles of tropical exotic forests which are rich in fresh air with no air or noise pollutants.

Iguanas are natural plant eaters but they are also omnivorous meaning they could eat plants and animals alike. They eat leaves, fruits and vegetables. If you put in a cricket inside its cage, it will go hunt for it. However care must be given not to give giant green iguanas with veggies that can be harmful to them like spinach, cauliflower and beets because they contain mild acids that are considered toxic for the lizard. Brussels sprouts are also not good for them because of possible salmonella contamination.

Fruits are also eaten by giant green iguanas. Banana is one of its favorites and its potassium content is important for their growth. Other nutrients that must be ensured for iguanas are vitamin d, phosphorous and calcium. Twice a week, the iguanas must be dispensed with vitamin and mineral supplements since being out in the wild, access to the natural source of such nutrients are not present.

It would be wise to consult regularly with your local veterinarian for advice and maintenance of a pet reptile. It could be a good practice, if your giant green iguana could be taught to ride in you car for the regular doctor visits.

During the mating season, male iguanas tend to become grumpy and aggressive. It would be wise to find a partner for him to get a release of his aggressiveness. During this season on the other hand, female iguanas may lay unfertilized eggs. During this stage, female iguanas are more sensitive and delicate. Care must be given to ensure them of a peaceful and quiet laying of her eggs.

When acquiring giant green iguanas from pet shops because a child requested for it. Pet owners must know what are to be expected including its size, life span, behavior, feeding habits and its desired surroundings. Otherwise the pet may end up unhappy and may die prematurely. The new pet owners must be willing to adapt to its needs as it grows.

From its growing stage, care must be given to them in terms of temperature, environmental state, food intake and supplemental foods and regular visits to its veterinarian.

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Important Pointers For Iguana Babysitters

1. Shelter

Make sure the cage has abundant ventilation from all sides but has cover for protection. Detachable outer coverings of light material may be handy at night to keep them warm.

Covered flooring is recommended to prevent insects from invading the cage. Another layer is recommended to bring warmth. Expensive option is to use carpet material, but some old newspapers may do and more convenient to replace during cleaning. Food and water may be set in a corner and make sure they are refilled as needed.

Since natural habitat of iguanas is on trees, provide branches inside the cage for your baby to cling on. This will provide for it the necessary movement and be able to exercise its muscles. The size of the cage must be big enough to contain many branches where the baby iguana could move around more freely.

2. Environment
Baby iguanas need the proper environment in terms of humidity and temperature. Required range must be within 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. Relative humidity is safe at 30% to 60%. During cold weather, it may be advisable to put its cage near a heating facility.

3. Feeding
Baby Iguanas love fruits and vegetables. Their diet should contain vitamin D, calcium and phosphorous. Cut large portions into small pieces for them to easily bite. Unlike other pets that can just eat anything from meat to canned foods, baby iguanas are more like plant eaters. They may become unhealthy if fed with improper foods or suffer with malnutrition and eventually starve to death.

Consulting the animal pediatrician

It is best to bring your baby iguana to the local veterinarian clinic regularly as what the doctor may require. This is necessary for check ups and consultation on the proper caring as the baby reptile grows.

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Baby Iguanas

Taking care if baby iguanas is like taking care of other baby pet animals like puppies, kittens or chicks. And like humans too, the baby stage is an important period where you nurture them with right and positive inputs from food intake to physical touch. This will help form their character, as they get older.

The iguanas may not be as sensitive and delicate as compared to taking care of mammal babies, but certain points should be learned and applied very carefully. Too much or tool less of anything may be unhealthy for them. It pays to understand these points and make sure they are followed by everyone who helps in babysitting the pet.

Physical Characteristics

Vision

Iguanas have great eyesight and can see far distances, shapes, colors and movements. It may be good environment for it to be covered with nature or colors and shapes emulating nature. Wall paintings with caricatures of birds and trees will be a treat. However, it is best if the cage could be placed within a covered garden with cool and controlled environment.

Auditory

Iguana's ears are called tympanum which are located behind the ears. Like their eyes, there auditory system is so sensitive. Loud noise and other irritating sounds must be avoided. Consider their natural habitat in the jungle. Their environment are just surrounded with the sound of whistling leaves swaying with the breeze, chirping birds and perhaps the sound of flowing waters. Provide them with quite and peaceful surroundings. Music may help but keep them to controlled volume and provide soft classic music as much as possible.

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Taking Care of a Green Iguana

The green iguana or the “Iguana Iguana” is the species of iguana that people refer to when they speak of getting a pet iguana. The green iguana is also the most common among the iguana family.

In recent years, it has become very popular among owners of pets in various locations such as Europe and the United States. It is found natively in Central America as well as in South America.

Its bright green color greatly helps it hide itself in the green forest vegetation and thus avoiding detection by its natural enemies. Its acute vision and rapid movements make it particularly hard to capture. Daytime is when the iguana is most active. The iguanas color changes from a bright green when young to a muted green as it ages.

A day in the life of an iguana consists of feeding, searching for sun bathed spots to lie upon and occasionally, evading predators.

