The Pets City » Iguanas

What To Look For In A Healthy Green Iguana – Part 3

Andrea — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 05:12:08 +0000

This is the third installment on characteristics to look for In a healthy green Iguana. The first part I covered mainly the eyes and nose of green iguana. The second part, is a continuation on facial characteristics of green iguana which I touched on its mouth, jaw, and vent.

Physical Body Traits Of Green Iguana

Skin: An iguana’s skin should be bright and tight without any bagginess. Loose skin is a sign that it is not eating enough and not eating well. The skin of a young iguana should be bright green. As the animal gets older, the green gradually becomes more muted with the addition of some brown, blue, or gray patterns. Adult male iguanas also turn into various shades of orange on their arms, legs, and heads during breeding season.

Do not choose a green iguana that has dark or black skin, this is an indication of a sick iguana. Some iguanas have ticks on their skin. This is not a reason to reject the animal. Ticks are easily removed with the right tick removal product and by no mean is a sign of sickness. Also, it’s very normal for the iguana’s skin to look like it’s coming off or to see thin sheets of torn skin. Thin, torn skin coming off its body means that it’s shedding, which is a healthy, natural occurrence that will take place throughout his life.

Stomach: Its stomach should not look thin. A thin iguana is not a healthy pet. One that has recently eaten will show a big, happy belly. If you see them eating at the store or current owner’s house, that means they do not have an eating problem and will most likely remain that way when you take it home.

Legs: Healthy iguanas have rounded legs. However, the legs shouldn’t look swollen or fat. Iguanas with fat-looking legs may be suffering from calcium deficiency. Another sign of this illness is when the back or spine is twisted or distorted.

Tail: A healthy iguana tail looks thick, fat, and plump at the base (the area where the tail attaches to the body). There should not be any visible bones in the tail or the body. A fat tail is a sign that the iguana eating regularly.

Temperament Of Green Iguanas

Disposition: When picked up, a healthy iguana should display a bit of feisty behavior or may squirm and try to get away. They may even try to bite you or whip its tail. This is normal. These are wild animals and it is their natural instinct to try to get away to protect themselves. Unless it’s been tamed, if it’s too relaxed or too calm on your hand, it might be sick!

What To Look For In A Healthy Green Iguana – Part 2

Andrea — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 06:08:02 +0000

Continue from my previous 1st post on characteristics to look for In a healthy green Iguana, here more on…

Facial Features of Green Iguana

Mouth: When you look inside the iguana’s mouth, it should look pinkish and healthy. Look for any bad signs of yellow coloring or cheesy, stringy mucous discharge. A mouth that is always hanging open is a sign of a respiratory disease, especially if it is mixed with a forced, labored wheezing sound coming from it’s lungs. To look inside the iguana’s mouth, carefully hold the nose using your thumb and index finger while using the other hand to gently pull down on the very tip of the dewlap. Be careful and very gentle, opening it just enough to see the color.

Jaw: The jaw should look firm. Watch out for any signs of swelling, puffiness in the face, or any kind of distortion. The number one medical problem associated with captive iguanas is metabolic bone disease that is caused by calcium deficiency. One sign of this disease is a soft and swollen jaw. Even if the animal’s jaw appear to look normal, check for the early symptom of this disease by applying a slight pressure on the side of its jaw. The jaw should be firm, and not spongy.

Be very careful, however, when doing this pressure test. If the iguana is suffering from metabolic bone disease, you don’t want to worsen the problem by cracking its jaw, especially if the disease is in its advanced stage. Simply apply a gentle pressure with your thumb and index finger on the sides of its jaw and you will be able to determine the presence of the disease. Also look at the animal’s face from the side. Make sure that it doesn’t appear swollen and that the lower jaw is aligned with the upper jaw instead of being drawn back.

Vent: An iguana’s vent is the opening through which the animal defecates. It is also where the sex organs are located. To check the vent, hold the animal in a vertical position at about 12 inches from your face facing at its stomach. The vent is the horizontal slit or fold in the skin. The vent should have no discharge or anything sticking around that area, as this can be a sign that there is something wrong. As for defecating, iguanas are clean animals and always clean themselves after defecation.

For the third and final part of green iguana’s characteristics, I will cover its body and temperament.

