|
|
|
|
 |
Green Iguanas belong to the family Iguanidae,genus Iguana and species iguana. Green Iguanas live in very warm climates from South American forests to the Caribbean islands to the dry desert of Mexico. Green Iguanas occur naturally in Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemanla, Honduras, Panama, Columbia, Guyana, Peru and Surinam. |
 |
Iguanas are a bright green when they are juveniles, developing their adult colours at around 12 months. Adults range in colour from bright green to a grey-green or even brown or rust background colour. Iguanas usually have black bands along their tails and sometimes on their bodies. In the wild, they are arboreal and found close to water and so when you purchase an iguana as a pet, think ahead to the size it is going to get and plan to transfer it from a smaller enclosure to a much larger enclosure when it is an adult. |
 |
An adult iguana should be housed in an enclosure at least 2m X 1m x 1m. You will need to provide a tree trunk with strong branches to climb and a water reservoir. Broad spectrum uv-lighting is extremely important for the growth and health of your iguana. Your iguana can be fed on many different vegetables and fruits as they are vegetarian. Paw-paw, mulberry leaves, hibiscus leaves and flowers, celery leaves, cucumber, spinach leaves, parsley, pumpkin...can all be fed. Calcium powder should be sprinkled on their food to ensure that they get proper calcium intake into their diet. |
 |
Iguanas are around 15cm when they hatch, but they grow to a maximum of around 2m in length, most of which is tail. The tail of the iguana is where most thermoregulation and balance take place. The tail is used as a whip when the iguana does not want to be picked up and the tail has a sharp edge along the top. Iguanas may drop-off their tail when they feel threatened or when it gets caught between something like under a rock or between your fingers. Juveniles under 20cm should regenerate a lost tail but anything bigger will remain without a tail. Care needs to be taken when handling juvenile and adult iguanas - your hand should act as a support under the body and between the front and back legs, with the tail hanging free. |
 |
Iguanas have three speeds: stop, walk and blurr! They can run and juveniles are especially on the quicker side of life. Iguanas make great pets, they tame very easily if enough time and energy is put into them. It is a commitment when you purchase an iguana as they will live 15 to 20 years easily in captivity. Each specimen is different, with different tastes, likes and dislikes, friendly and just plain grouchy and it is up to the owner to make the best of their iguana. Usually an iguana's behaviour reflects the energy and time put into it by its owner! |
 |
Some green iguanas are on display in our shop. |
Return to Home Page
| Copyright © 2001-2007 by D.J Anderson | Last updated: April 2007 |