Re: have questions...lots of questions...need answers

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Posted by Jason Z. on August 17, 1998 at 12:54:30:

In Reply to: Re: have questions...lots of questions...need answers posted by Charles Small on August 17, 1998 at 01:15:16:

: : *is there anything cheaper than plexiglass to use on the
: : cage?

If your house stays at a comfortable temperature--78 degrees or so--use a plastic course weave mesh available in many herp shops. It is inexpensive, durable (plexiglass scratches and dulls) and reduces odors because of the good ventilation. I keep my cage in a corner so it doesn't get drafty, though. This stuff is also great because they can climb on it giving them far more useful space in the cage.

: : *for lighting~ the cage will be near a window, but i'm sure

How near--watch the temperature--especially if you go with glass.

: : additional lighting should be used. should i also include
: : a ceremic fixture? what about the "moonlights"...are they
: : needed? the one i have is uva...is that allright?

You need only have enough light for a 90 degree baking area in one part of the cage. Whatever wattage and combination (basking, ceramic, etc.) that will provide this. Moonlights are only for nocturnal reptiles--use ceramic heat emitters at night. Don't forget a flourescent full-spectrum bulb too.

: : *how deep should the bathing water be?

He should be able to stand in it with about 1/3 of his body out of the water. That way it is still deep enough to submerge himself completely if he wants. I use a plastic bussing tub like you see in restaurants.

: : *when he sheds should i clean up the skin or will he take care
: : of it?

He will probably just make a mess with it--clean it up.

: : *what specific brand of supplements do you suggest?

Rep-Cal and Vita-Min.

: : *and, what kinds of dark leafy greens do you suggust...
: : collards, mustard...?

Those plus kale, romaine lettuce, and other greens. Cut the tops from carrots, radishes, etc. I also will take leaves from my vegetable garden for variety--tomato leaves, cucumber leaves, etc. Keep in mind, though, the collards and other high-calcium veggies should be the staple of his diet. The other stuff is for varity--and they love it.

Good Luck--Iguanas are great.

Jason

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: : : *is there anything cheaper than plexiglass to use on the : : : cage? : If your house stays at a comfortable temperature--78 degrees or so--use a plastic course weave mesh available in many herp shops. It is inexpensive, durable (plexiglass scratches and dulls) and reduces odors because of the good ventilation. I keep my cage in a corner so it doesn't get drafty, though. This stuff is also great because they can climb on it giving them far more useful space in the cage. : : : *for lighting~ the cage will be near a window, but i'm sure : How near--watch the temperature--especially if you go with glass. : : : additional lighting should be used. should i also include : : : a ceremic fixture? what about the "moonlights"...are they : : : needed? the one i have is uva...is that allright? : You need only have enough light for a 90 degree baking area in one part of the cage. Whatever wattage and combination (basking, ceramic, etc.) that will provide this. Moonlights are only for nocturnal reptiles--use ceramic heat emitters at night. Don't forget a flourescent full-spectrum bulb too. : : : *how deep should the bathing water be? : He should be able to stand in it with about 1/3 of his body out of the water. That way it is still deep enough to submerge himself completely if he wants. I use a plastic bussing tub like you see in restaurants. : : : : *when he sheds should i clean up the skin or will he take care : : : of it? : He will probably just make a mess with it--clean it up. : : : *what specific brand of supplements do you suggest? : Rep-Cal and Vita-Min. : : : *and, what kinds of dark leafy greens do you suggust... : : : collards, mustard...? : Those plus kale, romaine lettuce, and other greens. Cut the tops from carrots, radishes, etc. I also will take leaves from my vegetable garden for variety--tomato leaves, cucumber leaves, etc. Keep in mind, though, the collards and other high-calcium veggies should be the staple of his diet. The other stuff is for varity--and they love it. : Good Luck--Iguanas are great. : Jason

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