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Most people know that iguanas are reptiles. However, they belong to the largest reptile family – lard. Its natural habitats are tropical rainforests, hot deserts, and semi-aquatic places. You can see these iguanas in locations in North America, South America, South Africa, Canada, Madagascar, and on the island of Galapagos.
Reptiles and the environment
Iguanas adapt to all kinds of environments. They are cold-blooded, which means that they cannot produce heat. They also lay eggs like many other reptiles.
Every iguana in different parts of the world is different because it gets used to its habitat. In certain places, iguanas lie in tall trees that can jump to the ground without injury. The iguanas of the Galapagos Islands are known to be excellent swimmers.
Iguana species are different in their coloration: some are brightly colored while others are quite dull.
The size of the iguanas, their behaviors and even their state of extinction can be different.
Iguanas grow fast and are almost 100 times heavier than hatchlings in just two and a half years. This only happens if the iguana has received proper care, enough food, as well as air circulation and plenty of sunlight.
Iguanas are primarily herbivorous, although some iguanas are omnivorous or even carnivorous. This depends on the habitat in which they live.
The terrestrial inhabitants are carnivores and live on mealworms and wax worms in the forest. Tree dwellers are herbivores and eat flower buds, fruits, and tender leaves.
It is very important that iguanas eat properly to ensure their survival. A diet that lacks the proper nutrients can lead to some illnesses. Insufficient food intake can lead to bloating and obesity. Like any pet, keep an eye on its health.
Iguana health care regarding weight and diet
Even if your iguana is overweight, this does not mean that it is unhealthy. However, you need to make sure that you get a proper diet, such as one with a high calcium intake with a low phosphorus diet. Make sure your iguana gets as much sunlight as possible.
If your iguana shows signs of NSHP or MBD, it is imperative to take them to a vet. Nutritional secondary hyperparatrodism, which is a metabolic bone disease, is a disease that your iguana could contract. Keeping an eye on them is vital.
Suppose your iguana’s body is bony and fat with swollen jaws, this means that your iguana is in the critical stages of NHSP or MBD. The disease leads to brittle bones, those of which can cause deformities and possible fractures.
Give your iguana a proper diet along with exercise and maintain its weight. A fat iguana must have the necessary calcium to maintain healthy bones.
How to know if your iguana is growing healthy
When an iguana is just a hatchling, it will measure two and a half to three inches from its snout for ventilation. Once the iguana is out of its shell, the iguana will grow three-quarters of an inch per month for almost three months.
Growth slows at about three months of age to half an inch, but after a year growth reappears and over twelve and fifteen months, it will triple the original length. During the next few years, the iguana will grow in moderation. This is the time to give it a healthy diet so that the iguana does not grow any more.
If you are interested in iguanas and you like having one, be sure to read up on their environments and diets because it can be the difference between life and death for the iguana.