Tag Archives: reptile care

Iguana Care: Light, Heat, and More

In the wild, reptiles tend to spend a lot of time basking in the sun. Iguanas (and other reptiles) are cold-blooded or ectothermic, meaning they depend on an outside source of heat to regulate body temperature. Why is light important? Sunlight and/or UV lights allow your iguana’s body to create vitamin D — just like sunlight helps a human body produce vitamin D. Natural sun exposure and a basking light will help ensure good health for your green iguana. Not enough D puts your green iguana at higher risk for certain types of metabolic bone disease. Natural sunlight is great, … Continue reading →

A Look At Iguana Health Issues

Like any pet, your iguana should see a veterinarian at least once a year for a general check-up and any vaccinations he may need. Try to choose a veterinarian that specializes in reptile care so your iguana is seen by an expert. Many health issues that require a vet visit are caused by two things: poor care and poor feeding. If your green iguana isn’t being fed the right foods, he’s going to get sick. If his tank doesn’t provide the right light and heat, he’s going to get sick. Make sure your iguana is well cared for at home … Continue reading →

Green Iguana Feeding Tips

Many problems that could send your iguana to the veterinarian are caused by poor nutrition. Giving your green iguana the right diet is important to keeping him healthy and happy. First and foremost, green iguanas are herbivores. That means they eat ONLY plant material. Don’t try to feed them insects or small animals like mice. Your iguana will get all the protein he needs from plants; the bulk of the diet is plant fiber and is very low in fat. Experts suggest feeding your iguana mainly fresh vegetables, with no more than a quarter of the diet made up of … Continue reading →

Iguana Care Basics

Adding a lizard to the family? Green iguanas are a popular choice — they’re one of the most popular pet lizards out there! But if you’ve only had furry friends, you’re going to need to know a few things about your new scaly pal. Start your reptile education here: Reptile Basics Reptile Basics: Heat and Light Make sure you pick a veterinarian who treats iguanas. If your current vet doesn’t do much work with reptiles, you may want to ask for a referral to someone who does. It’s important to get an initial check-up when you bring your iguana home; … Continue reading →

Reptile Basics: Heat and Light

Reptiles are ectothermic — that means cold-blooded! Cold-blooded doesn’t mean that reptiles like cold weather. It means that reptiles rely on external temperature to regulate body temperature. If you’ve ever seen reptiles in the wild, you may have seen them sunning themselves on a rock for warmth, then moving into the shade to cool off. You need to provide your pet reptile with a temperature gradient in their living space. This will allow the reptile (be it a snake, lizard, or turtle) to choose the appropriate temperature. Temperatures that are too high can overheat your reptile; temperatures that are too … Continue reading →

Reptile Basics

Before you make a decision about adding a reptile to your family, be sure you know whether or not reptiles are allowed where you live! Many areas have laws pertaining to dangerous reptiles, including constricting snakes and venomous snakes. Pick a captive bred reptile whenever possible. Wild reptiles that have been tamed are not as used to human handling as captive bred reptiles are. At the pet store or breeder, be sure you pick out a healthy reptile. Look for a reptile with clear, alert eyes and no visible sores or lesions. Make sure your reptile seems to be generally … Continue reading →