Steps for Caring for Iguanas for Complete Beginners
Iguana is a type of reptile animal originating from the Americas. These animals can be found in the wild or as pets. How to care for an iguana itself is actually quite easy, so many people are starting to keep these animals at home. Interested in keeping an iguana? Let's get acquainted with this unique reptile first!
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| Steps for Caring for Iguanas for Complete Beginners |
Get to know the characteristics of the Iguana, the Big Lizard
The physical characteristics possessed by the iguana include looking like a large lizard. The color can change according to the form of the natural visual response, for example yellow, orange, pink, green, and blue.
However, in general the body color of the iguana is green. In addition, the skin wrinkles found on the underside of the jaw and feet, can be used to determine the sex of the iguana.
The size of a baby iguana is 25-30 cm, while an adult iguana has a length of up to 1.8 meters. In fact, some can exceed up to 2 meters.
Meanwhile, the age of this animal ranges from 15-20 years. Adult iguanas also have a body color that is quite unique, because it tends to turn brown or orange as seen from the line on the tail.
Here's How to Take Care of Iguanas for Beginners
Iguanas can be trained to be tame animals. Although it has a physical form that is quite scary for some people. These animals are easy to obey and do not endanger the lives of their owners.
However, to tame this large lizard, it takes patience and constant training. Over time, animals will get used to and easily adapt to the new environment and people around them.
Caring for an iguana can be tricky. Of course, these animals should not be treated carelessly. For that, it is very important to know how to take care of this reptile. Come on, learn how to care for the following iguanas:
1. Feed Routinely and Regularly
Proper and regular food is one of the main factors in the development of the iguana's body. Just like humans, they need to eat three times a day. Morning, afternoon and evening. Iguanas also need food intake three times a day with nutrients that suit their body's needs.
Preferably, the type of food provided is also diverse, so that the iguana doesn't get bored easily. For example, an iguana's diet mix consists of grains as much as 45%, vegetables such as mustard greens as much as 40%, and fruits as much as 10%.
Please note, the basic composition that must be in the iguana's diet includes green beans, vegetables, bananas, and the addition of animal protein at a level of 5%. Meanwhile, foods that are only allowed to be given once in a 24-hour period are spinach, broccoli, and celery.
Then, for foods that are prohibited from being given to iguanas, for example, such as worms, milk, leftover vegetables, and eggs. Because, these iguanas are included in the category of herbivores (plant eaters) not omnivores (everything eaters).
So, do not provide food that is too diverse beyond the nutritional content that can be absorbed by the animal's body.
If forced to give food beyond its nutritional needs, it will have an impact on the process of digestion of food. If this happens, the growth of the iguana will be disrupted.
2. Make sure there is a supply of clean water in the cage
The supply of clean water in the iguana cage is very necessary. This is because iguanas can feel thirsty after eating the food they are given. Not only after eating, sometimes animals also drink after moving.
In addition, the drink given to pets, should not be raw water. Because, it can affect the growth of the animal itself.
The drinking water given to the iguana cage should be boiled water that is put in a large enough bowl. Because, when an iguana consumes water, it is often seen that the iguana put its head in the water.
After giving water to the cage, don't just leave it alone. Change regularly the drinking water in the cage. That way, the water that will be consumed by animals is protected from environmental contamination that can result in polluted iguana drinking water. Do not be excessive in giving drinking water, give enough so that not a lot of water is wasted.
3. Regularly Clean Iguana Cage
Cleanliness of the cage or place where the iguana lives is also the key to the successful development of a healthy iguana. The cage conditions were adapted to their original habitat (place of origin), namely the tropics. Indonesia is a country that has a tropical climate. Thus, it is very easy to prepare an ideal cage for your iguana.
Make sure the cage is placed in a place that gets good lighting. Especially exposed to direct sunlight. Because, UV rays in the sun are very good in maintaining the growth of bones, skin, and digestion of animal food.
Cleanliness in the cage can also help prevent disease in iguanas. Diseases that can infect iguanas if they don't get a clean cage are fungi. If this is allowed, it can lead to death.
Iguanas are easily attacked by diseases caused by germs, bacteria, excreta, and leftovers from food given to these animals. Therefore, it is very important to keep the iguana cage clean.
4. Important To Regulate Iguana's Ambient Temperature or Temperature
Iguanas are used to warm environmental conditions. The temperature that is very suitable for iguana habitat is 26 oC to 29 oC. While a good temperature for sunbathing is 32 oC to 35 oC. To provide the appropriate temperature conditions, it is better to attach a room thermometer to the outside of the cage. Thus, it is easier to condition the cage so that the temperature is maintained.
For the base of the cage, usually use newspapers, carpets, or sawdust to provide comfort to the iguana. The humidity temperature preferred by these animals is in the range of 65%-75%. The trick is to spray twice a day or use a special machine.
5. Pay Attention to Iguana Health Conditions
The health of the iguana can be monitored by observing the animal at close range. How to care for an iguana is as easy as described. Wounds or pain that are physically visible can be given proper treatment by applying the appropriate medicine as recommended by a veterinarian.
However, if there are other symptoms that are difficult to see through the iguana's external appearance, then immediately consult the nearest veterinarian.
Keeping an iguana can be said to be easy, it can also be classified into a difficult category. These reptiles are used to warm and humid environments. Therefore, it is important for keepers to always ensure comfortable cage conditions for iguanas. Otherwise, animals can experience stress and have a major impact on their health.
Superior iguana seeds, will produce iguana offspring that are just as superior with good care. So, if you have an iguana that doesn't grow big, first observe the seeds of the iguana you have.
Keep in mind, iguana animal droppings if left alone for a long time, it will be bad for health. Therefore, whenever you see an animal that has passed feces, clean it immediately. Don't wait for it to just pile up in the cage, OK!
Thus information about the steps and how to care for an iguana. Hopefully useful, especially for those of you who are interested in keeping iguanas. Make sure to take care of it in the ways above yes! That way, the iguana can grow big and healthy.