However, this is different from the life of an iguana that is in captivity. Despite the absence of predators, an iguana needs to be taken care of well by its owner. Taking care of this popular pet is not an easy task.

When taking care of this animal, some of the following should be considered:

A. The iguana should be placed in an enclosed space, preferably a large one.

The length of an adult iguana could reach seven feet. Therefore, the iguana’s enclosure should be the owner’s main concern.

An iguana that is confined in a small space will become stressed and be restless. This often leads to sickness and may make the iguana vulnerable to diseases. This fact may not seem obvious as the iguana may seem at ease with a small enclosure, though this should not mislead you.

The length of the enclosure should be much longer than the length of the iguana either in width or in depth. Additionally, its height should be approximately twice its height or more as the iguana needs to climb and move about. The iguana should receive the freedom to roam inside the house after a while if the owner can ensure it won’t escape or eat important things.

B. the Pet’s enclosure should contain either synthetic structures or large branches.

The presence of these large branches, synthetic or real, will increase the visual appeal of the enclosure while also making it an improved dwelling for the iguana. The iguana’s psychological growth as well as its emotional one depends on two activities that it undertakes, these being basking and climbing. The large branches allow it to carry out these two activities.

Mulch may be used for the flooring of the interior of the pen. This is due to mulch’s composition which helps it prevent erosion of the earth, retain moisture and stop the growth of weeds. Alternatively newspaper sheets may be used for the floor.

C. The pen should be fitted with a high-quality device for heating.

An iguana that doesn’t receive adequate heat is unable to properly digest its food. Therefore, the installation of a heating device should not be overlooked.

UV light should be provided for the iguana. The temperature of the enclosure should not fall below 26°C. Additionally, a temperature reaching 36°C should be found in one part of the enclosure. This may be achieved by using a spotlight.

D. Darkness is as important as heating and lighting.

The iguana’s health is also dependant on it receiving darkness for at least six to ten hours every night. Shielding the enclosure from lights from appliances as well as street lights should be done at night.

E. Your pet iguana needs attention.

Owners should give their pet animal’s sufficient attention and care. The green iguana should receive care and love in a similar manner to that given to dogs and cats. Failure to give the iguana enough attention could result in the pet growing restless, ill and ultimately in its death.

The aforementioned tips are only some of the many that need consideration. However, a dependable veterinary doctor should be consulted for comprehensive tips and advice as this will ensure the long and healthy life of your green iguana.

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Iguana Nests

Several controversies have arisen due to the propagation of iguanas in captivity. The demand for iguanas is said to be thereby reduced by this activity. However, they are nevertheless being imported from Central American and South America which house several iguana farms. Iguana nests should be provided to the iguanas by their owners. This factor facilitates the breeding of the iguanas. However, many pet owners have discovered the smart side of this issue. The iguana nests are a money making venture for the pet owners. Baby iguanas are sold while the adults keep reproducing. These iguanas are today sold at very low prices thereby creating the notion that iguanas as pets are disposable.

Having Iguana nests and their subsequent breeding comes with their respective advantages and disadvantages. Firstly, breeding iguanas is an enjoyable experience. The mother iguana searches for a suitable place onto which it will lay its eggs. This requires ingenuity from it since such locations are not as readily available and adequate as those it would find in the wild. It then waits for them to hatch. The mother iguana will settle its young ones within the artificial or natural nests. A larger amount of space is required to keep them as the iguana keeps multiplying. This constitutes a disadvantage to breeding by pet owners. Controlling and maneuvering them is difficult if there are a large number. Only the ones that receive adequate nutrition and care are healthy and survive. The others are malnourished and they become unhealthy and prone to disease.

Preparation of a Nest for the Iguana
To ensure the seamless process of breeding, iguanas of different sex should be placed together in a nest. This should be particularly ensured during the season for breeding. Grouping them according to size and ratio should be carried out. Each male should have one or more females in a nest. Female iguanas are typically larger than male ones so as to prevent the death of the male while mating.

Different materials can be used for constructing the iguana nests. For instance, potting soil can be used. It allows for the burying of the mothers eggs. Alternatively, a mix of potting soil and play sand, or even pure play sand makes it much simpler to dig and burry eggs. This reduces the mothers work and facilitates the construction of a good hole. The nest must also be safe for the iguanas to dwell in. They should not be prone to suffer from cuts, scratches, abrasions or other wounds.

The nest should be capable of holding up to two hundred pounds of soil. This soil will be placed in the nest. A tray planter can be placed in the nest however with one side cut off. This will create a tunnel in which the iguana can play in. A plastic ash tray or a wooden box offers a cheaper alternative. The reptiles should however not be prone to injury due to this structures and their safety is very important.

The laying of the eggs should be monitored. Occasionally, some eggs are not laid by the mother. This usually results in problems for the female iguana. The female iguanas should not be interrupted when protecting their nests. This is merely the mother’s instinct.

Additionally, iguana nests should be kept clean to avoid the breeding of harmful organisms. These can infect the iguana with disease and cause them to fall ill. Death may be an eventual result of this.

