Reptile & Amphibian Forums

His head is turning a greyish black.. Is he too close to the light? Is it burning him? Would he know if it was burning him?
I ordered Iguanas for dummies. This more complicated then my python.

Has it turned so overnight or within days? Or has it been gradual?
How old is it?

Iguanas' heads do turn grayish with growth and age.
What is the closest distance from basking spot to lamp?

If the animal is too close to a UV lamp it can burn its retinas, and as for the heat lamp, definately can burn the skin.
Distance should be no less than 8 inches, tho a foot is best for safety. Remember, whenever in doubt use common sense.

Also, a good-sized enclosure helps the animal thermoregulate better, and stimulates movement and more natural behavior, rather than be cooking all day still on a branch.

Good choice with the book, check out her website for tons of free info!

-IJ

I am pretty sure it has been over a couple days. There is enough room for him to cool off if he wants to. Though he does like to be really close to the lamp. I did move it because I was afraid it would burn him. I didn't know if he new to move if it was too hot but then he moved where he basked to closer to the lamp. I did notice today that just his head is peeling, like he is shedding his skin but just on his head. Is that possible.

P.S. How much food should Izzy eat in a day?

how big is izzy ? ... i feed my iguana a big breakfast .. and then a smaller lunch and then a small supper .. with some fruits

umm it is possible that your iguana is just shedding ?
im not sure ...

mine shedding and they get a dull white greyish color .. in spotted areas as they shed it off .. ( soak them

Iguanas skin typically darkens before shed. Also, when an
ig is under stress they darken.

Linda

With all due respect Tracie, these are questions you should know the answer to if you did more in-depth research first. Iguanas are not easy, as you previously mentioned.

The book(s) available does/do explain feeding amount at different life stages, as well as basking, heating, shedding, and basic health guidelines.

The top part of iguanas is able to detect excess amounts of heat, unlike the bottom/belly where they are not as able, therefore more prone to burns (such as from heat rocks). However, thermal burns are not uncommon on heads and bodies.

The others here gave you some great feedback, so keep us posted on how things go. I'm not saying that you've asked silly questions, I just strongly recommend newbies to research and know as much as possible first, to avoid confusions and/or harm to the animal.

If possible, could you post a pic of it head? It would help a great deal.
Let us know how it's doing.
Good luck!

-IJ

IJ...... My daughter got this as a gift from her uncle. I thought she was getting a gecko. So everything I had for this 3 inch gecko she was posed to get which was a tiny tank a small light and some bark,etc. So though yes I would agree that if I had chosen to go out and get Izzy w/o researching it first would have been rather irresponsible. But i didn't know. So now I have Izzy which I really have grown fond of in these last few days and am trying to get all the info I can so I can have a happy healthy Ig.

I would like to thank you and everyone else that has helped me in the last few days.

Ahhh... that explains it, definately an old classic "Hey mom, dad, look what I got!". hehehehehe

No problem, let us know if there is anything else we can help u with.

-IJ

"I thought she was getting a gecko."... boy isn't that a culture shock! I will admit we have gotten our nephews some gifts knowing that they would drive my my brother-in-law crazy with irritating sounds, but a lizard that will grow 5-6 ft and live 15 years... wow! Its the gift that keeps on growing! I commend your efforts to get information to keep it properly and please keep us updated on how it is doing. They can be sweet little monsters and can really grow on you (in more ways than one!). I have heard that the reason that iguanas didn't die off with the dinosaurs was because they were to stubbern and pigheaded to let it happen. Our's can really put that to practice, but I wouldn't trade him for anything. Good luck and post a picture of him sometime if you can!
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Bryan, Atlanta GA

1-0-0 Rescued Ball Python - Apep
0-0-1 Rescued Bearded Dragon - Zeus
0-0-1 Rescued Non-Alpha Green Iguana - Bud
1-2-0 Rescued Rats... no wait... ROTTEN Little Cats - Ra, Bastet, Isis
0-0-1 Rescued Fit and Trim Panda Hamster - Mr. Fluffy
1-0-0 Horse... whoops... BIG Golden Retriever - Jake
0-1-0 Wife
2-0-0 Kids

sounds like a woah case sinario .. its nice to see someone trying to take care of one .. with they just happenly appeared thinking it was going to be a gecko .
i bought mine a month ago and i would never let him go ...

a picture would be nice to see ..
i have a gallery.. and mine guy just got 2 feet now .

good luck .. got question's im here too im not a perffesional or anything but ill try and help . in any way .

christina