iguanas Pet: Exotic and Interesting Animals
Article by Ted Hudson
One of the main attractions of these animals is similar with the dinosaurs, these giant prehistoric creatures that lived on earth millions of years. Perhaps this is the reason that many people are interested in iguanas pet. However, it is impossible to establish with certainty the origin of taking the iguanas in the domestic environment. There are no records of any kind that reveal the exact date that the Native Americans began to have and care for these reptiles for company or as potential food.
The common green iguana is one of the most popular lizards in the family of iguanas. Their natural habitat extends from the lowlands of Mexico to the southern tip of South America. They tend to develop their life in the vicinity of ponds, rivers, lakes, seas and mountains. Normally, iguanas are suspended from the branches of trees to avoid the dangers of Earth’s surface. They are able to stay underwater for over an hour: they are good swimmers and runners.
The iguanas get out of its egg in May, measuring about 20 cm. At birth have a grayish green color becomes brighter at maturity, to return to the opacity in the adulthood. All have in the back a flexible spine that extends the entire length of its body. For males, the spines are larger.
In addition, these animals have large scales below the posterior angle of the mandible and a short and thick tongue with numerous indentations. Their strong legs allow you to climb the trees more difficult and its tail has the ability to regenerate. You can use it as a defensive weapon, like a whip to attack their opponents.
Proper diet for iguanas pet:The health of an iguana depends mainly on proper nutrition. Your diet must be varied and rich in vitamins and proteins. It is essential that the food is cut into small pieces before offering, as this would facilitate their digestion. As the temperature of the food should be warm.
Iguanas are herbivores, so we must avoid feeding them food of animal origin. In addition, there are certain vegetables that do not have to eat spinach, celery, cauliflower or broccoli. It is vegetables that are high in oxalic acid can not be metabolized by the lizard. It is also damaging the tannin contained in carrots, bananas, grapes, lettuce, rhubarb and onions. Above all, we must ensure that the iguana will not eat lettuce because, besides it does not add vitamins, protein, calcium and phosphorus, we suppress appetite.
On the other hand, try the food bowl is always full, because the iguanas eat at any time. It should also be washed daily with each change of food, as it may develop a fungus that causes digestive problems to animal.
Foods Allowed for your iguana petThe iguanas pet‘s diet should include high percentages of vitamin D, calcium and phosphorus to prevent the reptile from getting MBD, a metabolic bone disease. Thus, we must feed the reptile in the morning at base of beet, turnip, parsley, mustard greens, dandelion flowers, hibiscus leaves, pink flowers, mulberry shoots, radishes, squash , tomatoes, asparagus, cucumber and sweet potatoes.
You can also digest fruits such as figs, papaya, mango, raspberry, apple, kiwi, cantaloupe, watermelon, pear, plum and strawberry. One of the essential components in an iguana’s diet is water, which must be changed every day to prevent bacterial growth, as they defecate in it.
When an iguana is not eating properly, this may be due to different reasons, some more dangerous than others. Some of them are metabolic problems, intestinal parasites or stress. Although, it could be due to inadequate nutrition or some infection. On the other hand, can be a symptom of pregnancy. In any case, we must take the animal to a veterinarian as soon as possible.
About the Author
Ted Hudson is the chief editor of a site which compile the lastest researches, about iguanas pet in general. For more details feel free to visit the site at anytime.
