Re: I am worried about my iguana, Help please!

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Posted by xta on February 25, 2000 at 07:47:20:

In Reply to: I am worried about my iguana, Help please! posted by John G. on February 24, 2000 at 22:59:55:

I am not familiar with the scabbing situation, but I would suggest a visit to the vet-- and there are some other questions of care you should consider.

1. Is his diet well rounded? (mostly greens like mustard, collard, escarole, watercress, dandelion) supplemented with squashes/sweet potatos with very little fruit as a treat like berries, melon, mango

2. Does he have adequate lighting (needs UVB tube light for sunlight replacement, although nothing is as good as a real unfiltered dose of sunlight. And he needs a regular bulb for heat (not too close or could cause burns). Hot rocks are dangerous so get rid of those (cause burns) but a ceramic bulb or red bulb is good for night time heat (timers for the lights are helpful)

3. Is he getting calcium supplementation on his food (crushed up cherry tums works) and does he get a weekly dose of vitamin supplement? These are essential.

4. Is he crammed in a tiny cage? Igs get 6ft. and should not be kept in 20 gallon aquariums.

5. Is his cage kept clean and disinfected? Is his poop solid and healthy looking or a mushy mess?

These are some major points I've covered for your igs well being-- and some could be the cause of his problems, however, you need to see a qualified reptile vet for treatment of these scabs.
This is actually not an ideal classroom pet due to the size and care requirements-- you need a bathtub to properly clean him. And children cannot possibly handle him when he gets bigger-- will end up with huge scratches or tail whip marks. Salomonella is also an issue with young children (especially if his environment is not kept immaculate) I ran into a teacher in a reptile store, talking to another teacher about buying an iguana for her classroom-- I quickly discouraged her (she had no idea they grew to 6ft) and she was thinking of a gecko or frog instead after I told her. Good luck and I hope you can treat his ailment. Keep us posted.

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: I am not familiar with the scabbing situation, but I would suggest a visit to the vet-- and there are some other questions of care you should consider. : 1. Is his diet well rounded? (mostly greens like mustard, collard, escarole, watercress, dandelion) supplemented with squashes/sweet potatos with very little fruit as a treat like berries, melon, mango : 2. Does he have adequate lighting (needs UVB tube light for sunlight replacement, although nothing is as good as a real unfiltered dose of sunlight. And he needs a regular bulb for heat (not too close or could cause burns). Hot rocks are dangerous so get rid of those (cause burns) but a ceramic bulb or red bulb is good for night time heat (timers for the lights are helpful) : 3. Is he getting calcium supplementation on his food (crushed up cherry tums works) and does he get a weekly dose of vitamin supplement? These are essential. : 4. Is he crammed in a tiny cage? Igs get 6ft. and should not be kept in 20 gallon aquariums. : 5. Is his cage kept clean and disinfected? Is his poop solid and healthy looking or a mushy mess? : These are some major points I've covered for your igs well being-- and some could be the cause of his problems, however, you need to see a qualified reptile vet for treatment of these scabs. : This is actually not an ideal classroom pet due to the size and care requirements-- you need a bathtub to properly clean him. And children cannot possibly handle him when he gets bigger-- will end up with huge scratches or tail whip marks. Salomonella is also an issue with young children (especially if his environment is not kept immaculate) I ran into a teacher in a reptile store, talking to another teacher about buying an iguana for her classroom-- I quickly discouraged her (she had no idea they grew to 6ft) and she was thinking of a gecko or frog instead after I told her. Good luck and I hope you can treat his ailment. Keep us posted.

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