Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I recently rescued a 4ft male green iguana from some neighbors that was neglecting him.

He had a respitory infection, but I treated it with baytril so its gone..but he is VERY underweight..I whould say 3-4 pounds at most.

So how long is it gonna take for him to gain his weight back?I am feeding him 3 times a day a nice iggy salad.He really loves acorn squash.

thankyou in advance!
-Kara

I am no expert when it comes to iguanas because my ig, Nubi, is still young and I have only had him for about 2 months but... I would continue to feed him as you are, as long as he is finishing off these "salads". I do not know how long you have had him so I do not know how long he may have had this weight issue. He should look pretty filled out and not too skinny. If you are very concerned with his weight and the problem seems to continue take him to a vet just to be 100 percent sure, that always seems to be the best bet when it comes to your iggy's health.

Depends on what you're feeding him...
I know you said acorn squash- any more details? what leafy greens? how much? what other veggies? any fruit?....

You can also do things like yougurt... I've had to do that for a few that just wouldnt eat....

and it can take MONTHS of food to get that much weight on an IG.... we had one girl come in- They guys cats got ahold of her- and she dropped her tail. and I let her go 5 days with no food and i pureed some veggies and tube fed her for 2 weeks- then she started eating on her own... she would eat 3-4 BIG bowls a day- and i'd let her, then she wouldnt eat for a few days and then eat 3-4 bowls again... she ended up not making it- she passed about a week ago. We had her for about 6 weeks and it was touch and go the whole time. very sad.
the vet was able to give me some meds to increase her appetite and they did seem to help- but i think a side effect was nausea so she would stop eating and start... and stop- it was a mess.

anyway- it will take some time and good job on the rescue!!
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The rescue site: www.freewebs.com/okreptilerescue

I am so sorry for your loss.But adleast she passed knowing someone loved and cared for her.

I am feeding my(Kiwi) and the resucue ig a diet of: Mustard greens,collard greens,dandelion greens(grows year around since we live in Louisiana),acorn squash,mexican gray squash,parsnip,okra,green beans,mango and blueberries.

This new ig has a EXTREME appetite..So no worries on him eating and drinking.He is active as well..When I take him out he walks around tasting...he even bobbed his head.lol.Clear eyes and nose..I think its gonna take alot of food.

thanks