Posted by BabyHerp on June 21, 2000 at 19:13:31:
In Reply to: I'm a sucker for the my IG. posted by IG27 on June 20, 2000 at 11:06:15:
Sounds normal for a young ig (yearling?) Young igs (up to 2 years old) require a higher plant protein content (**Ensure Plus poured over his/her salad for extra calories & good plant protein & vitamins) in their diet...and should have temps higher than mature igs to speed digestion and enhance growth.
Spring & summer months mean increased growth because of temps! Have you checked out Akira Yamanouchi's Site (link below) DATA section for growth analaysis...something ya might want to toy with...He has growth charts and a bunch of very interesting reading on GGIs. Females normally begin egging upon sexual maturity (2-3 years old) this is not etched in stone...as size is often the determinant. Next stop...the Iguana Zone...very indiv-*ig*ulized. Agree with Iz's Mom...save the hand feeding for those "special bonding times" only...did you consider placing his/her food dish up on the basking shelf? Using one of those terra cotta plant dishes with the hole in the center...a nut, washer & bolt to attach it to the shelf? Those sterling silver pet dishes (2 bowls ) mounted to the side of the shelf/wall also make for easy removing and cleaning of the bowls and maybe something you'd consider. Igs do seem to like to eat high up, but adapt to pretty much anything....placing the food dish at ground level...sure would mean ^ excercise for your ig!
Some other growth related sites:
http://www.animalnetwork.com/reptiles/library/vet/vet19.asp
http://www.greeniguana.co.uk/growth/growth.htm#January%20'99
Gina (time to sleep!)