Reptile & Amphibian Forums

The iguana(Icky,) is in a rubbermaid in the garage. I put it in there because it's getting colder outside and in the garage it stays relatively warmer. I may see if I can bring it inside, but really, the temps in the garage are about the same.

I live in Florida, USA, so the days are pretty warm. There's no freezing. Yet ever since the temp's started to drop, so did Icky's appetite. He seems to be eating less and less. I do have all the essentials, such as a heat lamp, but the ambient temp's are just too hard to manage.

I don't know whether he's sick, or if it has to do with the drop in temps, or if it's just the way iguanas are when they're young. It is eating, as I saw droppings today, but it's just not pigging out. In all, I'm just not sure what to do, or whether or not it might get weaker and die.

Once again, I adopted this little guy from someone who just bought it for kicks, so don't jump on my back.

I agree with McNelson,

I smell B-S.

But, if you're not messing around, look:

You obviously have Internet access. Google Iguana Care?
If you took the time to read around this forum, you'd be having ideas already on how to fix your problem.
Ever thought of buying a book on iguanas?

The lower temperatures are almost simulating a hybernation-mode, even if green iguanas don't really hybernate. Low temps = low appetite because the colder the animal, the more unable it is to digest the food. Cold reptiles cannot digest the food, and the food literally rots in their gut, resulting in a very nasty death.

The Rubbermaid container has to go. Unless it is huge, but it should really go. Get a proper enclosure, and if possible, keep him in the house. I am in South Florida, and tonight it was quite cold!!!

Heat lamp UV lamp heat tapes should provide proper warmth and lighting for the winter months. For night-time, red-bulb light or ceramic bulb will keep the animal warm, without bothering it. Avoid heat rocks.

Visit Melissa Kaplan's website on Iguanas.
Get her book while you're at it, or if not, print out every page from her Iguana care section.

Good luck. If you're serious, feel free to ask more Q's.

-IJ