Caring For Your Iguana

Iguana Care - Trimming Your Iguana's Claws an Easy Step by Step Method

2009-12-02T09:32:00.000-08:00

Cover of Iguanas (Complete Pet Owner's Manual)

Every pet has specific needs, and these needs vary per species. Iguanas are no different. It is your responsibility as a pet owner to respond to your animal's needs and care for him properly.
One specific maintenance procedure in caring for your iguana is claw trimming. This is not a time consuming task, and it should be performed regularly and correctly.
Untrimmed claws present many problems. First of all, they can hurt you a great deal when you handle your iguana. Secondly, iguanas with sharp lengthy claws can inflict injury to themselves, as well.
As an iguana's claws grow, they form into a "curved" shape. This causes the nails to get caught on the cage wire, which can result in a nail being snatched off or even worse.
The goal of the nail clipping is not to snip it down to the very base. You want to remove the sharp needlepoint portion of the claw so it does not have "puncture" capability. You want your iguana's claws to be dull, not razor sharp.
Trimming your iguana's claws may hamper his climbing ability somewhat. Some people have found that modifying the habitat is a solution. You can modify your iguana's climbing accessories by providing additional "branches" or "rungs" to improve his grip.
You can also add grooves in the added branches to give him a better foothold. If you only clip the sharp ends of the claws, the climbing issue is often not even a problem.
When your iguana is younger, his claws will grow faster and require more frequent trimmings. Once the iguana matures, his growth will slow and the number of trimmings required will decrease as well.
You and the iguana will both get used to the trimming process after you have practiced a few times. Just be cautious and careful not to harm your pet. You do need to be in full control, though, and your iguana needs to sense that. The younger the iguana is when you start a regular trimming process the better.
Reptile claw clippers are the recommended tool for the job. You can use other items such as scissors or human toenail clippers, but claw clippers designed specifically for this purpose work well.
You should choose an area where you will trim your iguana's claws and make that the routine trimming area. The area might also be where you provide other routine and first aid treatments. You want your iguana to associate this area with "good" helpful procedures, not negative ones.
You can offer your iguana a treat before you perform the trim and again after you are finished. A human heating pad is a great tool for relaxing your iguana prior to the procedure. If your iguana is fussy about the trimming procedure, it is because he is not feeling secure and relaxed.
Cut only one single claw at a time and have a routine pattern you follow. Move slowly, and pay attention to all areas of the iguana's body so you do not accidentally pinch another finger in the process.
If your iguana happens to jerk his finger or toe back during the trimming, don't force the issue by gripping the clippers tightly. Instead, just let go, and give your pet a few minutes before resuming the procedure.
It is best to cut too little than too much when you trim an iguana's claws. You can always trim off more later, but you cannot take back a painful nicking. If you do happen to cut into your pet, don't panic. It does not hurt as bad as you may think, depending on the severity. After you have some practice, you will know exactly how much to trim off from experience.
The quick of an iguana's nail appears as a black line through the middle of its claw. The quick extends down the claw to the very tip. You want to trim the part of the claw that is below the quick, only the very tip. You just want to clip off the sharp pointed part.
You can file the rough tip of the nail down after clipping if you iguana does not make too much of a fuss. It is not necessary, though, and your iguana may not be cooperative enough.
Keep styptic powder handy to stop the bleeding just in case you do cut too much. Other things you might try are soap, cornstarch, or flour. Styptic powder is inexpensive and one container will last you a while, unless of course you are a butcher of a nail trimmer.
Some iguana owners like to soak their iguana a half hour or so before they trim their nails, claiming it makes the nails softer. You might consider letting your herp veterinarian trim your iguana's nails the first few times, allowing you to observe.
In the beginning and until you are more experienced, you might enlist the help of a friend or family member to assist you in the nail trimming procedure. Some iguana owners use a towel to "wrap up" the iguana, gently pulling out only one foot or hand at a time, trimming, then replacing in the towel "wrap" until the job is finished.
As you and your iguana both become adjusted to the procedure, it is much easier than you may think to maintain your iguana's claws. Have the proper tools for the job, and know what you are doing ahead of time. You will be an expert claw trimmer in no time at all.