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Iguanas Pictures

Pictures of Iguanas are taken for aesthetic purposes as well as to provide guidance on the proper care of iguanas.

Taming a new pet iguana

Iguanas are members of the lizard family. Most reptiles are cold-blooded and the iguana is not an exception. Its body temperature is determined by the temperature of its surrounding environment be it water or air. This particular feature makes them very adaptable to several different environmental conditions.

Some distinctive characteristics of the iguana include its large mouth, long and powerful tail, saw-toothed dental arrangement and its four long legs. Its color varies from shades of yellow to green. Pictures of iguanas showing their different features are available on the internet. There are several behavioral and size differences amongst the various species. When held in captivity, the life span of an iguana is between fifteen and twenty years.

Iguanas have specific adaptation to their different dwellings. For instance the marine iguanas are expert at swimming. The rainforest is home to the green iguanas and allows it to conceal itself from predators by blending in with the leaves. The desert iguana is able to survive in harsh desert climates.

Iguanas are available for purchase from various pet shops. This has increased the demand for pet iguanas. Since iguanas are wild animals, it is especially hard to tame them unlike the dog and cat which is domesticated. Owning them is therefore not an easy task as they still have behaviors and instincts native to wildlife. This still remains true after years are spent in captivity.

The comfort of iguanas should be considered when handing them. They can be aggressive and are very territorial animals. One needs a great deal of patience when attempting to tame them. Daily handling of the iguanas is highly recommended. One should bring their hands to the iguana’s eye level and slowly approach them. Avoid any jerky movements. Additionally, your hand should not come down from an elevated position. This will lead the iguana to believe you are an enemy. Their wilderness instincts will come into play if that happens and they will either flee or defend themselves. Pictures of iguanas illustrating how to handle pet them are available. Whispering or even talking while approaching them helps. Daily handling of the iguana slowly tames it. Reading their body movements or interpreting their body language such as tail whipping or head bobbing will allow you to interact better with your pet.

The iguana’s diet has always been a topic generating lots of debate.

Since they are primarily herbivorous, their diet consists of flowers, fruits and leaves. Incorrect diets can lead to ill health or even death. Although iguanas are vegetarian, some books claim that the can feed on some animal based meals.  A diet with lots of variety is highly recommended.

The saw toothed feature of iguanas allows them to tear and rip food rather than having to chew it. Food should be cleaned and well chopped before being given to them. A wide range of fresh food rich in minerals such as phosphorus and calcium will enable the iguana to develop strong and healthy bones. Furthermore, the iguana should always be provided with an adequate amount of clean drinking water. It is important to feed them on a daily basis. This can consist of two green leaves.

The iguana’s appetite as well as its size is the determining factors when considering the volume of food to be given. It is advisable to supply them with enough food for a day and leave some amount for the night. There is good food available for purchase that one can give their pet iguanas.

Studying additional material on proper training, correct feeding and handling procedures as well as taming them will aid you in keeping them successfully for a long period of time. The material studied will often have Pictures of Iguanas.

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Desert Iguanas

Desert iguanas, also known by its binomial name, Dipsosaurus Dorsalis, is a lizard that inhabits arid areas and deserts.

Physical description

The length of an adult iguana varies between 10 and 16 inches. A distinguishing feature is its long tail which is longer than the iguana’s body. Its body is round and large and is often referred to as blunt headed. The desert iguana’s color is easily distinguished. The desert iguana’s head is brown in color. A pattern of reddish brown emerges thereafter on the iguana’s body and resembles a net. Furthermore, the iguana’s trunk and neck have gray spots. Additionally, their tails, which are either white or gray, are covered in dark spots. The back is covered in dorsal scales that run down the center.

Habitat of Choice

The desert is home to the desert iguana, as can be inferred from its name. In the United States, the Mojave and Sonoran deserts in the southwest are locations where desert iguanas are commonly found. They can also be found on a few islands on the Gulf of California and in Northwest Mexico. The desert iguana also dwells in deciduous forests and some arid subtropical areas in the Southern areas of its habitat. The creosote bush is of particular importance to the desert iguana since it uses this plant for both food and shelter. It is thus commonly found near where these bushes grow. Lairs abandoned by kangaroo rats also provide shelter to the desert iguanas. The desert iguana is a tough creature and may be found to still be active when it is hot despite retreat by other lizards. The ground around creosote bushes is a common burrowing site for the iguana.

Diet

The desert iguana eats plants and can thus be classified as a herbivorous animal. They feed on the various annual or perennial plants that can be found in their habitats. The leaves, buds and fruits of these plants provide its meals. They have a bias towards the creosote plant as they are attracted to this particular plants yellow flower.

Habits

In a bid to find lower temperatures, the desert iguana usually climbs bushes. This however, is only if the temperature is very high as they are very hardy and are often active during high temperatures. It is a very fast animal and when it needs to move fast, it moves forward by pushing itself forward with its rear legs whilst folding its front legs. They may be spotted crossing a road right before an approaching car.

