Iguana
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| Native to: |
Iguana is native to Central and South America |
| Adult Size: |
The adult Iguana is typically about 2 metres (79 inches) in length from head to tail and can weigh up to 5 kg (11 pounds) |
| Iguana Appearance: |
The Iguana tends to have tall, flat plates jutting from their back like spines, when adult. Green iguanas, not surprisingly, are green in color, but can be found in many different shade ranging from bright green, to a dull, grayish-green. Their skin is rough, with a set of pointy scales along the iguana's back. Green iguanas have long fingers and claws to help them climb and grasp. |
| Iguana Diet: |
The iguana tends to eat mostly plants, especially leaves and fruits.
Sometimes green iguanas (especially young ones) will eat eggs,
insects, and small vertebrates, but animal protein should be avoided as much as possible.
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| Ease of care: |
The iguana is difficult to care for in captivity.
They are very well adapted to their
natural environment (warm, fairly humid places), and it can be difficult for caretakers
to create this environment in captivity. |
| Housing in Captivity: |
Providing your iguana with the appropriate habitat conditions is challenging.
An iguana enclosure should be at least twice the length of the iguana and should be
tall. Six feet is the minimum habitat height recommended.
A basking spot that is 90-95ºF is recommended, and the ambient air temperature
surrounding your iguana should be at least 80ºF during the day.
Iguanas must have a source of UVA and UVB light. It is important to provide your
iguana with a humid environment, with levels betwen 65-75% being appropriate.
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| Habitat: |
Iguanas prefer a day temp 82-86F, night temp 75-80F, substrate of potting soil and washed play sand mix, leaves, orchard bark. Needs well planted tank with branches for climbing. |
| Drink: |
Iguanas drink water, mist twice a day, and use drip system. |
| Sleeping habits: |
Iguanas are diurnal, meaning that they are awake during the day. |
| Iguana Breeding: |
The iguana lay many eggs at a time (about 50), in holes inthe ground called burrows. They also dig pretend burrows to confuse any animals that may be looking for eggs to eat. After female iguanas lay the eggs, they leave them and do not return. When iguana babies hatch, they grow up without care from their parents. Green iguanas lay many eggs, but only 3-10 babies actually survive to be adults. It takes green iguana eggs about 8-10 weeks to hatch, then takes baby iguanas about 2 years to become mature adults.
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