Re: A start on the answers....

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Posted by blob on April 17, 2001 at 15:15:13:

In Reply to: A start on the answers.... posted by JohnT on April 17, 2001 at 15:08:14:

: Welcome to the forum. As to breeding success rates, many folks on this forum hope they are 0, since we have far too many iglets in this country now, most in the hands of pet shops or people who don't know or realize the extensive care required.

: As to longevity, Travis, one of our forum regulars, recently lost his Speedy at almost 17 years. Jim Hatfield, author of "The ultimate Iguana Manual" tells of an ig over 29 years old. We probably don't know the maximum lifespan under ideal conditions, but we should be prepared for a pet with a potential of 20+ years.

: As to sunlight, the need is for uvb radiation to produce vitamin D3 in the skin. This is readily available in natural sunlight (not through glass), and in the absence of sunlight, should be provided artifically with flourescent tubes (zoomed iguanalights). This is a lifelong necessity at all ages, not just juveniles. Some sunlight for at least a portion of the year is, in my opinion, vital.

: Best regards,

: John

I know there are bulbs that have the proper specturms of ultraviolet radiation, but it seems hard to believe that the INTENSITY of these wimpy bulbs, when compared to what the sun provides, can do much more than add a fraction of what an iguana (and other sunbasking reptiles) really needs, especially for growing.

Thanks for the age information. 29.. hard to believe...

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You are correct.... JohnT 04/17/01 (0)

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: : Welcome to the forum. As to breeding success rates, many folks on this forum hope they are 0, since we have far too many iglets in this country now, most in the hands of pet shops or people who don't know or realize the extensive care required. : : As to longevity, Travis, one of our forum regulars, recently lost his Speedy at almost 17 years. Jim Hatfield, author of "The ultimate Iguana Manual" tells of an ig over 29 years old. We probably don't know the maximum lifespan under ideal conditions, but we should be prepared for a pet with a potential of 20+ years. : : As to sunlight, the need is for uvb radiation to produce vitamin D3 in the skin. This is readily available in natural sunlight (not through glass), and in the absence of sunlight, should be provided artifically with flourescent tubes (zoomed iguanalights). This is a lifelong necessity at all ages, not just juveniles. Some sunlight for at least a portion of the year is, in my opinion, vital. : : Best regards, : : John : I know there are bulbs that have the proper specturms of ultraviolet radiation, but it seems hard to believe that the INTENSITY of these wimpy bulbs, when compared to what the sun provides, can do much more than add a fraction of what an iguana (and other sunbasking reptiles) really needs, especially for growing. : Thanks for the age information. 29.. hard to believe...

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