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CARE IN CAPTIVITY
Green Iguana Care
much larger. In juveniles these differ that have lived together for some time to
Thomas H. Boyer, D.V.M. ences are more subtle. Probing has been suddenly tear into one another. For mul
10148 W. Chatfield Ave. suggested as a method of sexing (12) but tiple iguana households several smaller
Deer Creek Animal Hospital 1 haven’t found this reliable. Sexual cages are preferable to one large commu
Littleton, CO 80127 maturity can be reached within two years nal cage.
but breeding usually doesn’t occur until It is not advisable to give ones iguana
the third year in captivity (8). Females in free roam of the house because of the
reen iguanas (Iguana iguana) are Panama lay clutches of 23 to 60 eggs numerous hazards they can encounter
popular pets and are the most com (mean = 40) from late January to mid- Downloaded from http://meridian.allenpress.com/jhms/article-pdf/1/1/12/2787261/1076-3139_1_1_12.pdf by Indonesia user on 30 July 2022
G (7). Other pets, particularly cats, regard
mon lizard in my practice. Owners March during the dry season and iguanas as prey that must be attacked
receive a wide variety of conflicting hatchlings appear in 90 days at the start without hesitation.
information, often erroneous, on how to of the rainy season (6). Under artificial The bottom of the cage should be
care for their iguana. Therefore the vet incubation at 27 to 35 C (80.6 to 95 F) lined with newspaper (the cheapest and
erinarian must be a knowledgeable eggs hatch in approximately 93 days (6). easiest to use), astroturf (make sure it has
source of information because good Larger females lay larger clutches (6). no loose ends that can be eaten), wood
medicine can only be built upon sound Females need to excavate nests before chips (large enough that they can’t be
husbandry. Owners form initial impres they will lay. It is tempting to speculate eaten), or alfalfa pellets. Avoid sand,
sions of their veterinarian based on how this is one reason females often become gravel, dirt, crushed com cob or kitty lit
well the veterinarian can tell them how egg bound in captivity. Artificial nesting ter as substrates because they can cause
to care for their reptile. Thus husbandry chambers have been constructed from 6 numerous problems and are difficult to
is paramount to the reptilian veterinarian. half width solid cinder blocks (40 cm x clean (7,12). If one uses astroturf buy a
Here are suggestions on husbandry. 20 cm x 10 cm) and females avidly second so a clean dry one can replace the
Iguana iguana is a large diumal arbo accepted them (6A). These were con one that is being washed and dried (7). If
real folivore found from Mexico into structed in a pit by placing one cinder using newspaper or astroturf, cages
Brazil. Both sexes lead solitary lives (12) block flat at the bottom, one at each side, should be cleaned weekly (or sooner if
except during the breeding season and one across the back and two perpendicu dirty). Alfalfa pellets and wood chips
are territorial (a fact that is largely lar to the others to form a roof. The should be changed every several months
ignored in captivity). In the past it was cavity inside the cinder blocks was but feces need to be scooped out several
assumed that younger animals were par packed with 7 cm soil and two 15 cm times per week. Constantly moist or
tially insectivorous to facilitate rapid inside diameter clay tubes 30 cm long filthy environments are potential sources
growth but now it is believed iguanas are were placed in line with the one open of infection. For most cleanings hot
generally herbivorous throughout their side. The whole structure was then water is enough to rinse out the cage,
life (1,2) although they will eat carrion buried including most of the inside of the more thorough cleaning with a 3%
(3) and insects (4). Growing iguanas tubes with soil tapering away to the bleach solution is only needed once or
achieve faster growth rates by selecting exposed entrance. With a little imagina twice a year.
diets higher in digestible protein and tion one could fabricate a similar, Hardwood driftwood branches for
maintaining higher body temperatures simpler structure in captivity. climbing and basking are appreciated. A
which is believed to increase digestive In captivity iguanas grow rapidly (30 water bowl big enough for the iguana to
efficiency (2). Studies in Panama (1) to 60 cm/year) reaching adult size within get in and soak is also needed, clean it
found iguanas ate leaves, fruit and flow 2 to 3 years and can live ten to fifteen whenever dirty or at least twice a week.
ers of select trees, vines and bushes in years if properly fed and cared for Iguanas need access to water at all times
short frequent feeding bursts concentrat (7,8,12). Owners should invest in a larg (12) and not just once a week as has been
ed from late morning to early afternoon. er aquarium initially or be prepared to suggested (8). In the native state iguanas
Most forage species were abundant but purchase a large one later. A 20 gallon are usually found in close association
effort was evident to eat less common aquarium would be good to start but with water. In drier parts of the country
species and seasonally available foods. within a few years most owners must keep the cage humid, but not wet, by
Although a wide variety of species were build large glass, plywood and screen spraying it several times per week or use
eaten stomach contents typically consist cages. Wood should be sealed with non a humidifier.
