Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I need some help. one of our iguana's has stopped eating and has started to lose weight. he is also, not active. He is in a large enclosure with another smaller iguana. this one is about a year old and about 16 inches or so in size. the other iguana is smaller, around 12 inches. there are 2 basking spots using megaray UV bulbs and temps run depending on where they bask from about a high of 110 to as low as 80. there are many branches at different heights. The food has not changed since we have had these 2 and they have always been together. They have been in the new enclosure for a a month or 2. the smaller one is very active and growing. also, he is eating well as food definitely is being eaten and his body is fat. the one not eating is deteriorating.

i am open to ideas here so any help on what to do or how to force feed would be great. The enclosure is from jworlds and is about 6ft long x 2ft wide by 6ft tall with a large water fall and lots of basking as well as hiding spots.

have 2 males? the smaller is dominant maybe. Regardless of the sexes I would split them up and out of visual contact. I would up the temps a bit to stimulate eating. I've had opposite sexes intolerant of each other, its not just males.

jf

You should separate them ASAP as the other posted stated. Iguanas really shouldn't be housed together as a rule. Some have luck with it but many times this is the result.

After you give it a day or so away from the other one you can take small pieces of mustard, turnip or collard greens, gently pull down its jaw to open it and pop the greens into its mouth. Hopefully after a day or so of this, it will begin to eat on its own. If not, you may have to syringe. I had to do this for over a year with a special needs female that I took in. Pic 1 is 3 wks after I got her. Pic 2 is the day I got her.

Please act right away and hopefully the ig will bounce back.
Linda

dont force feed. just more stress on a stressed animal. Raise the heat, offer colorful foods. In proper conditions the animal will eat

jf

I will separate them as soon as possible as well.

How do you know he is loosing weight? Are you weighing him or just judging with your eyes? They store their food in their back legs and tail.

When last did he eat? How old is he?