Predators

The desert iguana is comparable to other animals as it has its own natural enemies. Iguana eggs are eaten by many animals. Several birds of prey hunt the iguana and as such are some of its natural enemies. Other common predators of the iguana include foxes and other small animals such as rats, weasels and snakes. Man has also emerged as one of the iguanas’ natural enemies. Vehicles driven carelessly by human beings lead to the death of this animal and thereafter the latter are referred to as road kill.

It is obvious that there is a lot of information that man needs to know about desert iguanas. There is a lot more to this medium sized lizards and these information will help you stop seeing them as merely unintelligent and stupid creatures. Learning about these creatures will enable you enjoy their magnificence.

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Rhinoceros Iguana

The rhinoceros iguana is more commonly referred to as cyclura comuta which is its binomial name. An iguana closely related to the rhinoceros iguana is the Galapagos marine iguana. It is most commonly found in North America and it generally occupies dry tropical forests mainly those in the Hispaniola Island and in the Caribbean Sea. An iguana deemed to be extinct has been sighted on Navassa Island. This particular iguana is related to the rhinoceros iguana.

Some Important facts about the rhinoceros iguana

1. Physical Attributes

This iguana is known for its great power. It is quite robust and has a body covered with a rigid row of spines. The long length of its legs allows it to walk without its body touching the ground. Its color is grey-brown. An adult male rhinoceros iguana can weigh up to ten kilograms and have a length of up to fifty-six centimeters.

Epidermal scales on the skin of the rhinoceros iguana give it a rough texture. Enlarged scales on the head of some of them resemble horns and hence the root of the word rhino in its name. The male possess much bigger horns than females and are also correspondingly larger in body size. This feature can also be used to help distinguish the male from the female.

2. Lifestyle and Diet of the Rhinoceros Iguana

Iguanas are primarily herbivores. Their diet mainly consists of fruits, flowers, leaves and seeds although this diet may vary based on the current season. They may from time to time consume insects, land crabs and even carrion. Small animals and insects are often eaten by young iguanas. The rhinoceros iguana will defend a specific bush it has deemed its food source from other iguanas. This particular habit indicates the territorial nature of this iguana.

Eating and basking under sunlight are the two main activities that take up most of the iguana’s time. The iguanas then withdraw into their caves, burrows or hollow trunks during the night. The role of defenders of territories is taken up by the male rhinoceros iguana. It is commonly found on top of large rocks and tall trees on which they sunbathe. The male rhinoceros iguana is very territorial and is aggressive towards other male iguanas. The head-bob is a signal used by the rhinoceros iguanas to communicate between them.

4. Reproduction among the Rhinoceros Iguana

The rhinoceros iguana mates during spring in the later part of May. This is also prior to the commencement of the rainy season. The females lay up to 34 eggs and thus build tunnels approximately one meter in length for them. Egg laying typically occurs at an earlier period. Hatching of eggs begins after an interval of up to six months. The hatchlings are thought of as tree-dwellers although they often follow their parents. Their life span could reach up to thirty years, but they more commonly die after twenty odd years. However, their stage of maturity is evident after only three years.

In a similar way to other iguanas, a rhinoceros iguana will use sunlight to regulate the temperatures of its body. In earlier days, the rhinoceros iguana was a source food for man. In contrast, it is kept as a pet these days by many people and is rarely hunted or bred for consumption purposes.

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Iguana Facts

There are several iguana facts unknown to many people. A few will be illustrated here. This reptile is commonly found in forests in tropical and subtropical regions, along seashores and even in deserts. Various kinds of iguanas are found in locations such as South America, Canada, the Galapagos Island, Madagascar, the Caribbean Islands, and Central America off the East African coast and Fiji.

An additional iguana fact is that iguanas constitute the largest section of the lizard family. It is by far the most common and popular reptile. Their characteristics such as laying eggs are common to reptiles. Furthermore, their cold-blooded nature allows them to easily adapt to their environments.

The different types of iguana species vary greatly in characteristics. They differ in size, behavior and even color. However, they are an endangered species in the wild. The green iguana and red iguana are the more familiar of the iguanas and are also still present in very large numbers. However, the Brachylophus vitiensis and the Fiji Island iguana are becoming endangered species.

It is hard to discern different species of iguana as being from the same family due to large differences in physical appearance as well as behavior. Their colors vary from bright to muted shades. The different habitats in which iguanas can be found give each species a different adaptation.

Pet Iguanas

Americans believe the extinction of the iguana species can be prevented by keeping them as pets domestically. Furthermore, the correct handling and care of iguanas is fundamental knowledge. This includes knowledge of their eating habits, their habitat and other information relating to their upkeep.

Iguanas are herbivorous creatures and their diet constitutes fruits, flower buds and young leaves. The rare mealworm, crickets and the wax worm provide occasional treats for the iguana.

Dark and leafy greens as well as various fruits are the iguana’s staple food in some locations in America.

The growth of iguanas is relatively fast. An iguana can multiply its length by five from the time it hatches and grow up to one hundred times heavier, in a period of two years.

It is therefore fundamentally important that a pet iguana receives sufficient food and water as well as being housed in an appropriate enclosure that is well heated. Slow growth rates are often the result of improper diet and housing and inadequate exposure to sunlight. Furthermore, this results in weaker bones thereby exposing them to severe bone fractures and disease.

