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alfalfa
Jan 28, 2007 9:05:12 GMT -8
Post by George-n-Me on Jan 28, 2007 9:05:12 GMT -8
Hey..its just me..again..dont shoot me but..I've never fed george alfalfa and I was just wondering why its so good for them? I'm going Georgie shopping today and I keep reading the posts on here about it and Im just not exactly sure why its so good...Thanks
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alfalfa
Jan 28, 2007 9:24:46 GMT -8
Post by prism_wolf on Jan 28, 2007 9:24:46 GMT -8
Very good question and one I'm sure several people would like to know. As we know there is not a lot of protein in a captive igs diet. Protein is an important component of every cell in the body. Claws are mostly made of protein. The body uses protein to build and repair tissues. We also use protein to make enzymes, hormones, and other body chemicals. Protein is an important building block of bones, muscles, cartilage, skin, and blood. Protein helps iguanas grow into themselves on a stronger level without putting them at a serious health risk such as what animal protein would do. So with this lacking in an iguanas diet...tissue injuries heal more slowly, claws may not regenerate so quickly, etc. This is where the alfalfa comes in so handy. Alfalfa is a high protein based plant that when added to the diet closes the gap between what we normally offer in greens and veggies...to what they need to be even healthier... ;D. I'm adding alfalfa to Zair's diet, but haven't for a very long time. You'll start seeing it added to my list of ingredients for iguana menus from here on out... .
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alfalfa
Jan 28, 2007 9:38:38 GMT -8
Post by George-n-Me on Jan 28, 2007 9:38:38 GMT -8
thanks for replying so fast...so what would you recommend as the healthy amount? and can they get too much protien? and...if I cant find any alfalfa is there an alternative to giving them the protien they need? and is George ok since ive had him for 5 years and never given him alfalfa?? ahhh my heads going to explode..sorry for all the questions but thanks for the help!
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alfalfa
Jan 28, 2007 10:00:58 GMT -8
Post by prism_wolf on Jan 28, 2007 10:00:58 GMT -8
*tightens a strap around Iheartgeorge's head to keep it from exploding* ;D Now that the safety strap is on... Yes...you can feed too much protein. The suggestion amount in grams is about 15 for growing igs...less they get older. This is a quote directly from MK's page ( www.anapsid.org/iguana/igdiet.html ): After 5 yrs. of being without...yes...it may have affected him in some ways. I don't believe in any way that would necessarily shorten his lifespan, but growth and hormonal patterns will certainly have been altered some. Alfalfa is too easy to get a hold of. Rabbit pellets are in many a store. Just make sure they do not include some amount of animal protein filler... .
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alfalfa
Jan 28, 2007 10:07:09 GMT -8
Post by George-n-Me on Jan 28, 2007 10:07:09 GMT -8
OOOH MY POOR BABY!!!! I feel so horrible now because I thought I've been doing such a super good job giving him what he needs thank you for helping me though..alfalfa is going to be george's new favorite food...
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Yungair23
Senior
My Best Friends An Iguana!
Posts: 209
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alfalfa
Jan 28, 2007 11:22:59 GMT -8
Post by Yungair23 on Jan 28, 2007 11:22:59 GMT -8
Im glad i began making this subject aware again. I highly suggest the tea bags as they are like oregno except alfalfa. Yoda doesnt mind it even if it dusts his veggies and greens and he tastes alfalfa with every bite. 1 tea bag per a dinner sized plate is plenty. Im using it daily now.
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alfalfa
Jan 28, 2007 11:40:14 GMT -8
Post by George-n-Me on Jan 28, 2007 11:40:14 GMT -8
thanks for the advice..Im going to the store in about 20 minutes to get this weeks food for george..he eats a lot...and I'll look for it there..thank you again SO much for the information! ;D ;D ;D ;D
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Yungair23
Senior
My Best Friends An Iguana!
Posts: 209
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alfalfa
Jan 28, 2007 12:27:53 GMT -8
Post by Yungair23 on Jan 28, 2007 12:27:53 GMT -8
The stores usually carrt the alfalfa sprouts dont get hose they do not do any good protein wise. You will prabably see them.
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alfalfa
Jan 28, 2007 14:56:45 GMT -8
Post by Merlin on Jan 28, 2007 14:56:45 GMT -8
Alfalfa sprouts are worthless. What you want is mature leaves.
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