What To Look For In A Healthy Green Iguana – Part 1

Andrea — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 06:55:58 +0000

Just before you go shopping for your first green iguana, you have to equip yourself with the right information and knowledge about this exotic pet. You have know what to look for and what to avoid. Keep in mind that getting a healthy green iguana in the beginning is crucial so as to prevent future health and temperament challenges and complications.

Even though we know more about iguana care now than we did 10 years ago, there are still a lot of misinformed iguana owners and pet stores out there. Unfortunately, there are still some iguanas for sale that aren’t properly cared for. Some of them have thermal burns, deformed faces, or body parts that are missing. You have to be aware of certain body features to be able to tell a healthy, normal green iguana from a sick and damaged one.

If you’re uncertain and have further questions or concern, ask the iguana seller before making your final choice. Better option, do more research and get unbiased opinions from forum or experienced iguana owners. Especially for pet store seller, do not let them pressuring you into buying their iguana—not all but sometimes their opinions are biased.

There are certain qualities and characteristics to look for when selecting the right green iguana. Don’t just go with the biggest one in the cage. Often times, offsprings from the same cage arrive at different times and from different sources and the biggest young may just be an older iguana that has been in the cage longer than the others.

Characteristics To Look For In A Healthy Green Iguana

Facial Features of Green Iguana

Eyes: The eyes should be clean and bright. Watch out for any discharge, tearing, crusty residue, or drooping or swollen eyelids. Iguanas’ eyes must be alert, moving back and forth as if they are watching your every move.

Nose: The nose should be clean and free of any mucous or runny discharge. However, healthy iguanas have a clear, watery fluid discharge from their nostrils. Because iguanas don’t sweat, this is how they regulate their body’s salt balance. When this watery fluid touches the glass of its habitat, it dries and forms into salt crystals. An improperly housed iguana will try to get out by banging and rubbing its nose the cage, causing an abrasion. If you see one with a nose that seems to be damaged, do not buy it.

Stay tune for more on green iguana characteristics. There is a total of three parts to this article. The following article will cover the remaining facial features—mouth, jaw, and vent.

Why Iguanas Might be the Best Pet Ever?

Andrea — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 06:10:44 +0000

When getting a pet, the first two animals that come to mind for most people are dogs or cats. Dogs and cats are preferred generally because of their traits, their behavior, and how they interact and bond with people. These animals are chosen among other types of pets because they can easily adapt to new environments and they have human-like qualities that make them so desirable.

But why do people own iguanas? Do iguanas share the same behaviors and characteristics that make social animals like dogs and cats likable? If so, what are they? Below are 6 reasons why iguanas are chosen by many pet owners. By examining the following reasons, you can find out if an iguana is right for you.

Why Iguanas Are The Best Pets?

The main reason why people get an uncommon pet in general, an iguana in particular, is that they are truly fascinated by them. These people are genuinely interested in reptiles and everything about these creatures. And iguana is their dream pet. Many of these types of pet owners have always wanted an iguana.
Many people enjoy that feeling of closeness and that special bond that they get with an animal. For some people, a green iguana is that animal. Although an average iguana will not be as loyal and devoted to you as a dog might be, true companionship and closeness do occur over time, with a lot of caring on the relationship and as the iguana gets older. Many iguana owners get attached to their pet and consider it as a friend and part of the family. These creatures are mostly independent in nature but will often surprise you with their need to be close and the desire to spend time and interact with their owners.
Green iguanas are usually the preferred pet for those people who love reptiles but hate having to deal with high levels of maintenance and care associated with some of them. Although the basic habitat and food conditions for iguanas must be exact and specific, it is not difficult to maintain once you are done with the initial set-up. Cleaning their cage is simple and iguanas do not need live food. Their diet is less expensive than that of cats or dogs.
Iguanas don’t smell bad. While dogs get that musty “dog” smell, iguanas naturally have a nice, neutral odor, which is barely detectable.
Some people want an alternative to common household pets. They like the non-traditional pets for different reasons, and green iguanas fit that category. They don’t bark, they live long (an average of 15 years), they are allergy-friendly, they require limited space in the house, they are independent and yet they seem to surprise you with their ability to bond and get close.
Other people decide to own and iguana simply because they like how it looks. Green iguanas have the overall exotic look that is just mesmerizing; patches, bright color bands, spikes and patterns on its neck, throat and back, and a very long beautiful looking tail.