How to Determine the Iguana’s Gender

A characteristic of male iguanas is the presence of huge pockets of fat present on the back of their heads. Their jaws are large and heavy and they possess larger femoral pores under their thighs. Additionally, the heads of females are smaller and less blocky than that of females. Furthermore, females lack the large pockets of fat and heavy jaws. Moreover, the femoral pores are tiny. These iguana facts can help distinguish the male from the females.

Courtship behaviors such as the erection of the spines present on its back as well as head bobbing are unique to the male. The male iguana is usually aggressive during courtship, a huge difference from their mild and shy nature during other times. They tend to flee when approached. This iguana fact should help a pet owner interact with them.

Many female iguanas tend to dig a hole in an area that receives plenty of sunlight and lays their eggs there. They then cover the eggs and leave them alone. The eggs incubate due to the warm temperatures. All eggs present in the nest hatch simultaneously. Conversely, some of the dangers iguanas undergo vary from loss of their habitat to captivity by man for consumption. The survival of the iguana can be aided by taking measures such as educating people who live in iguana habitats, imposing limitations on hunting and the breeding of iguanas in zoos. These are just some of the interesting and more common Iguana Facts.

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Different Types Of Iguanas

Iguanas come from the lizard family iguanidae. There are several Types of Iguanas although they possess similar characteristics. Their eyelids, long tails and their four long-winded legs are some of their most distinguishable characteristics. Iguanas are cold blooded just like other reptiles and their life span extends to 20 years.

Locations such as Central America, Southern America, Mexico, Hawaii, the Lesser Antilles Islands and Parts of Northern America like Florida and California are natural habitats for the iguana.

Most species of iguana live on trees and hence are arboreal although some species can be found in rocky areas and deserts. Marine iguanas are those that reside in seaside locations near caves.

The Iguanidae family of reptiles has eight types under it. These include: Genus Brachylophus, Genus Amblyrhyncus, Genus Sauromalus, Genus Cyrclura, Genus Ctenosauria, Genus Conolophus and Genus Dipsosaurus.

The rock iguana or binomially, The Genus Cyrclura, is found in several locations in the Caribbean islands. This particular species is hardly traded or sold since they are an endangered species and are hence protected. They are mostly bred in captivity. This is one of the Types of Iguanas commonly kept as a pet.

The Genus Amblyrhyncus or more commonly, the Galapagos Marine Iguana or simply the marine iguanas or, is particularly difficult to confine due to its diet. It feeds on the marine algae, an organism whose commercial production is nearly impossible.

The marine iguana’s closest relative is the Genus Conolophus. It is more commonly known as the Galapagos Land Iguana. Cactus and plants are its diet of choice.

The Genus Amblyrhyncus or more commonly, the spiny tailed iguanas are indigenous to regions of Central America and Mexico. Their length only spans five inches to thirty five inches and hence are relatively smaller when measured up to other species of iguana. A distinguishing feature of this iguana lies in the huge scales present on its tail. Their diet consists of small insects and fruits and flowers. They are thus categorized as omnivores.

The South American desert iguanas or Genus Dipsosaurus are characterized by their full- bodied nature as well as an elevated apex and a back covered by expanded scales. The color of their bellies varies between shades of white and cream and is covered with white dots. Furthermore, its tail is covered in stripes. When grown, their body length is up to fifteen inches and its tail is double the length of the body.

The Chuckwalla, or Genus Sauromalus, is an iguana indigenous to Mexico and the United States. It is strictly a vegetarian and is thus classified as an herbivore. Its diet consists of leaves, fruits and flowers. Furthermore, they have fat bodies and their skin drape loosely over them. They are fond of heat and rarely move until the temperature is a hundred degrees Fahrenheit.

Extra heat is dissipated by changing color so as to reflect solar rays or they make seek shelter in the shade. They seldom move about and thus make for a good pet to be reared in captivity.

The Fijian banded Iguana or the Genus Brachylophus is indigenous to Tonga Island and Fiji Island.

Some Types of Iguanas have entered the list of endangered species. The unlawful possession of any species of iguana is a punishable offence. The registration of your pet iguana is nowadays a requisite for keeping them. Finally, consult a trusted veterinary for tips and information for the care and upkeep of an iguana prior to keeping them as a pet.

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Cantina Iguana

The best pet shops in various locations across the United States indicate that iguanas are the most often bought pets and therefore constitute the best known reptiles. Its hardiness allows it to grow in several different climates and its length could vary between four and six feet while its weight falls between ten and fifteen pounds. A captured iguana cantina can live for between twelve and fifteen years and if very well maintained, they may reach the ripe old age of twenty years. Given the iguanas origin in hot and humid environments, it can be deduced that their activity is at its peak during daytime hours. They employ various defense systems when threatened or in danger. These include their jaws, nails and their strong tails.

