OK, I have a green Iguana. Not exactly native to Korea. I have a lot of experience in other reptiles. Namely corn snakes, ball pythons, and tokay geckos. All of witch I've raised to adult size relatively easily.
Basically, I'm concerned about my Ig's growth rate. He/She is about 18 inches (36cm) from snout to tail tip. I've read a hell of a lot about proper diet/ uv/ humidity/ temp range and believe I'm ok in those departments.
I will however elaborate. Feeding: a variety of greens many of which are unknown to westerners. I am in korea afterall. I usually feed a variety different greens mixed with some moistened: dry, alfalfa/rabbit pellet with a tuberous green vegetable or two/ strawberries every day. By weight I try to maximize the leafy portion of the diet. Seconded by some alfalfa source and lastly by veggies/ fruits. I try new veggies frequently, just to give the Ig a semblance of a natural diet. Sheppard's Purse is often on the menu. Cheap, plentiful, and seemingly having a good Ca/P ratio. No meat protein ever.
I'm using basking lights combined with exo-terra 5.0 compact (the only UV light available here) that is within 5 inches (12 cm) of it's preferred basking spot. The temps are right. Never more than 35 C under the basking spot during the day.
I'm rambling on now. Let's cut to the chase. Jello (my Ig) Is active and alert and free ranges in a 8 by 4 foot Ig proofed kitchen. He/She takes regular warm baths and is misted often. The only problem I can foresee is that the temp frequently drops to 20C at night and Jello never gets direct sunlight (when summer comes this will be remedied).
Basically, My question is how fast are healthy juvenile green Ig's supposed to grow. I've had mine for 4 months. Jello has a good appetite. I guesstimate he's grown 2 inches in length at most. Others say more, some say he looks the same size as the day got him. Is this normal? Should I start weighing him / measuring him to make sure? He has always appeared healthy but has never seen a vet (English speaking herp vets are heard to find here).
Sheds need some help with bathing and seem to come in stages. first: head/dewlap, then: underbelly/limbs, finally tail/ back.
In the course of 2-3weeks. Though I never see the back shed; but he clearly does it by the the hue of his dorsal scales.
Any-who, I'll upload some pics if ya'll want. Any advice/ real world Ig growth rate info would be appreciated. I'm sure Jello is Korean by birth rite, not an import. Perhaps he is a spy from the north? He lives in Daegu...If you know?