ed of one or two species and researchers toxic sealent such as polyurethane (8). Iguanas spend much of their day in the
speculate that dietary diversity is accom Allow as much vertical space as is prac tropics soaking up the sun and prefer it
plished over a period of days rather than tical to accommodate their arboreal slightly warmer than most reptiles. Cage
daily (1). lifestyle. temperature should not drop below 75 F
Adult iguanas are easy to sex because Iguanas live solitary lives in the wild at night and gradually rise to between 85
the ventral femoral pores are much larg except for breeding and ideally should be and 95 F during the day with a localized
er in males compared to females and housed individually in captivity (12). hot spot or basking area of 95 to 100 F
males have hemipenal bulges at the ven Unfortuneately this is generally impracti (8). Numerous studies of wild iguanas
tral base of the tail. Males also grow cal and it is not uncommon for iguanas have shown that adult iguanas maintain
12 AARV Premiere Issue. 1991
body temperatures between 36 and 37 C An area of considerable debate and is recommended. Unfortuneately glass
(96.8 to 98.6 F) by basking in the sun. uncertainty within the herpetocultural and mpst plastics filter out UV light
Iguanas are hind gut fermenters and it is world is the need for ultraviolet (UV) (unless specifically UV transmissible) so
probably not coincidental that mam lights. UV lights are thought to be essen windows don’t help as a source of UV
malian hind gut fermenters also have tial in basking species for photochemical light for indoor animals. Likewise no
similar body temperatures (2). Assuring production of the active form of vitamin glass or plastic should be between the
ones iguana a hot spot is important for D which in reptiles is believed to be light and iguana, screening is fine. There
proper digestion. Several sources recom cholecalciferol or vitamin D-3 which in is unfounded fear (7,12) that fluorescent
mend much hotter basking areas of 100 turn assists in calcium uptake from the UV lights can cause damage to the skin
to 110 F (7,12) and this seems danger gut. Ultraviolet irradiation in the 290 to Downloaded from http://meridian.allenpress.com/jhms/article-pdf/1/1/12/2787261/1076-3139_1_1_12.pdf by Indonesia user on 30 July 2022
or retina (they don’t) and some suggest
ously hot. It is important that a thermal 320 nanometer wavelength catalyzes filters to block UV light in 290 to 320
gradient exists within the cage so that the production of cholecalciferol in mam nm wavelength (14). This is the extrapo
iguana can behaviorally thermoregulate. mals and it is reasonable to assume this lated wavelength believed important for
It needs to be able to warm up to a pre is true for iguanas as well. An alternative cholecalciferol synthesis and use of these
ferred body temperature but also move to to UV lights is to provide preformed D-3 filters would defeat the primary purpose
a cooler area if getting too hot. in the diet. Unfortuneately vitamin D of the lights. The lights should be on for
Here are some suggestions on main requirements are unknown for all reptiles 12 to 14 hours per day year round and
taining this temperature. Keep in mind and it is extremely toxic in excess turned off at night. A timer helps keep
that each setup is different so it is diffi amounts. Empirically 100 to 200 iU D- them on a regular photoperiod.
cult to advise what will work well in 3/kg/week has been used without Diets for green iguanas are an area
each owner’s home. The only way to apparent harm. It is easy to exceed this owners have tremendous difficulty with
know what temperature a cage is, is to amount with miniscule amounts of most and the following is a compilation of rec
use a thermometer (minimum-maximum multi-vitamins and one finds many ommendations from several sources
thermometers are the best). After many overzealous owners unwittingly ready to (9,10,11). For young growing animals
years of checking temperatures one finds do this. Most adult iguana necropsies to eighty percent of their diet should be
guess work to be unreliable and danger have considerable evidence of hypervita- plant based and twenty percent protein
ous so insist owners purchase a minosis D. Therefore until further based. Once the iguana reaches adult size
thermometer. Remember reptiles are information becomes available owners (this should take two to three years) the
ectotherms so temperatures too low slow are recommended to use UV lights and protein can gradually be reduced and the
metabolism and predispose to illness moderate multivitamin supplementation. plant material increased to decrease the
whereas temperatures too high can rapid Given that UV lights may only be load on the kidneys.
ly kill reptiles. marginally effective it behooves one to Of the plant material 80 to 90% should
The basking area can be provided suggest the best combination. Black be vegetables and 10 to 20% fruits.
placing a 60 to 100 watt incandescent lights have more UV irradiance then Most iguanas relish fruits but they are
light bulb with reflector outside the cage other fluorescent lights (7,13) but pro mineral poor so they ^hould be restricted.