Iguanas tend to be always trying to conceal themselves from their natural enemies when in their natural dwelling. Their strong sense of smell, hearing coupled with their acute vision allows them to easily detect any predators within their vicinity. Several iguanas are bought on impulse by many of today’s teenagers and youth without taking into account information concerning the appropriate care that should be given them. A fundamental knowledge of the basics regarding the care of iguanas should be taken into account by everyone.

Matters Relating to the Iguana’s Indoor Habitat

An iguana cantina can dwell indoors in an aquarium filled with water. The aquarium can contain between thirty and fifty gallons of water. This aquarium size can house a young iguana. A well nourished iguana shows a great deal of growth in only a few months. The size of the aquarium should thus be adjusted accordingly. Alternatively, a large aquarium to begin with prevents the need to adjust it at a later date. Aquarium pens are often constructed using simple glass, Plexiglas or simple wood. They also come in various designs. The floor can be covered with newspaper which is easily available as well as cheap. Alternatively, one can use mulch, indoor carpeting as well as outdoor carpets, artificial grass and even linoleum. Sand, soil and bark are materials that one should steer clear of as pest and insects flourish in them. These creatures can harm the iguana residing in that enclosure. Cleaning and disinfection of the iguanas enclosure should be done twice every week. As the iguana likes climbing, the enclosure should contain branches, pieces of rock, drift woods and branches to allow it to do this.

Provision of Water for the enclosure

Supplying the iguana cantina with water should be taken into account as they need to regularly drink water. A substantial amount of the water they consume is derived from the various plants that they eat. They particularly enjoy drinking water from leaves or woods of plant matter inside their enclosures. Additionally, iguanas take in water when they take baths and this has the advantage of training the creature to become more familiar with water. Lukewarm water should be used when bathing the iguana.

Natural Sunlight

Natural sunlight cannot be substituted or even be compared with any other light source. The health of an Iguana Cantina can be increased by occasional exposure to sunlight. This should amount to between five and ten hours every week. Should the pet owner wish to place the iguana’s cage outdoors, it should be ensured that sources of danger such as dogs, cats or any other predators don’t harm it.

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Basic facts About Iguanas

Traditionally, the dog has been mans best friend but a new creature has emerged to take this position. The iguana has replaced the dog as man’s best friend.

There have been several stories concerning people who treat cats, fishes, dogs or even birds as their best friend. However, many people steer clear of huge reptiles like lizards and snakes. Unlike ordinary pets, iguanas are challenging to keep but will give a great deal of satisfaction to those willing to try and keep them.

There are a number of reasons for keeping a pet iguana. Some of these include the following:

A. Iguanas are herbivorous

Their diet consists of flowers, fruit, seeds and leaves. One doesn’t have to visit the pet shop to purchase food for an iguana. Greens can simply be picked from the garden or purchased fresh from a grocery. This is simple and cheaper than feeding most other pets.

As an owner of other pets, pet food is purchased from the pet store. This may be limited to dog food for dogs or cat meal for cats, however other pets may require varying diets consisting of mice, cockroaches, worms or crickets.

B. Iguanas take a liking to their owners

Interaction between pet owners and their iguanas is simpler than with other pets like snakes and lizards. As an indication that they grow fond of their owners, some iguanas have been known to sleep next to their owners. They may also become calm upon being held but would act aggressively towards strangers, whom they may even bite. Some owners even get away with dressing their iguanas in various outfits.

C. Iguanas have a long life span

The life span of an iguana tends to 20 years however some have been known to live for up to twenty nine years of age. A pet with a long life span is a great pet as a significant amount of emotion is going to be invested in it besides the expense of veterinary services, medicine and food.

D. Absence of Fur or Hair

Few people are allergic to iguanas as they lack fur or hair. Patients with asthma don’t have to worry about a pet iguana as they are clean and don’t harbor particles that could trigger the onset of an asthma attack.

E. Education

A lot can by learnt by children simply by caring for iguanas. Knowledge of animal husbandry, temperature, diet, rainforests etcetera will be imparted upon them as they take care of the iguana. A study of prehistoric animals such as dinosaurs can be introduced to children as lizards are their distant relatives. Furthermore, they are a good theme for classroom presentations, as well as good research subjects.

F. Physical Appeal

The iguana is a beautiful creature to observe. Its tail is linger than its body and is sometimes used when defending itself from predators. It has a large round body. It interacts with others by whipping its powerful tail and bobbing its head. Furthermore, it has a sharp sense of smell, good hearing and an acute vision. It is also quick on its long feet. Its length when fully grown can range between ten and fifteen inches.

It is evident that there are many reasons for one to own an iguana. Don’t hesitate to purchase one from your pet shop now.

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Acquiring Iguana Tattoo

Considerations to be made prior to Acquiring an Iguana Tattoo

When you begin contemplating acquiring an iguana tattoo, the consequences of this action should be deliberated upon. Factors to be considered prior to getting an iguana tattoo may include some of the following:

Meaning

Lizard tattoos, which include iguana tattoos, are a symbol of the search for light by the human soul. Other symbolisms are also associated with the iguana tattoo. Prior to getting this tattoo, its corresponding meaning should be well known to you. One should search for a tattoo whose meaning has some relevance to you.

