Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've hit a stroke of bad luck. I've been looking into desert iguanas and horny toads for a while now. Well this weekend I got both. Neither is eating. I have the iguana in a tub the size of a 20L. A plant on the hot side with leaves low enough to hide under and the same on the cool side. A basking spot of about 110*, play sand as substrate, a clay pot hide somewhere in the middle, a desert 10 UVB light. He's only about 8" or 9" tip to tail. A small water dish which I know he probably won't use but there is a small one in there with him none the less. I got him sunday. Is it possible he is still adjusting to his new environment?

Desert iggies, like a lot of room. And they borrow in nature, so they like to hide in something, maybe pvc piping?

Anyway it's pretty normal for them to not eat for a few days until they acclimate. I would not worry yet.

If after awhile hes not eating or is losing weight then worry!
(maybe have a fecal done later on if hes a wc)and test for worms.

But for now, offer some dandelion flowers and greens, collard greens, kale, shreaded carrots they love, shreaded squash, apple, small chunk of banana(mine loves it, lick it) I shread many veggies, radishes sweet potato, just try things.

But dandilion flowers and greens would be good if you can get them from a (non- treated yard)

And as far as your water bowl, use a shallow saucer, like you would put under a plant , mine does always drink from it.

I wish you the best with your new buddies, hope they will soon do well for you. The horny toad eats ants, I'm sure you knew that

Theres alot of people here who will help, if ya need us YELL !
Lizard kids

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PHEve/ Eve

Contact PHEve

You'd be surprised how that can make a difference at that size. I had a hatchling desert ig that loved to eat small mealworms. AS they mature, they will decrease the insect diet and go for more veggies mixes. Good luck Bryan.

John E.

He totally freaked out. I'm taking that as i sign of stress. I figure some more time to adjust should help. I've only had him for 3 days and one was transit and setting up his enclosure. He's all set up now so I'm hoping in a day or two he'll eat. I'm not worried yet.

I think he will be fine by next week. Keep us posted. You may have to try shredding instead of dicing or something silly like that

J