or resting on the screen top so that it duce dim purple visible light. Combining Think of fruit as more of a treat that can
warms a branch or rock in the cage. A black light bulbs with other white light be given from time to time. Those foods
small infrared light also works well but fluorescent bulbs produces a more bal listed in bold print have a positive calci
make sure it is at least 18 inches from the anced natural light (7). A two bulb um to phosphorus ratio. Vegetables will
iguana. With either light make sure the fluorescent light fixture with a black make up the bulk of the diet and leafy
iguana can’t come into direct contact or light (General Electric Co, Nela Park, greens with a dark green color will make
get too close to the light or serious ther Cleveland, OH) and either a Vitalite up the majority of the vegetables. Dark
mal bums may result Iguanas have been (Durotest Corp., Lyndhurst, NJ), leafy greens that are rich in calcium
known to hang directly on light bulbs Chroma-50 (General Electric), or include collard, mustard, and turnip
while their skin slowly bums! Colortone 50 (Westinghouse, North tups or greens, alfalfa or Timothy hay,
The best way to heat the rest of the American Philips Lighting Corp., alfalfa chow, Buffalo grass, and dande
cage is with a space heater keeping the Somerset, NJ) less than two feet from the lions (flowers, stems and leaves), and
room between 75 and 90 F. Other less animal works well. The UV output of should be the cornerstone of a healthy
desirable heat sources include heat tape, these lights decreases with age so replace diet. Other dark leafy greens include
heating pads or hot rocks. Again make them every two years or sooner. Plant bok choy, Swiss chard, clover, kale,
sure any heating sources hot enough to lights and poster black lights (BLB beet greens, escarole, parsley,
bum ones iguana are not present inside lights) fail to provide enough UV light in spinach, watercress, savoy, kohlrabi,
the cage (anything too hot to rest ones the 290 to 320 nanometers wavelength to and romaine lettuce. Other types of veg
hand on or under for several minutes will be of much benefit in cholecalciferol etables include alfalfa or radish sprouts
eventually bum the reptile). In general, activation (7,13). (as well as other sprouts), asparagus, bell
heating sources outside the cage are In warmer parts of the country sun peppers, carrots, cucumbers, green
much better. light is the best source of UV light and beans, jicama, mushrooms, okra, peas
AARV Premiere Issue, 1991 13
and pea pods, prickly pear cactus pads day. In general feed enough that the rep retreat. Particularly nervous individuals
(remove the spines), shredded squashes tile continues to gain weight and grow may need their cage covered so they
(such as green or yellow zucchini), sweet but not so much that it becomes obese. If don’t pace at glass barriers or bash their
potatoes, soybeans, and uncooked the iguana eats all one offers and still snouts whenever their is movement out
thawed frozen mixed vegetables (corn, seems hungry then feed it more. Most side the cage.
green beans, lima beans, peas, carrots). young iguanas grow very rapidly so one As one can see iguana husbandry is
Spinach and beets have calcium binders should notice appreciable growth on a somewhat complex. Veterinarians must
in them so they should be fed in modera monthly basis and weight gain on a assume the forefront in promoting good
tion. Cabbage, brocoli, brussels sprouts, weekly basis. Feed hatchlings daily until husbandry and the only way to do this is
bok choy, cauliflower, kale and other they are roughly six months old then to be cognizant of just what good hus
members of the cabbage family can they can be fed like adults, three times bandry is. Both your client and patient
cause thyroid problems if fed excessively per week or every other day. will benefit from your suggestions.
but are fine in moderation (9). Flowers Every feeding sprinkle a light dusting
such as roses, nasturtiums, carnations of calcium carbonate, lactate, or glu
and hibiscus are excellent. Mulberry conate on the salad. Iguana diets tend to
leaves are good if available. The other contain excess phosphorus (9) so calci References Downloaded from http://meridian.allenpress.com/jhms/article-pdf/1/1/12/2787261/1076-3139_1_1_12.pdf by Indonesia user on 30 July 2022
10 to 20 % of the plant portion can be um supplements with phosphorus are not 1) Rand, A.S., et al. The diet of a generalized
various fruits. Figs are one of the few recommended. Do not oversupplement folivore: Iguana iguana in Panama. J of
fruits rich in calcium. Apples, apricots, with calcium! A fine barely perceptible Herpetology, 24(2):211-214,1990.
dates, grapes, kiwis, melons, peaches, dusting is all that is required. My brother 2) Troyer, K. Diet selection and digestion in
papayas, pears, plums, prunes, raisins, once told me he only supplements an Iguana iguana: the importance of age and
strawberries and raspberries are all fine amount of calcium that he expects equals nutrient requirements. Oecology, 61:201-
the amount of bone growth for that day. 207,1984.
in small amounts. Iguanas are fond of 3) Loftin, H. and E. Tyson. Iguanas as carrion
bananas unfortunately they have very lit Obviously the correlation doesn’t exist eaters. Copeia 4:515, 1965.
tle calcium present. Iceberg lettuce has but it is a very handy rule of thumb for 4) Hirth, H.E. Some aspects of the natural
little nutritional value. owners. Ideally with a balanced diet little history Iguana iguana on a tropical strand.
