It is very unconventional to keep a reptile as a pet because we are more accustomed with dogs and cats as our favorite darling in the house. For some pet lovers, they would even spend money for their pet’s grooming and clothes. Taking this to consideration, isn’t it reptiles like iguana can be more low maintained? Of course, I have to speak of the comparison with the most familiar pets as prior mentioned. But do not impulsively think that way because there can be many things to consider.
A green iguana as an example is the most common one. It is a large, arboreal herbivorous species of lizard which is natively found in Central and South America. Although, such creature has largely adapt itself to a hot and humid areas, hence no surprise that its range extends from Southern Mexico to central Brazil, Paraguay, and Bolivia and the Caribbean.
If one may have not known that green iguanas are born from eggs which typically 6-8 inches long when hatched. However, after few years, these hatchlings may turn into huge and colossal lizards of 5-6 feet in length and averagely weighs fifteen to seventeen pounds for a full blown adult iguana.
Keeping a green iguana as your pet is the same like other animals, which we have to take note of the fundamental needs – house or shelter and food. It may sound too easy, but never underestimate the basics because deciding to keep an iguana as a pet demands proper care.
First thing to bear in mind is the cage and where to place it. You may have those two factors in mind, yet that are not enough because maintaining and cleaning would be next. Obviously, green iguanas are undomesticated ones; hence knowledge of its natural habitat is a must. Therefore, a replica of its natural environment should be built making your pet comfortably at home without being troubled that it will escape and go back to its real home.
Consequently, finding the proper and right food for green iguanas is another tough task. The reptile primarily an herbivore or vegetarian, consider high in calcium greens and nitrogen rich green beans and peas are on top of the list. More so, yellow squash, carrots and fruits high in potassium and phosphorus like Bananas are undoubtedly recommended. Nonetheless, not all greens are good for the iguana’s diet, hence you have to avoid beet greens and chards contain oxalic acids which is harmful to your iguana.
Since the basics are the most factors to consider in deciding whether to keep a green iguana or not, one must likewise acquaint him of the do’s and don’ts, same is through with the pros and cons for the appropriate care of this kind of reptile. Further, it is important also to take your green iguana to the vet at least once a year for check-up.
Bearing and understanding all these things will make you the best man of green iguanas.