| The iguana family is considered the largest among | | | | prevent being dehydrated as they expose |
| the lizard families. Though the most common are | | | | themselves to the required body heat. |
| green iguanas, there are also those with different | | | | If proper care and diet is not given to Iguanas, they |
| colors including the red iguanas. One of the most | | | | may contract disease. Some of the ailments that |
| popular red iguanas is the red-side skink. These are | | | | iguanas may contract are: |
| found in the forest habitat of Southern and Eastern | | | | 1. Back leg and tail paralysis - This is due to vitamin B1 |
| Africa. | | | | deficiency. This needs Veterinarian attention who will |
| Caring for the Red Iguana | | | | administer injection of essential vitamin and minerals. |
| A red Iguana can stay in a 30 gallon aquarium. They | | | | 2. Nose Abrasions - Attempts to get out of their |
| may vary in size and styles made of glass, metal or | | | | cage may cause abrasions to their nose and face. |
| wood. The basic requirement for keeping their cage | | | | Usually they rub their noses on the corners of their |
| is cleanliness. Keep it free from dirt, soil and loose | | | | aquarium. The abrasions may be caused by broken |
| barks as they may be contaminated and the iguana | | | | glass, wires, loose metals, pointed objects. This may |
| may ingest them. They must be supplied with | | | | be avoided regular inspection of their cage and |
| appropriate supply of food and water. The cage | | | | removing any potential harm to the iguana. |
| must be provided with branches and twigs, rocks but | | | | 3. Heat Injuries - These are usually acquired due to |
| must be disinfected to prevent infections. | | | | contact with heating apparatus provided for the |
| Iguanas must be properly groomed. Bathing is a | | | | iguanas for their cage. Typical causes are hot light |
| pleasant activity. It can be done using lukewarm | | | | bulbs, hot rocks. Care and attention must be |
| water. Care must be given as not to surprise or panic | | | | observed in installing heat supply for the cage. |
| iguanas during bathing. | | | | 4. Bacterial Infection - This can set in generally if the |
| Iguanas must be handled carefully and frequently to | | | | cage is unkempt, damp and dirty. Gangrene may set |
| tame them. They show fondness on the pet owners | | | | in with their toes and tails where the bacteria usually |
| who handles them regularly. They should be touched | | | | attack. |
| and held gently 3 times a day for fifteen minutes | | | | 5. Parasites - As a result also of unsanitized |
| each. They like being stroke on their back and neck. | | | | surrounding and unsanitary food preparation. Parasites |
| However, be mindful that Iguanas are animals, that | | | | may settle in the internal organs of the iguana like |
| they can be aggressive at times. It may take | | | | the gastrointestinal tract. This case may cause death |
| patience and consistency in taming them. | | | | if left untreated in the early stage. |
| Iguanas are herbivores so they should be fed with | | | | 6. Organ failure - Organ failure may set in due to age. |
| varieties of vegetables and fruits. The majority of | | | | But that comes after a decade or more. This can |
| the food intake must be more on the leafy | | | | occur also due to bacterial infection. Symptoms will |
| vegetables. Limitation must be on protein rich foods. | | | | be weight loss, loss of appetite, inactivity and |
| They should be fed everyday. | | | | bloating. |
| Water is very essential so it must be readily available. | | | | 7. Egg Binding - This is typical to female iguanas when |
| Normally they get water content only through the | | | | they fail to let their eggs come out of their |
| plants they consume. They need water regularly to | | | | reproductive tracts. |