Iguanas

Green iguanas may appear to be ferocious beasts. Actually, captive-bred species make very gentle and loving pets, and the ranks of enthralled iguana owners are growing all the time. The green iguana is now the most popular reptile species in the United States, for example. And while people might think the term "iguana" applies to just one type of lizard, in fact there are approximately a dozen or so different species in the iguana family.

Iguanas can be easily told apart from other reptiles by the large scale found below and slightly behind the ear.

The jagged flap of skin under the chin and throat is known as the dewlap. The dewlap provides a simple way to tell adult males from females; it's larger in the males.

Iguanas live 10 to 15 years in captivity (some are known to have lived up to 25 years). Captive-bred iguanas make tamer pets than those harvested in the wild.

The iguana's body is covered with a skin of small greenish scales. The skin is normally sloughed (shed) several times per year. The skin will shed in patches with the whole process lasting a few days.

Iguanas won't grow large enough to stomp around with Godzilla, but can attain a length of five feet (More than half of that is tail.)

The iguana uses its powerful tail to propel itself through water, provide balance when climbing, and defend itself when threatened.

Iguanas in the wild live in a variety of habitats from open woodland to rainforests. Wild iguanas can be found in Southern Mexico and in Central and South America, including the Caribbean. Researchers near Miami and Ft. Lauderdale are having success maintaining iguanas in the wild. Unfortunately, iguanas are becoming endangered in the wild due to the destruction of their habitats and over-collection for pets and food.

Iguanas have different, complex personalities. Some are outgoing and love interacting with their owner, while others might be more nervous and shy. Some unfortunate creatures are simply nasty and will never make good pets. Iguanas that make the best pets as adults are usually calm and friendly as youngsters.

Iguanas are easy to get along with, but keep them away from snakes! Even a small pet snake will try and eat a young iguana for lunch. Nor should iguanas keep company with freshwater turtles, large freshwater fish, birds of prey, or carnivorous mammals.

Mature iguanas (typically males) can enter a self-induced trance and appear to be asleep. This can take place regardless of the noise level or the number of people around.

When handling an iguana, it's important to give it as much bodily support as possible. Iguanas are deceptively delicate creatures. Their tails can come off and limbs can be easily broken if they're handled roughly.


Vitamin and Mineral Supplementation for Captive Raised Day Geckos

What kind of vitamins and minerals do I need to give my Day Gecko? Do they need special lighting?

The use of vitamin and mineral supplementation for herps has been the topic of many conversations. It seems that there are as many opinions as there are products available. The only thing that everyone seems to agree on is the need for them in a captive reptiles diet. By the same token the need for ultraviolet light seems to just as controversial. The following is a description of the supplementation and lighting methods we use at our facility for captive maintenance of Day Geckos.

 When captive Phelsuma are maintained under ultraviolet light: A calcium containing NO D3, mixed with a vitamin supplement containing non-toxic vitamin A (Betacaradine). At a rate of 2 parts calcium to1 part vitamins, the mix is dusted on feeder insects or mixed in with fruit supplements.

When captive Phelsuma are maintained under normal flourescent lighting: A calcium supplement containing D3, mixed with a vitamin supplement contianing non-toxic vitamin A (Betacaradine). Administered in the same manor as above.

Juveniles are supplemented every other feeding and adults are supplemented twice a week. We have found ultraviolet light not to be critical in maintaining Day Geckos, but feel that it is an added plus to their well-being. So whenever possible, use ultraviolet light.