The other 20% of the diet consisting calcium supplementation is necessary. If Ecology 44(3):613-615,1963.
of protein sources is also important. the iguana eats the variety of chows in 5) Troyer, K. Small differences in daytime
Canned, semi-moist, or dry dog chow, the protein portion it is getting plenty of body temperature affect digestion of natural
Purina trout chow, monkey chow, or multivitamins. Multivitamin supplemen food in herbivorous lizard (Iguana iguana).
Hikari chichlid pelleted fish chow, pel tation is only required if the iguana isn’t Comp Biochem Physiol, 87A (3):623-626,
leted bird chows, or whole gold fish, eating any of the chows in which case a 1987.
baby mice or adult mice (depending on very light dusting of a good quality rep 6) Miller, T. Artificial incubation of eggs of
the green iguana (Iguana iguana). Zoo Bio,
the iguanas size), drained whole sar tile or bird multivitamin once or twice is 6:225-236,1987.
dines, soaked dry legumes (beans), tofu, month necessary. Multivitamin supple 6A) Wemer, D.I. and T.J. Miller. Artificial
hard boiled eggs, insects, earthworms, mentation has been recommended with nests for female green iguanas. Herp Review,
and commercial reptile diets are all each meal (12), this seems excessive. 15(2):57-58, 1984.
important in small amounts. All the dry Variety is key to a healthy diet! Avoid 7) Beltz, E. Care in captivity: husbandry tech
chows need to be first soaked in water feeding just dog food and a few vegeta niques for amphibians and reptiles. Chicago
until soft. Feed a wide variety of these bles and fruit. Until more is known it is Herp. Society, pp 42-43,1989.
foods not just a few. Dog food and mon prudent not to rely on any one item for 8) de Vosjoli, P. General care and mainte
key chow should be limited to less than the majority of the diet (particularly nance of the green iguana. Lakeside, CA,
5% of the total diet because of high vita items known to contain large amounts of Advanced Vivarium Systems, pp 1-32,1990.
min D content (9). Avoid cat food 9) Frye, F.L. Biomedical and surgical aspects
vitamin D such as monkey chow bis of captive reptile husbandry. Edwardsville,
because it is too high in protein, fat and cuits). Recheck patients a month or two KS, Vet Med Pub Co, 1981, pp 19, 24-25, 34-
vitamin D for iguanas (10). after restructuring their diet and go over 40.
To make a salad wash, chop and mix diet again. Question owners as to what 10) Barton, S.L. Reptile nutrition: herbivo
three or more types of dark leafy greens, they are offering and what is being eaten rous species. Chicago Herp Society, 1984.
thawed frozen mixed vegetables, several (often there is tremendous difference that 11) Boyer, D.M. An overview of captive rep
types of fresh vegetables, a fruit and a many owners are reluctant to reveal). tile diets. Proc of the Student Amer Vet Med
protein source. Salads can be stored for a Captive reptile diets are just beginning to Ass Symposium, Ft Collins, CO, 1987.
week in the refrigerator. For hatchlings it be understood so keep an open mind as 12) Anderson, N.L. Husbandry and clinical
is important to chop food into very small recommendations are likely to change in evaluation of Iguana iguana. Comp on Cont
pieces. Each week slightly vary the diet Ed for the Pract Vet, 13(8): 1265, 1991.
the future. 13) Gehrmann, W.H. Ultraviolet irradiances
by offering different food. Finicky eaters Wild caught iguanas are often shy and of various lamps used in animal husbandry.
can be encouraged to eat more by mixing should be minimally disturbed until they Zoo Biology, 6: 117-127,1987.
preferred foods in heavily at first and are eating well and seem less nervous. 14) Mader, D.R. Metabolic bone disease in
then gradually decreasing them over a Have owners resist the temptation to try captive reptiles. Vivarium, 2(4): 12-13, 1990.
few weeks (7). Persistence eventually and tame them immediately because this
pays off with novel items but keep in will further stress them and can be too
mind iguanas also can have individual much for an animal that is already maxi
likes and dislikes. mally stressed. Allow them a few months
How much to feed is a tricky question. to adjust to captivity. A hide box will
In the wild, iguanas probably feed every give them a secure area in the cage for
14 AARV Premiere Issue, 1991
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