Jesse Kincaid is an avid iguana enthusiast and enjoys helping others learn how to properly and humanely care for pet iguanas. Jesse enjoys working outdoors as a kayaking, fly fishing, and rafting guide. You can read more about Iguana Claw Trimming care and needs at Jessie's website, Iguana Care Basics

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jesse_Kincaid

Green Iguana Pets - Are You Taking Care of Yours?

2009-12-01T04:46:00.001-08:00

The green iguana is probably the most popular reptile to own as a pet. Today more and more people are going down to their local pet store and purchasing a green iguana. Unfortunately a lot of the new pet owners do not know what it takes to care for such a wonderful reptile. Green iguana pets require time, devotion and love in order for the iguana to thrive. You need to read the following tips before you even decide in buying a green iguana. You must be able to provide for your iguana, otherwise you are only harming one of natures most beautiful creatures.
There are many factors that will play in your decision to get a green iguana. Read the following carefully and if you feel like you can meet the below needs and wants, then do not hesitate to get yourself a new pet!
1. Green iguanas grow big. A healthy iguana can reach up to six feet and if you follow these tips, your iguana will be a healthy one. Thus because of the iguana's size, you must be able to provide a cage or some type of shelter that is big enough for your iguana to move around in.
2. Iguanas need a cage or "home" to live in. In this cage you will need to provide your iguana with some essentials. First, you must provide your green iguana enough space so that your pet can comfortably move around. Second, you must provide climbing structures for your iguana. This can range from rocks to tiny brushes or anything else you can think of. Thirdly, you will need to provide your iguana with hiding places. Iguanas like privacy from time to time and love to be hidden. You will also need to provide your iguana with clean water and food in its home.
3. Provide your iguana with a healthy meal. Iguanas only eat green fruits and vegetables. You will need to provide your iguana with berries, broccoli, lettuce and other greens. This diet will keep your iguana healthy. Also, you must provide your iguana with clean drinking water at all times!
4. Your iguana needs heat. Iguanas need UVB lighting to keep their vitamin D up and thus need it to remain healthy. This can be easily obtainable by fluorescent lighting that is specifically for reptiles. Also, let your iguana outside from time to time to get the sun's UV rays.
5. Always pay attention to your iguana! If you let your iguana outside, make sure to keep an eye on it. Most iguanas will just climb a tree and sit there, but if you do not keep an eye on your iguana, they hide very good and thus are hard to find. Even when the iguana is let free in your house, you must keep an eye on it.
6. Love. You must show your iguana love and care. Remember that iguanas are wild animals but can be tamed and will show you love back if you take care of it properly.
If you can provide all the essentials, then you should proceed to the next step and get your pet iguana.

Rob Stevenson is an iguana enthusiast. For more information about green iguana pets feel free to visit my informative website on iguanas at PetIguanaCenter.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rob_Stevenson

Baby Green Iguana

2009-11-03T13:03:00.001-08:00

Interesting Informations About The Baby Green Iguana

The green iguana is one kind of reptile which is commonly found all throughout South and Central America. The breeds of the green iguana are also spotted in Mexico, Paraguay, Brazil, and the Caribbean Islands. There is no definite proof that the green iguana ranks among the endangered animals but then it is sometimes misconstrued to be one because it is a major attraction to the hunters. Hunters love to capture the big female iguanas. The green iguana is also a favorite delicacy of some and it is known by the name of “Bamboo Chicken”.
The Physical Appearance of the Green Iguana

The overly grown green iguanas typically grow in between four and six feet but there are some that extend up to seven feet. The tail takes up almost all of the length since it ranks to be almost half of the entire body measurement. Despite their being green, there is likewise the dominant black stripe coloring in its body. Not because they are called green iguanas they will already settle for the monochromatic color of green. The shade also diverts from the very bright green to the grayish and dull green. The skin of the green iguana is mostly rough primarily because of the pointy scales along the animal’s back. The green iguanas are equipped with claws and long fingers so that they can easily grasp and climb.

