Iguana Care Sheets
General Care Information
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Iguanas are by no means easy to care for, and are not for everyone. The costs and space
needed for an iguana are high, and the taming sessions can be difficult. Please do
a lot of research before choosing to buy an iguana.Growth, Shedding, Bathing
Iguanas grow up to 6 feet long, and quite bulky, within first 8 years of life. Such rapid growth means that iggy will shed regularly. They don't shed entire skin all at once, but in sections. Never pull at 'stuck' sheddings, instead keep humidity levels high, let your iguana have a bath, and mist him/her regularly.Most iguanas like baths, but prefer to soak rather than swim (although they are excellent swimmers). Water should be lukewarm, and shallow enough for your iguana to stand up in. (If the water feels neutral to you, that is approximately 75 degrees, a good temperature for your iguana.)
A wetted towel (to prevent the towel slipping) hung over the side of the tub will let your iguana climb out of the tub at will.
A kitty litter tray can be used in the iguanas enclosure allowing him to soak when he wants, and also helps to keep the humidity up.
The water needs to be changed daily, or more if dirty, and the tub must be cleaned each time.
You should also mist your iguana several times a day using a spray bottle.
Sexing
After a year of growth, it is possible to determine the sex of the iguana. Males develop bumps on inside of back legs called femoral pores. Actually, both sexes do, but on a male, they are more pronounced.Nail Trimming
Styptic powder should be nearby in case of bleeding. Only the tip of the nail should be cut or filed, but if you accidently cut too much, quickly stop the bleeding by stuffing the cut with the styptic powder. Corn starch can be used in a pinch.Wrap your lizard in a small towel, and pull out one foot at a time to trim the nails. Your lizard won't be able to squirm quite as much this way.
If you keep a patio stone in the enclosure, it will help keep nails worn down, which means less trimming for you.
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