Posted by Thumper on June 20, 2000 at 10:21:35:
In Reply to: One more question about feeding... posted by Bill on June 19, 2000 at 09:17:21:
Some poeple put out a lot of food at one time once a day. I would hate for someone to feed me breakfast, lunch and dinner all at the same time and expect me to enjoy it all day.
If you have not read Melissa Kaplan's Green Iguana Pages, you should. It is referred to the bible of iguana husbandry. She addresses food preparation and feeding.
Let me tell you my experience. I got Bad Boy when he was very small (maybe 5-7" long). I, too, was intimidated by what to feed him and how often. I started making up the iguana 'salad' Melissa Kaplan's site touts (shredded parsnips, shredded butternut or spaghetti squash, fresh shredded green beans, shredded figs, and other odds and end to your igs tasts--just make certain they are foods your ig should have). I made up enough to use a whole squash, a whole bag of parsnips, etc. I put it in half-full freezer Ziplocks. The small size.
Bad Boy would eat a tablespoon (sometimes less) of the salad twice a day. I also fed him a third of a cup of fresh chopped greens (collard, mustard, turnip, dandelion and escarole) three times a day. If he didn't eat all I offered, I would cut back the next day and give him a little less. Same in reverse, if he cleaned up all the food in his dish.
Feed the 'salad' mixture first when they're young, or they'll just eat greens all day long. : ) Remember to keep water available or mist the food with water lightly before feeding your ig.
Don't be concerned unless your little iggy is not eating anything. When they're small, it does not seem like they eat enough to keep them alive. He will start eating more as he begins to grow. You will be amazed at how fast he grows!
I am sorry I did not see your post earlier. I added my email addy if you need an answer fast.
Good luck!