Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I got my very first Iguana from my husband for my 24th birthday just a couple of days ago. I have owned many lizards of different types over the years but have always wanted an iguana. I read about them all the time so I thought I would be ready to take care of one when I finally was able to get one. My husband surprised me wiith this iguana and I was ecstatic, but I feel a little overwhelmed with everything I have to do to take care of it. I'm constantly second guessing myself and wondering if I actually did things right. I love the little guy to pieces already, he's just a baby, very small, and I check on him like a million times a day to make sure he's still alive. No I don't put my hand in the cage that many times a day lol I'm not that crazy. I just go sit by his cage and talk to him until he moves so I know that he's alive. I named him Squirt, cuz he's a handsome little Squirt. The people at the pet store were absolutely no help, so I was searching online to find someone who actually knew what they were talking about to help me with this. I finally got the cage set up perfect, the humidity and temp regulated, both during the day and at night, but he doesn't seem to be eating, at least not well. Am I just obsessing? I mean I know he won't eat too much yet because he's just a baby, but sometimes it seems like he hasn't even eaten at all. I've tried broccoli, carrots, papaya, and bananas, as well as some supplemental food that I have to mix with water that this lady who I met at the pet store (she didn't work there, she just owns an iguana) recommended, and yet I still think he's not eating alot. Is it just the relocation, or should I be worried?

tell us more about how his cage is set up and we can help better..

also are you feeding him any greens? he needs greens and drop the brocolli,a nd the dry food from the pet store. the dry stuff is bad for them as most of the time it contains animal proteins which are bad for them and the brocoli binds the calcium.. also make sure you use calcium and multivitamin on his foods....

also what other lizards have you owned before.. becuase iguanas are not like any other lizard. they are very needy...

>>I got my very first Iguana from my husband for my 24th birthday just a couple of days ago. I have owned many lizards of different types over the years but have always wanted an iguana. I read about them all the time so I thought I would be ready to take care of one when I finally was able to get one. My husband surprised me wiith this iguana and I was ecstatic, but I feel a little overwhelmed with everything I have to do to take care of it. I'm constantly second guessing myself and wondering if I actually did things right. I love the little guy to pieces already, he's just a baby, very small, and I check on him like a million times a day to make sure he's still alive. No I don't put my hand in the cage that many times a day lol I'm not that crazy. I just go sit by his cage and talk to him until he moves so I know that he's alive. I named him Squirt, cuz he's a handsome little Squirt. The people at the pet store were absolutely no help, so I was searching online to find someone who actually knew what they were talking about to help me with this. I finally got the cage set up perfect, the humidity and temp regulated, both during the day and at night, but he doesn't seem to be eating, at least not well. Am I just obsessing? I mean I know he won't eat too much yet because he's just a baby, but sometimes it seems like he hasn't even eaten at all. I've tried broccoli, carrots, papaya, and bananas, as well as some supplemental food that I have to mix with water that this lady who I met at the pet store (she didn't work there, she just owns an iguana) recommended, and yet I still think he's not eating alot. Is it just the relocation, or should I be worried?
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1.0.0 adopted iguana
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My Email

YOU DONT OWN YOUR IGUANA, YOUR IGUANA OWNS YOU

HAPPINESS IS LIKE PEEING ON YOURSELF, EVERYONE CAN SEE IT BUT ONLY YOU CAN FEEL THE WARMTH

R.I.P INDIAN LARRY

Congrats on your new iggy.

If you are concerned as to wether you are doing things right then you should tell us more about your set up and we can make sure you are heading in the right direction.

What size tank is it?
What is the substrate?
What do you have for decor? (water dish, hides, climbing branches..etc...)
How is it heated?
Do you have a UVB bulb?
What are the high and low temps?
What is the humidity?
How long have you ahd him?
What are you supplementing with?

As far as not eating much it may be because he is just adjusting. Having said that, since he came from a pet store i would bring a stool sample to the vet as soon as he delivers one.

Try more greens, greens should make up the majority of their diet...try collard, dandelion, and mustard greens. You can also try endive and escarole and spring mix. Use the fruit as more of a "side dish" add a few pieces to the green mix salad when you feed.

goodluck!
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First I didn't see exactly how long you've had him. I have observed my Iguana over the years go off feeding for 2 weeks to 30 days beacuse of moving or a new enclosure. It is very stressful for Iguanas to change environment especially captive lizards becaused they generally are not exposed to many different environments. I definately agree with the post below saying to avoid commercial diets. These commercial foods are generally loaded with toxic levels of vitamin D3 and other suppliments. A good leafy green based diet and proper suppliments and proper dosage are the best. I didn't see any mention of UV lighting, but I feel that it is absolutely critical in the early years of Green Iguanas to have adequate UVA and UVB exposure. In regards to the second guessing and trying to provide the best environment for your new lizard: I completely relate I did the same things in the first year of owning my Iguana. First becareful not second guess too much I learned this the hard way when I thought my Iguana had swalloed something he wasn't going to pass, I freaked out, had an X-ray done the vet was not sure either way, so I went ahead with surgery to see if he had somethiing that might create a blockage, nothing was found. I felt horrible, I was trying to do the best I could but I over reacted and my Iguana had to endure a very painful recovery and not to mention surgery is very dangerous for reptiles. My strategy for becoming self confident in keeping these guys was to buy and read as many differnt books and information as I could find. In the end time is what it takes. There are basic requirements for Green Iguanas and once you know them and practice them day in and day out it will becaome second nature. One the most helpful articles I read when I first got started was by Melissa Kaplan. I applaud you desrie to provide the best captive environment you can. Good Luck!