Iguana tattoos, like any other permanent tattoos, are painful to get and equally painful to remove. One should make the pain endured in getting a tattoo meaningful and is should symbolize a significant thing or occurrence in ones individual life. It should be noted that ones interpretation of the meaning of the tattoo may differ from the general interpretation. However, personal interpretation is the one with greater significance.

Individuality

A few people might be unable to find interpretations of iguana tattoos which have a significant meaning to them. They nonetheless get the iguana tattoo because the creature is of some relevance to them. Whether or not one has traits similar to iguanas does not mean that one likes or dislikes them.

A fair amount of research needs to be carried out before one can conclude that the creature posses traits similar to you. Iguanas are survivors due to the fact that they are up and about when other animals have already withdrawn. They are thus a symbol of survivors and one can get an iguana tattoo if one believes he/she is a survivor.

Appeal

Some people are fascinated by this creature and get tattoos due to this factor. Others who get iguana tattoos are either owners of iguanas which they keep as pets or those individuals who eventually wish to have them. To some people, the iguana is their favorite animal. This opinion is individual to them and very subjective as people have different reasons for liking different animals. These people have a clear attraction to this animal.

Art
After deliberating on individual grounds for getting an iguana tattoo, the final design needs to be decided upon. One can choose a simple design that wouldn’t cause lots of pain or an elaborate design which may have a variety of colors. The latter would astonish everyone who sees it but would cause a great deal of pain when getting it.

Tattoo designs are available on the internet and they can be downloaded and duplicated by tattoo artists in your location. The exact location of the tattoo needs to be determined beforehand. A place that would not put your health in jeopardy and still enhance the beauty of the tattoo should be considered. It is advisable to get different recommendations as to where it should be prior to having the design tattooed.

Positioning

The position it is placed on is of great importance. Some people consider placing the tattoo in places where the contraction of muscles would give the illusion that the creature is moving. This motion would make the tattoo seem lifelike. Teenagers often place their tattoos in concealed places to avoid trouble from their parents or other people who might cause trouble for them should they see the tattoo.

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Iguanas – What Are They?

Did you know that iguanas were a relative of lizards? These creatures are among exotic animals people tend to make as their pets in modern day society. Due to this trend, many pet shops are selling iguanas at a relatively low price. Those being sold are typically young in age. What is the reason for people's interests? They find iguanas as a cute animal so they get excited and what to take them home as pets. However, these reptiles do grow bigger and have the tendency to get aggressive.

While iguanas can make a wonderful pet; people should never forget they like other pets, they need proper food and care. It is necessary to learn how the iguana and their habitat works in order to give them the proper care they need to grow.

So what is an iguana? How are they similar to lizards? What are the iguana's characteristics and are they harmful? Remember that iguanas are similar to lizards and they belong in the same family but to be more specific about them they belong in the family Iguanidae.

Iguanas are seen as invasive creatures that can be found on the shores of Gasparilla Island and along the gulf of Florida coastline. They can be seen attics of houses and along the beach. However, they thrive better while they are in the desert and rain forests as a wild animal.

There are many iguana species. They vary because of their environment in which they settle. Some live on dry lands while some grow better in the rain forests. Some iguanas can even be seen in the sea. Those are called marine iguanas. They are green iguanas which are commonly found in Mexico and the South American countries especially Brazil. They are classified into four different but major names: marine aguana, green iguana, blue iguana and lesser Antillean iguana. As for eating, iguanas are well known for being herbivores, which means they eat leaves, fruits and plant parts.

Like other animals, how they look and behave vary. Basically, how a male and female look and act are different from one another. When a male feels territorial, it will fight hard with other male iguanas even if they may not win the battle. This is due to being supreme iguana over the area. Sometimes male iguanas will seek out other male iguanas to wage war. Like human beings, the iguana has an ego and it mainly says they need to be the most powerful in a certain territory. They will wage wars and mate with the female iguanas.

Other Interesting Iguana Facts

Iguanas have the tendency to be arboreal. What does this mean? It boils down to dwelling in trees. It is very natural for them to stay in trees as well as climb on things. They can lay eggs, which may or may not make it due to predators and iguanas can live up to 30 or so years.

Should you really want to keep an iguana as a pet, there are things to take into consideration when caring for them. The iguana's cage should be cleaned out on a regular basis and be very big to let the iguana grow.

The iguana will need proper lighting, a good supply of heat and last, but not least, water. They will need to be fed daily and properly be fed to keep them in wonderful physical shape. An iguana should see a vet for a yearly checkup. Once all these things have been contemplated and they are understood, then perhaps you are ready for an iguana as a pet.

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The Place To Be: The Green Iguana Surf Camp

Want to be a part of something fun while doing some learning in the process? If you said yes, then the Green Iguana Surf Camp is meant just for you.

The Green Iguana Surf Camp has been around for some time now, teaching guests to be pleasured by the surfing experience, not just ride the waves with no regard to the power they bring. It's the lifetime experience of keeping you well and good while you are on Costa Rican waters.

