DESCRIPTION OF THE IGUANAS:
Iguanas are reptiles that have a light green body coloration, although in some species this is usually somewhat darker or dull.
Its hind legs are larger than the front ones, but both have strong and very sharp claws that help it climb trees, anchoring itself to the wood so as not to fall.
It also helps them tear apart the body of their victims or even scratch the ground or the vegetables they eat.
His tail can measure as long as his body, having a lot of strength in it, since he uses it to defend himself.
Iguanas tend to change their skin constantly.
Although this process depends on the food, the stress of the individual, the iguana terrarium and other characteristics of the place where it is located, you can help your pet.
It is not about removing the skin that is falling off, that could damage it, but about removing the small portions of skin that she cannot remove, such as the remains around the eyes, nostrils, jowls and mouth.
Iguanas, as poikilothermic animals, have a body temperature that varies according to the environment.
A green iguana must maintain its temperature between 29 and 39 C°, during the day, and at nightfall, around 20 and 25 C°.
It is vital that the temperatures remain within these ranges, since it depends on them that the animal correctly executes the processes of feeding, reproduction and digestion.
Achieving a thermal gradient from electric mattresses, hot rocks, and lamps will ensure that your pet regulates its temperature as it moves through different areas. The ideal humidity for an iguana is between 50 and 70 percent.
The sexual maturity of iguanas is reached when the individual reaches 16 years of age. However, this species is considered an adult at 18 years and when it measures 21 cm. long.
HAVE AN IGUANA AS A PET:
As with all animals, each species needs special care and the same thing happens with the iguana.
You must take into account its diet, its terrarium, even the temperature of its environment so that it is healthy and happy.
The iguana is one of the favorite animals of reptile lovers and with which they usually start in this world.
It is not exactly the easiest to keep in captivity since, although when we catch it it is tiny, it grows a lot and very quickly, so it needs a large space at home to be well.
Iguanas are like small dinosaurs that come from Central and South America.
They live for around 13 years and can weigh up to 8 kg (some even more) and measure more than 2 meters in length.
The iguana has a bright green color when it is young, which, as it grows and becomes an adult, fades and turns a grayish tone.
It is an arboreal reptile and a good swimmer that moves among the branches of the trees and always lives near water.
Iguanas can shed their tails just like lizards if they feel attacked, growing back again (but never as long as before).
If they lose it again, it will not grow back, so they will only release it if it is strictly necessary to escape a predator.
Iguanas are solitary and territorial, so if you want to have two, it is better not to have two males, as they can be aggressive and fight.
It is preferable that you choose to have a partner of different sexes.
The most important thing you should think about before choosing an iguana as a pet is whether you will be able to recreate the weather conditions it needs and provide a large and adequate space for it when it is an adult.
HANDLING A PET IGUANA:
It is possible to educate and tame an iguana.
She will never be a dog since her instincts and behavior are different, but you can also have a strong bond with her if you put your mind to it and learn how to treat her.
You should never grab it by the tail, much less at first, as it will feel threatened and may even drop it.
Always grab her by the belly, just behind the front legs.
Whenever you are going to interact or handle your iguana, pay attention to its reaction.
If it tries to run away or whips its tail, it is not comfortable with the situation and it is better that you leave it alone at that moment.
If you caress her and she closes her eyes, it means that she likes it and is enjoying it.
The lack of contact and never taking it out of its terrarium can lead to more wild and aggressive behavior.
With patience and kind treatment you will get him to trust you and you will have an incredible companion.
NEEDS OF THE IGUANA:
Large terrarium with logs, branches and stones.
Inside it should have a resting area with light and heat, as well as plants similar to those you would find in nature.
Temperature between 26 and 30ºC, similar to the tropical climate and humidity of 70-85%.
Natural sunlight.
You can place the terrarium near a window or release your iguana on the terrace or garden for a while every day.
Always available clean water divided into several bowls in the terrarium.
Terrarium cleaning: substrate, food remains and dirty water.
Veterinary control.
Pay attention to the color of his skin and changes in his mood. Also check their nails so they don't grow too long.
The iguana is an expert at escaping.
For this you must place it in a safe cage, whose walls are smooth and continuous, something similar to a glass aquarium. This type of cage will allow you to observe it better, as well as sanitize it easily and frequently.
It is also appropriate to place a branch inside the cage for the iguana to climb on it.
On the other hand, the iguana should not be placed in a place where other specimens of its species are found, since its behavior with other iguanas can be aggressive.
If you have more than one iguana, make sure you have enough space.
Experts assure that the minimum distance between two individuals must be one and a half times the length of the animal by two thirds of its width, as well as one time the height of the specimen.
The iguana should not wander around the house unattended because, in addition to catching a cold, it can be trampled or attacked by other pets that live in the house.
IGUANA NUTRITION:
Diet based on leaves and fruits.
They are strictly vegetarian, they do not eat insects.
There are two fundamental ways to offer an iguana drinking water.
This species likes to drink the water from low dishes in which it can bathe.
However, for those that do not adapt, a drip system is better, through which the water will fall first on leaves and branches, so that later the iguana drinks it from them.
Iguanas make up their diet from vegetables and fruits, which must be washed, chopped and mixed so that the animal eats them with pleasure.
However, juvenile iguanas raised in captivity must also eat animal protein.
The feeding frequency of iguanas varies according to their age and weight. Newborns will eat chopped food twice a day; juveniles once a day, and adults, every 24 to 48 hours.