Why Iguanas Might Be an Idea Pet for You

Andrea — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 06:23:38 +0000

Why do people keep green iguanas as pets? Aside from the fun of showing off a little dinosaur resting comfortably on your shoulder, what is it that is so fascinating about having a huge untamed lizard that can grow up to 6 ft long and has a tendency to bite?

Contrary to what many people think, a green iguana makes a unique and amazing pet. Just like any other pet, you need to learn what is required for your iguana to stay healthy and for you to avoid any frustration that you may encounter down the road. Once you establish a suitable diet and environment for this creature to thrive, the caring and maintenance is relatively simple.

All Iguanas Have Different Personalities

The longer you have your iguana and the more you spend time with it, the more you will see it’s personality unfold. All green iguanas have different personalities. Each one has definite likes and dislikes. They all have moods that can change every single day, every month, and every year. Some iguana owners claim that their pets behave more like a mammal than a lizard. If properly trained, they can be affectionate and even bond with their owners.

Why Iguana Is a Better Pet than Cat, Dog, Fish, or Bird

Disease-proofed: Having an iguana as a pet has many advantages over other types of pets. Iguanas don’t require vaccines, shots or registration tags. They do not get Lyme disease, rabies, ticks, ringworms, mange, or fleas. Unlike cats or other furry animals, iguanas do not cause allergies.

Nuisance-proofed: Unlike dogs, iguanas do not cause destruction around the house when left alone. They do not require constant attention. Iguanas do not need long walks. They don’t go through the garbage can and spread trash all over the kitchen floor. They don’t pee on you neighbor’s legs. They don’t howl at sirens, cry at night, or bark incessantly when a stranger is nearby.

Destruction-proofed: Unlike cats, iguanas will not scratch your couch until it shreds into pieces. They do not cover the furniture with fur and they do not require stinky litter boxes. They do not puke up hair balls or screech when in heat.

Mess-proofed: Unlike a fish aquarium, your home will not turn into a small lake if you knock over an iguana’s house. Furthermore, these animals aren’t messy like birds that throws food and leave feathers around the house.

Sound-proofed: Iguanas do not make any vocal sounds, making them apartment friendly. In fact, many apartment complexes do not require a pet deposit for an iguana because it is considered a “low-risk” pet.

What are the Pros and Cons of Owning an Iguana

Andrea — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 06:05:30 +0000

Whether you own a dog, a cat, or an iguana, there is always a minimum amount of care required on a day-to-day basis to ensure your pet’s health and happiness. It is important therefore to invest a great deal of time in learning about proper care and maintenance of your pet.

This is especially true when you have a pet iguana. Owning an iguana is not like owning domestic animals such as a dog or a cat. You could end up with a lot of problems and frustration unless you do some research before you buy one.

For the sake of both you and your pet iguana, you need to be truly committed and be able to handle the responsibilities of owning such a unique animal. Iguanas are not for everyone. The level of care required to own this reptile takes both time and money. You may want to attend a local herpetological society meeting to find out if owning an iguana fits into your lifestyle. One of the best ways to learn about this species is to talk to iguana owners and other people who have had first hand experience on how to raise them.

When talking to iguana owners, you may notice that there is a big difference of opinion on the amount of time, money, and effort it takes to raise an iguana. Some iguana owners claim that their pets are very easy to care for while some owners will say that caring for this type of pet can be quite a challenge. However, the difference is not in the animal itself, but in the attitude of the pet owner. What is hard and challenging for one owner may be easy and enjoyable for another.

Pros and Cons of Owning an Iguana

Pros: Less Demanding and Simple Maintenance

For many owners, caring for their pet iguanas is simple and takes very little time and effort. Iguanas do not require the attention and time that some other pets do. Iguana owners believe that the biggest challenge in raising this special animal is the initial preparation of the right environment and diet. Once the initial set up is complete and the owners learned how to take care of their pet iguana, the rest of maintenance is simple and less demanding. Iguanas usually remain in one area for most of the day and only move for food, heat, or when they see something new in their environment.

Con: Expensive Diet and Big Habitat

Many iguana owners believe that these animals do not make a good pet. For someone who has a genuine fascination, interest, and willingness to provide a suitable environment, these creatures can make a wonderful pet. But for many average pet owners, taking care of an iguana is more than what they have bargained for. Their special needs and requirements such as their diet and habitat can be quite overwhelming and expensive. They can get very large (up to 6ft) and require a very specific level care.

