Yesterday my family found a three foot long iguana sunning itself on the street in front of my house, so they called me to wrangle him. No one seems to be looking for a lost iguana, so we have been under the assumption that he got too big for some family and they just let him go...he's been in a 2x2 cage for a day and I don't know what to do!
I gave him a mix of mustard and collard greens, carrots, green beans, and yellow squash, but he hasn't eaten or defecated, as far as I can see. He has a little reptile waterer in there with him.
Today when I got back from work we went outside and sunned together (I got him a ferret harness & leash), and he has been in sunlight indoors since this morning. He closes his eyes when I pet his neck and is very comfortable resting his head on my shoulders. He does not whip his tail, but moves it out of the way if I pet it too far down. He doesn't show his dewlap or hiss, but he sighed a little while on my shoulder.
I know he needs both UVA & UVB lighting but I can't afford it just yet! Because I work at a pet supply chain (we have no iguanas, but water dragons), I have access to tanks and supplies, and I was wondering what my best options were. I already bought 2:1 powder, but haven't put it on the salad yet. I have several primary concerns / inquiries:
1. Why is he not eating? Am I just missing him eating? What time of day would he eat? What can I use to whet his appetite?
2. Is it normal for him to be this calm, or can he pick up on my relaxation? He sleeps all the time. Is he sick, or is it just winter?
3. Is sunlight enough in the interim? Is it enough to maintain him outdoors?
4. The 55 gallon tank looks too narrow. Is a 40 gallon breeder tank sufficient or should I just start bulding him an outdoor enclosure (we live in Houston, TX...it's 75 degrees outsideas of 12/21)?
Armand and I would really appreciate the help!!!
