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Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Caring for Green Iguanas

Caring for Green Iguanas

There are misconceptions and myths about Iguanas. These myths could prevent you from taking proper care of a green iguana. Some myths aren’t too harmful, but some of these myths could be dangerous to a green iguana's health. Here are some common myths about green iguanas that you should know about:

1) Green Iguanas can eat iceberg lettuce.
This myth has some truth to it. Of course, since green iguanas are best kept on a vegetarian diet, you can feed it lettuce. However, you should realize the fact that most types of salad lettuce have very little nutritional value.

If you want to take proper care of your green iguana, you should feed it vegetables that have a high nutritional value. Examples include collards, turnip greens and mustard greens.

Another great feed is Zoo Med Natural Iguana FoodNatural Iguana Food Juvenile formula contains higher amounts of protein to promote growth and optimum health in younger iguanas. Smaller pellets for easier consumption.
Zoo Med Natural Iguana Food - Adult - 20 oz.

2) Iguanas will not outgrow their cages
Some people provide small cages for their iguanas in order to keep it in a convenient size. This will definitely not help your green iguana. A green iguana, when properly taken care of, can grow up to six feet long. Keeping them it in a small cage will only mak your green iguana's life very uncomfortable.

An inexpence cage Reptile Cage Give you iguana or other herp a cage to climb in with this PVC-coated wire model from Pointer Hill. Roomy cage promotes airflow and keeps your climbing herp exercised and stress-free. A 3" galvanized steel tray is easy to remove and clean. constructed of 1/2" x 1" 16ga PVC coated wire mesh
PVC Reptile Cage - 30 in x 18 in x 36 in


3) Hot rocks are great for heating
People think heat rocks are good for an iguana's body temperature. Green iguanas are cold blooded; this means that if a green iguana sits on a hot rock, it can be cooked to death. If you wish to provide proper heating for a green iguana enclosure, you should use special lighting available in most pet stores.

Naturalistic Terrarium Light Bar Reptile Lighting Systems mount terrarium lighting directly inside your Naturalistic Terrarium with these handy light bars. Each bar includes a 100 watt ceramic fixture and can accommodate up to 2 additional lamps. Ensures maximum UVA and UVB transmission and eliminates bulky clamp lamps on the top.
Naturalistic Terrarium Light Bar Reptile Lighting Systems

5) Iguanas can eat insects, pet food, and other animal products
The truth is that green iguanas are best suited to an herbivorous diet. The body and metabolism of a green iguana is designed to utilize plant proteins effectively. Animal proteins, on the other hand, can prove to be very troubling to them. The only reason that iguanas eat insects in the wild is because these get mixed up with their food accidentally.

Zoo Med Natural Iguana Food is an all natural and no artificial colors, flavors, scents or preservatives makes this a "natural" choice for your Iguana Naturally fortified with Spirulina and beta carotene, your pet is provided with essential amino acids, enzymes, and vitamins to promote overall health and vigor.


These are just some of the myths that you may have heard about green iguanas. By knowing the truth about these myths, you are now equipped to give the best care possible to a green iguana.

You will find other Reptile health products here
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The Pet Guy

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