>>since crickets are high in protein, i was wondering if feeding my iguana crickets every so often would be a good idea?

should i sprinkle a calcium supplement on the food? or is the UV light enough?
>>
>>thanks
>>ian

Hey Ian,

Answers to your two questions. Crickets are bad juju baby! Animal protein in any for is bad juju. Animal protein in any fashion is bad for Green Iguanas. Herbivorous lizards are not created to properly digest these and kidney failure does come around 8 years of age in iguanas where crix, insects, meat, dog/cat food, cheese, eggs, etc.... is offered.

A well rounded diet of dark leafy greens (collards, dandelion, mustard, kale) mixed with finely chopped veggies (squash, yams, parnsips, green beans, whole beans) and some high calcium veggies (berries are great) will help put weight on in no time. Chop everything smaller and that will help him put more food into his belly. For skinny lizards, whole wheat pastas (check label for eggs, several brands do not contain them) mixed with veggie or fruit based baby foods help bulk up the iguana. Be sure that the animal is eating the veggie mix.

I would strongly suggest to start off with, to be sure to offer calcium supplementation. Calcium Carbonate is the best choice. You can use the rep-cal with D3 or you can offer tums. I prefer to use the sugar free variety. Right now I would DEFINITELY head start with calcium until you get on a good path.

I would suggest looking into either Iguanas for Dummies or Green Iguana: The Ultimate Owners Manual as two great references for green iguanas. Also you might want to drop those temps just a smidge. At least the basking spot drop down to 105. It aint a savy!
-----
Cindy
PHFaust

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