Finally! =] np

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Posted by Tmom on December 01, 2001 at 23:02:31:

In Reply to: FL Press: Iguanas require special care posted by Desiree on November 30, 2001 at 23:33:20:

: 11/29/01
: PET TIPS: IGUANAS REQUIRE SPECIAL CARE
: By SUSAN NEUMAN
: neighbors@herald.com

:
: South Florida residents are just as apt to have an exotic pet for a companion animal as the usual canine or feline.

: Reptiles are often favored pets in our subtropical climate.

: Iguanas are a member of the reptile family that often find favor with South Floridians, and they can be easy companion animals to maintain.

: There are three important aspects about iguana care, according to Arizona veterinarian Kathryn Hudelson:

: You must watch the diet, temperature and light exposure.

:
: Diet. Natural diet is preferred even though there are some commercial formulations. In the wild, the iguana feeds strictly on plants. Among their favorites in captivity are hibiscus flowers, rose petals, mustard greens, dandelion leaves, spinach, kale, green beans and snow peas.
: Daily feedings are sufficient for adults; youngsters (under two feet long) should be fed twice daily.

:
: Temperature. Iguanas require a variety of temperature options. This can be achieved with a heating pad (85- to 90-degrees daytime) under their enclosure, and a ``hot spot'' (95- to 105-degrees) created in one corner with a light bulb.
: At night time, the base temperature can drop to 75-degrees by turning off the light bulb and heating pad. Iguanas require darkness for sleep to keep their natural biologic rhythms.

:
: Light Exposure. Each day an iguana should be exposed to direct natural sunlight (not filtered through glass), to ensure good health.
: This assists with the absorption of nutrients are properly metabolized by the body. If natural sunlight is not possible, an active ultraviolet heat bulb should be utilized in substitution.

: An iguana's waking hours daily activity is usually divided into two functions: seeking/eating food and seeking warmth to digest the food.

: Iguanas can live very long lives, sometimes up to 25 years.

: They can grow to as long as five to seven feet in length, and weigh 15 to 20 pounds.
: You may write to Susan Neuman at Pet Column, Miami Herald Neighbors, 7300 N. Kendall Dr., Second Floor, Miami, FL 33156.

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: : 11/29/01 : : PET TIPS: IGUANAS REQUIRE SPECIAL CARE : : By SUSAN NEUMAN : : neighbors@herald.com : : : : South Florida residents are just as apt to have an exotic pet for a companion animal as the usual canine or feline. : : Reptiles are often favored pets in our subtropical climate. : : Iguanas are a member of the reptile family that often find favor with South Floridians, and they can be easy companion animals to maintain. : : There are three important aspects about iguana care, according to Arizona veterinarian Kathryn Hudelson: : : You must watch the diet, temperature and light exposure. : : : : Diet. Natural diet is preferred even though there are some commercial formulations. In the wild, the iguana feeds strictly on plants. Among their favorites in captivity are hibiscus flowers, rose petals, mustard greens, dandelion leaves, spinach, kale, green beans and snow peas. : : Daily feedings are sufficient for adults; youngsters (under two feet long) should be fed twice daily. : : : : Temperature. Iguanas require a variety of temperature options. This can be achieved with a heating pad (85- to 90-degrees daytime) under their enclosure, and a ``hot spot'' (95- to 105-degrees) created in one corner with a light bulb. : : At night time, the base temperature can drop to 75-degrees by turning off the light bulb and heating pad. Iguanas require darkness for sleep to keep their natural biologic rhythms. : : : : Light Exposure. Each day an iguana should be exposed to direct natural sunlight (not filtered through glass), to ensure good health. : : This assists with the absorption of nutrients are properly metabolized by the body. If natural sunlight is not possible, an active ultraviolet heat bulb should be utilized in substitution. : : An iguana's waking hours daily activity is usually divided into two functions: seeking/eating food and seeking warmth to digest the food. : : Iguanas can live very long lives, sometimes up to 25 years. : : They can grow to as long as five to seven feet in length, and weigh 15 to 20 pounds. : : You may write to Susan Neuman at Pet Column, Miami Herald Neighbors, 7300 N. Kendall Dr., Second Floor, Miami, FL 33156.

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