The Habitat of the Green Iguana

Baby green iguanas are typically raised in the tropical rainforest areas specifically in areas with lower altitudes and accessible water resources like those of the streams and rivers. Most of their formative years are confined in the forest top at about forty up to fifty feet high atop the ground.

The Admirable Adaptations of the Baby Green Iguanas

Aside from the invariable claws and long fingers possessed by the baby green iguanas, they also have a lot of proficient and admirable adaptations with them. The baby green iguanas are keen in terms of their senses of hearing, sight, and smell. One of their defense mechanisms is their tail which is obviously sharp and is snapped high into the air when danger is sensed. Once a predator gets the chance to grab the tail, it grows again without any damage at all. The skin of the baby green iguana is tough—it is able to avoid scratches, cuts, and is also water-resistant. The pigmentation on the skin of the baby green iguana helps out in the camouflaging especially when there are predators in the area. But then when their predators detect them, the baby green iguanas are able to swiftly jump from the trees and then dive directly into the water. Mind you, they are excellent swimmers.

Apart from these excellent adaptations, the baby green iguanas are also strong. Imagine that they do fall off the ground at about 40 up to 50 feet but they still manage to come unhurt. The male green iguanas have what is known as the dewlap on their skins. This is the special flap on their skins which they use to impress the female green iguanas or to intimidate their oncoming predators. With these dewlaps, they manage to let themselves appear bigger. Another excellent characteristic for the green iguanas is that they are able to keep fat under their own necks and jaws for quite a time especially when there is not much of the food at hand.

Caring For Your Iguana

2009-11-02T12:14:00.000-08:00

How to Feed Your Albino Iguana

Iguanas are sensitive creatures; most of them rely on their environment for survival. Having an Albino Iguana as your pet gives you the obligation to properly care for it and make sure that it survives under your captivity.

One of the most crucial factors in an Albino Iguana’s survival is food. So being the owner, you must appropriately feed it with the right food.

Iguanas are scientifically classified as herbivores so green leafy plants should not be in its main diet. Though some people still recommend on feeding iguanas with insects and other animal protein based food.

You may have seen iguanas eating insects on televisions and magazines but research studies shows that this thing occurs only by accident. Like for example, when an insect is on a piece of plant. An iguana slowly creeps over to eat it. Then leaf and insect are simultaneously consumed by the reptile.

Experts and veterinarians recommend more vegetables to be fed to your pet and lesser animal protein or insects. This will eventually lead to better physical health.

Albino iguanas also need water, so make sure to provide them with this. Iguanas usually dip their head on the water when drinking, so also make sure to have a tall glass that is full of fresh water. Sometimes they also lick off small water droplets from plants to quench their thirst.

Water should always be available for your iguana and make certain that they are fresh. Never feed your iguana with left over vegetables because this may cause disorders in its digestive system. It will then lead to sickness or even death.

It is highly recommended to feed your iguana every day and regularly. The ideal time for feeding your iguana is early in the morning usually an hour after it is awake. Succeeding feeding all through out the day can also be done but only in small quantity. Never feed your iguana immense amounts of food before sleeping time.

Feeding your Albino Iguana in the morning gives it time to properly digest food before sleeping. In addition, the morning temperature will give your iguana the right environment to properly digest its food.

The amount of food to be given literally depends on the size and bulkiness of your iguana. The main rule in here is to feed your iguana as long as it wants to. This kind of technique will allow you to note how much your iguana can take over one feeding.

Food for your Albino Iguana should be on a shallow bowl which should be made of ceramic, glass or plastic and should be regularly cleaned. The bowl to be used should be sturdy enough to hold your iguana and should not be tipped easily.

Variety of food is also important to make your iguana feel healthy and at home. Iguanas are known to eat a large variety of fruits and flowers in the wild so it is a good idea to also feed them this way while they are in your captivity.

Aside from proper food your iguana should also have the proper lighting and sunshine. Iguanas usually get calcium from the sun rays to help them properly digest their food.

So if you want your Albino Iguana to stay healthy and have a longer life span feed them with the right amount of food and the right kind of food.