What Must You Know about Keeping Iguana as Pet

Andrea — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 06:13:04 +0000

Before you decide to buy an iguana, you have to know the necessary requirements in order to be successful in owning one of nature’s exotic species. Being familiar with the animal’s basic needs should be enough to keep an iguana alive. However, having the proper knowledge of how to raise a happy iguana, one that you can live with for the next 15 to 25 years, will require more than simple feeding and caring.

It would be inaccurate and unfair to imply that iguanas are simple pets to care for and that everyone should have one. Iguanas are special animals with special needs that may or may not be suitable to a potential owner. An iguana requires a lot from its owner, especially during the first few months of obtaining one.

Iguana Is Not Your Typical Urban Pet

Iguanas are not like many urban pets. If having an adaptable pet that is easy to care for is what you have in mind, then you’re better off getting a cat or a fish. If you are buying an iguana just to look at or show to your friends, go to the zoo or watch the National Geographic channel because you will soon regret your reason for getting one. Last but not the least, if you don’t have the time, patience, money, and commitment to raise an unusual and challenging pet, an iguana is not right for you.

On the other hand, if you are prepared to take on the challenge of raising a unique animal, an iguana can be the perfect match. Ask yourself the following six questions before you buy an iguana:

6 Questions You Must Ask Yourself Before Getting An Iguana

Can I give my iguana the proper care, feeding, and habitat necessary for its survival?
Can I provide the medical care and expense in order for it to stay healthy?
Do I have a real interest in these animals or is it more a phase that I am going through?
Do I have the time, energy, and patience to train a special animal?
As a responsible pet owner, am I willing to educate myself of the animal’s special needs and concerns?
If the iguana is for my child, will I be willing and able to take over the responsibility of caring for it if my child loses interest?

9 Tips on Buying Small Pets

Andrea — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 06:43:08 +0000

Most people would regard rabbit, guinea pig, mouse, fish, bird, chinchilla, turtle, hamster, and gerbil as small pets. In some cases, dogs (teacup) might be included. Simply put it, any pet that can be held easier with one hand would consider small animals.

Although these tips are universal to buying any domestic pet, nonetheless it is still good to take note of them anywhere.

Take Note On These Tips When Buying Small Pets

Get an animal only if you are ready for the responsibility of pet ownership.
Learn about the animal you intend to keep from friends, books, and the Internet.
The breeder should be able to supply useful information about the animal. Don’t buy from casual “backyard” breeders. If possible, adopt one from your local shelter—not all are catered to abandoned dogs and cats. Unless you are looking for Iguana!
Overcrowded conditions (e.g. 10 rabbits in a small cage) promote the spread of diseases. View the animal’s current living conditions before you buy.
The animal should look active and alert, not skin and bones. There should be no visible bare patches or scabs on the skin or excessive discharge from eyes or nose.
Look out for fluid-like or mucous stools, which signal diarrhea.
Guinea pigs may have parasites like fur mites, which appear as small, dark specks on the fur—if you watch closely you’ll see them move!
Never buy underage animals. Pet stores are not allowed to sell rabbits below four weeks old or those smaller than six inches from head to tail. These animals still need their mothers’ milk and may die without it.
Don’t feel the pressure of buying the pet by shrewd sale tactics such as, “It’s a popular pet,” “It’s has unique marking,” “They sell like hotcake.” If you feel you’re being “pressured,” dismiss yourself from the pet store. Come back another day and see if you still have the same desire to own that pet.

The Pets City » Iguanas

What To Look For In A Healthy Green Iguana – Part 3

Physical Body Traits Of Green Iguana

Temperament Of Green Iguanas

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What To Look For In A Healthy Green Iguana – Part 2

Facial Features of Green Iguana

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What To Look For In A Healthy Green Iguana – Part 1

Characteristics To Look For In A Healthy Green Iguana

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Why Iguanas Might be the Best Pet Ever?

Why Iguanas Are The Best Pets?

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Why Iguanas Might Be an Idea Pet for You

All Iguanas Have Different Personalities

Why Iguana Is a Better Pet than Cat, Dog, Fish, or Bird

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What are the Pros and Cons of Owning an Iguana

Pros and Cons of Owning an Iguana

Related Topics

What Must You Know about Keeping Iguana as Pet

Iguana Is Not Your Typical Urban Pet

6 Questions You Must Ask Yourself Before Getting An Iguana

Related Topics

9 Tips on Buying Small Pets

Take Note On These Tips When Buying Small Pets

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