Re: underfed iguanas

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Posted by BabyHerp on February 24, 2000 at 11:27:03:

In Reply to: underfed iguanas posted by Sarah C on February 23, 2000 at 08:42:24:

Visit the sites that have been provided for you...some quick things...on Solar Drops...all it is ...is radiated animal fat (sterols) exposed to uvb. Iguanas much like other reptiles really have a very hard time metabolizing ORAL Vitamin D3 and can die from toxicity as it is a fat soluble vitamin & is stored in their bodies. Even tho Vitamin D is a MUST HAVE to metabolize calcium...its best they get it by exposure to natural sunlight or articifical light (uvb emitting tubes/lamps) where there is NO chance of overdosage. I know many herpers that swear by Solar Drops but the risk outweighs the benefit as people have a tendency to overdo it..thinking more is better.
Now this concludes the "Evils of Solar Drops Lecture" lolol
Proper temps...very important for them to digest their food. Daytime: 84-90 ...basking spot of no more than 100 degrees..basking lamp position should NOT be directly over head...but off center from igs basking spot.
Nighttime temps: High 60s- to high 70s....human heating pads, ceramic heat elements, heatlamps appropriately placed help with nighttime drops
Hidespots...artificial plants or box with human heating pad under for hiding ..reduces stress for those little guys.
Diet...High calcium high fiber greens: collards, dandelion, cactus (nopales), mustard greens...being since these iglets are emaciated a calcium supplement and multi-vitamin (without Vitamin D3 is best) EVERYDAY for a few weeks then taper off the multi-vit to 4xs a week but continue with the calcium. Calcium absorbed from the food they eat is anywhere from 20-40% of the calcium contained in it so its important to supplement a growing igs diet.I'd pour some Ensure over the igs plant food as well for extra calories and vitamins plus the protein (soy) which young igs seem to do better on a diet with higher protein...some alfalfa/timothy hay (hard strands removed) or supplements sprinkled on salad would be good. As far as using your bds vitamins...depends on what's in it, how much...calcium phosphorus ratios and Vitamin D3 mostly. More than likely someone already answered your questions and Im just being redundant ..sorry bout that Im too lazy to read everyone's responses! but hang in there...its great that you are asking questions about their care...we'll help ya out as much as we can...
Gina

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Gina ~ thanks for the D3 info/lecture !!!!! very appreciated! nm iZ's mom 02/24/00 (0)

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: Visit the sites that have been provided for you...some quick things...on Solar Drops...all it is ...is radiated animal fat (sterols) exposed to uvb. Iguanas much like other reptiles really have a very hard time metabolizing ORAL Vitamin D3 and can die from toxicity as it is a fat soluble vitamin & is stored in their bodies. Even tho Vitamin D is a MUST HAVE to metabolize calcium...its best they get it by exposure to natural sunlight or articifical light (uvb emitting tubes/lamps) where there is NO chance of overdosage. I know many herpers that swear by Solar Drops but the risk outweighs the benefit as people have a tendency to overdo it..thinking more is better. : Now this concludes the "Evils of Solar Drops Lecture" lolol : Proper temps...very important for them to digest their food. Daytime: 84-90 ...basking spot of no more than 100 degrees..basking lamp position should NOT be directly over head...but off center from igs basking spot. : Nighttime temps: High 60s- to high 70s....human heating pads, ceramic heat elements, heatlamps appropriately placed help with nighttime drops : Hidespots...artificial plants or box with human heating pad under for hiding ..reduces stress for those little guys. : Diet...High calcium high fiber greens: collards, dandelion, cactus (nopales), mustard greens...being since these iglets are emaciated a calcium supplement and multi-vitamin (without Vitamin D3 is best) EVERYDAY for a few weeks then taper off the multi-vit to 4xs a week but continue with the calcium. Calcium absorbed from the food they eat is anywhere from 20-40% of the calcium contained in it so its important to supplement a growing igs diet.I'd pour some Ensure over the igs plant food as well for extra calories and vitamins plus the protein (soy) which young igs seem to do better on a diet with higher protein...some alfalfa/timothy hay (hard strands removed) or supplements sprinkled on salad would be good. As far as using your bds vitamins...depends on what's in it, how much...calcium phosphorus ratios and Vitamin D3 mostly. More than likely someone already answered your questions and Im just being redundant ..sorry bout that Im too lazy to read everyone's responses! but hang in there...its great that you are asking questions about their care...we'll help ya out as much as we can... : Gina :

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