I would make sure that your temps are ideal: 85 in the warm spot, 75-80 in the cool spot with a basking spot of 90-95. What kind of UV does he have? I don't think compacts work very well as I hear of people having a lot of problems with them. Make sure you have a 8.0 or 10.0 tube or a Mercury Vapor. Ideally, natural sunlight works best if you can get him outside for a bit each day. I'm assuming that his current cage is large enough for him.

Now food: Not all greens are created equal. Half the daily diet should be leafy greens that are a good source of calcium such as turnip greens, mustard greens, dandelions, etc. The other half should be veggies like green beans, squash, sweet potato, etc. Then add fruits as a topping, mango, melon, strawberries, apple, etc. Everyone feeds a bit different...some feed more greens than veggies. Iguana Den has a great list of greens and veggies. Don't forget the supplements: calcium and a vitamin. I also like Nutribac or Benebac to add beneficial bacteria and aid digestion. That might help put some weight on, too. Soaked alfalfa pellets can be used as a protein source, but I wouldn't overdo it for the kidneys' sake.

With lizards, proper husbandry has to be in place before weight gain is noticed. They just won't eat right and do well if their conditions aren't ideal. I'm not saying you don't have it right, just double-check temps with a digital thermometer (even a glass one if you watch it), and double-check the diet. Feeding the best quality food puts weight on the best...no romaine, etc. If he still doesn't put weight on, consider getting a stool check for parasites.

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• is my iggy's growth stunted - iggyguy, Mon Apr 21 23:09:59 2008
• RE: is my iggy's growth stunted - laurarfl, Tue Apr 22 06:56:23 2008