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My whole heart breaks every day when people post in the Iguana groups "my first iggy! What do I need to know?" As they've got it on bark substrate, no climbing material, in a 40 gallon tank with no UVB, no temp or humidity gauge, wondering why it won't eat giant pieces of carrot.
Or feeding crickets
Green Iguanas are 100% vegan reptiles. They CANNOT have animal protein whatsoever. They eat a diet that is 85%+ leafy greens and they REQUIRE a multivitamin and calcium with NO D3. They NEED UVB or they will develop MBD. They are arboreal & need to CLIMB.
Green Iguanas are 100% vegan reptiles. They CANNOT have animal protein whatsoever. They eat a diet that is 85%+ leafy greens and they REQUIRE a multivitamin and calcium with NO D3. They NEED UVB or they will develop MBD. They are arboreal & need to CLIMB.
A 75 gallon tank can last a hatchling for 6 months. A 150 gallon can work until they are about a year old. They ultimately need an 8ft tall x 8ft wide x 4 ft deep containment at a MINIMUM after 2 years old, or free roam access. These are highly advanced reptiles to care for.
Please resist the $20 hatchlings at the pet store. If you want a tier 1 reptile, get a ball python. Iguanas get huge. Their claws can literally slice you open. Adults can take fingers off. It can take years for an iguana to even tolerate your company. They are highly intelligent.
They eat a specialized, complex diet. They have demanding heat and humidity requirements. And young iguanas are very prone to parasites and sickness. Theyre simply not for inexperienced reptile keepers. I fucking adore iguanas but they are HARD to care for.
Ive had Addie for over a year and he still doesn't usually allow me to touch him. I give him his space and only move him when necessary. I provide what he needs and mind my business. That's our entire relationship. I was ecstatic when he let me cuddle him a couple weeks ago.
Sorry this was my scheduled monthly Iguana husbandry rant
