Iguanas: How to Take Care of Them

If your pet is not typically found in your area, then it is an exotic pet. These types of animals are great to have. Since few people have such animals, the owner of an exotic pet has an animal that others do not usually get to interact with.

Humans have to have special treatment when they leave from one environment that they are used to and go to another environment that they are not used to. In this same way, animals must have special care when such a drastic change occurs. These changes can have to do with climate or other environmental factors. The green iguana is an example of an exotic pet that must be especially cared for due to it not being native to the environment where it is being kept as a pet.

The life expectancy of a green iguana is directly related to what it eats. Keeping its environment warm and its cage clean is important as well. However, if the pet’s diet is poor, the pet will not last long. If, on the other hand, you make sure your iguana has a healthy diet, the pet will live for many years.

It should be obvious to you that your iguana is not to be fed the same way a dog or cat is. Surprisingly enough, there are some books that tell you to feed your iguana as if it were a dog or cat. If you have one of these books, get rid of it. As most veterinarians will tell you, unlike dogs and cats, calcium and phosphorus are cornerstones of an iguana diet, not protein.

Your veterinarian will serve as a great guide in putting together your pet’s diet, which will need a proper ratio of Vitamin D3, phosphorus, and calcium. How much you need of each will depend largely on your pet’ size.

If you chop the iguana’s food up, it will be easier for the animal to digest it. It’s very important for iguana’s to be able to digest their food with ease and how you repair it is important. Plenty of food equipment exists to help with this.

Brussel sprouts, spinach, broccoli, cabbage, tofu and some other foods must be avoided because they can be toxic. These foods, unfortunately, are often thought of as good for your pet but can, in fact, can make your iguana ill. Lettuce, for example, can give your iguana diarrhea.

Keeping a place for your iguana is also important. At the rate iguanas grow, they tend to outgrow their cages quickly. As such, you should instead provide it a place in your room with the proper heating and lighting to keep your animal safe.