Re: Brings up another question...

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Posted by Mr. D on February 01, 2002 at 16:26:41:

In Reply to: Brings up another question... posted by Wade on February 01, 2002 at 15:11:57:

Good question,Wade. Which could also help explain why it may be difficult for some to keep chams.

It's been so long since I had to look at this I actually had to go grab the book... The following info is referenced in James Hatfield's Green Iguana: The Ultimate Owner's Manual (p.69 & 271). Kale and other cruciferous vegetables (cabbage,bok choy, broccoli, etc) contain goitrogens which limit the amounts of iodine that an iguana(or other animal) can extract from it's food. This, in turn, can have adverse effects on the thyroid including the formation of new skin among other things.

Spinach, on the other hand, is high in oxalates and/or phytates which are calcium binders - meaning that they block the absorption of calcium by the animal. This, in turn, can lead to all of the MBD issues that I'm sure you already have a handle on. Of course, all the calcium in the world won't do any good without the presence of vitamin D3. D3 assists in the absorption of calcium. D3 cannot be photosynthesised without the presence of UVB light. And if a cham isn't within 12" of a fluorescent UVB tube then is isn't getting ANY appreciable UVB. Which brings up the whole fluo tube/mercury vapor bulb discussion.

If you need more info on anything feel free to contact us directly if you'd prefer.

The Iguana Spot

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: Good question,Wade. Which could also help explain why it may be difficult for some to keep chams. : It's been so long since I had to look at this I actually had to go grab the book... The following info is referenced in James Hatfield's Green Iguana: The Ultimate Owner's Manual (p.69 & 271). Kale and other cruciferous vegetables (cabbage,bok choy, broccoli, etc) contain goitrogens which limit the amounts of iodine that an iguana(or other animal) can extract from it's food. This, in turn, can have adverse effects on the thyroid including the formation of new skin among other things. : Spinach, on the other hand, is high in oxalates and/or phytates which are calcium binders - meaning that they block the absorption of calcium by the animal. This, in turn, can lead to all of the MBD issues that I'm sure you already have a handle on. Of course, all the calcium in the world won't do any good without the presence of vitamin D3. D3 assists in the absorption of calcium. D3 cannot be photosynthesised without the presence of UVB light. And if a cham isn't within 12" of a fluorescent UVB tube then is isn't getting ANY appreciable UVB. Which brings up the whole fluo tube/mercury vapor bulb discussion. : If you need more info on anything feel free to contact us directly if you'd prefer.

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