The Green Iguana Surf Camp can be found in the heart of Playa Dominical where waves are constant in Costa Rica. The camp tenders to the one of the kind adventure idea for both the young and the young at heart. This can be good for the surfing fanatic to the typical vacation junkie or even the lifetime thrill seeker and even the weary traveler.

Camp Attractions

Imagine yourself at the beach with the ability to look out over the entire ocean. The Playa Dominical and the surrounding shorelines and reefs provide the perfect picture setting. The ones surrounding Playa Dominical area Playa Guapil, Playa Dominicalito, Playa Hermosa and Playa Ventanas.

There are many different kinds of waves to ride from the easy breakers to death defying odds, the places talked about above have no flat surfs. This is the reason that it makes a wonderful place for surfer wannabes to get started on their surfing skills.

For the more intermediate and advanced surfers, Papas Point is available to further their surfing abilities. For many native residents, this is often termed "The Point".

Despite the name, there are other activities that can be taken advantage of. A person wanting to explore can take in the sights of the beaches and the rainfall canopies. Tours are offered along with kayaking and rappelling. For those that just need a relaxing time, can sit back and watch the sunset while laying in a hammock, outstretched. They can listen to the roar of the waves as they come crashing to shore.

Camp Lodgings

The Green Iguana Surf Camp offers two kinds of lodgings for its guests: beachside lodgings and rainforest lodgings.

- Diuwak (pronounced "Dee-you-wak") Resort is for those who wish to be next to the ocean. This resort lies 100 feet from the sea and is elegant, rustic and very comfortable. Diuwak has two packages to its rooms:

• Package A is a standard room with single or double beds, a private bathroom with a heater, telephone and with an electric fan or air conditioner.
• Package B is a deluxe room with all the amenities from the first package but it is bigger. It also has a television set and a mini refrigerator.

- Rainforest lodgings is, as the name states, in the forest. Those who choose to be here can be surrounded by a profound silence of only nature. Should you want to be taught how to surf in Costa Rica and do some self-reflection, then this lodging is the one you want.

Other Camp Features

For people who wish to do more than surf, there are tour guides who will show you the different beaches and surfing areas around the area. They will even take you to see the waterfalls. You can get surfing lessons by experienced teachers and lifeguards as well as getting a CD featuring photos from your surfing instruction. You'll get a Green Iguana shirt, a Reptile Park trip and transportation to and from the airport. This includes all meals and even a massage.

Does this sound like fun? Then you need to book your trip today!

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Red Iguana Facts

There are many kinds of lizards but the one considered the largest is the Iguana family. Although green iguanas are the most common, there are some with bright colorful skin that are identified as the red iguana.

A popular iguana from this family is the Red sided skink. They are multicolored terrestrial and part water lizards that are quite native to the habitats of South and Eastern Africa open forests and rocky steppes.

It is quite common to have these iguanas as pets. They can be purchased in some pet shops and are now being seen in the gardens and sometimes in houses.

How to take care of and feed Your Red Iguana

Just like taking care of a cat, dog, bird and other animal, there are five things that are necessary for the reptiles grow big and strong.

- Proper Housing for Iguanas
One place an iguana, especially the red iguana, can reside in is an aquarium with up to 30 gallons of water. Although their habitats can have different shapes, sizes and styles, they can be made of glass or wood.

To clean the housing of the iguana, placing newspaper at the base is best. Other welcomed ideas to use are linoleum and artificial grass.

Do not let their spaces get near soil, sand or bark as this could lead to an obstruction in your lizard should they eat them.

Provide your lizard with container of food and water which should be disinfected entirely and regularly cleaned.  Add twigs, bark, limbs and rocks to the tank for climbing materials.

- Feeding Your Iguana
Did you know that Iguanas are not carnivores? They are, in fact, herbivores and need to be fed vegetables and fruit.

A big part of their diet needs to consist of green leafy vegetables including mustard greens, escarole, kale and spinach.

Offer them mixed vegetables such as green peppers, squash, frozen vegetables and green beans. Fruits are also good including bananas, mangoes and apples.

They should also have a scarce amount of protein.

They should, like other household pets, be fed everyday.

- Iguanas need for Water
Everyone knows water is the basic essential of life and iguanas are no different from the rest of the world. For this reason, they need to have it nearby. Typically, iguanas would get their water supply through plants they eat or lap it off wood. Placing them in the early morning environment can really stave off dehydration.

Iguanas who are given water dishes will train themselves to use them. For this reason, it is vital that these are cleaned on an every other day basis to keep the germs and bacteria at bay.

- Iguana and Grooming
Bathing is something your iguana should be used to. It is a way for the lizard to get water and get cleaned. It should be done using lukewarm water in a shallow container about three times a week. Keep in mind though that not all iguanas like water... some panic!

- How to Handle Iguanas
Iguanas need to be showed love and care and handle on a regular basis. At least be held two to three times a day, approximately 15 minutes each time. Gently stroke their back and neck. This gets them used to be handled and picked up.

Iguanas can be antagonistic so extreme caution should be taken when trying to handle your iguana.

Following the five points mentioned above, your red iguana can live a happy, long life. They should be taken great care of like a child would be.

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