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Post by WillemsMom on Jan 25, 2004 6:52:35 GMT -8
The paragraph below is from Dom. One of our threads under Photos led to this info. I moved it here because I think it's very important.
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One of the issues the AIML is currently debating is the Humidity vs. Hydration issue. The debate lies in the fact that proper humidity may have little to do with internal hydration. Make no mistake, humidity is essential to a healthy Iguana. But for years folks believed that a lack of humidity could dehyrate your Iguana. It would seem that now that view may be changing. Humidity helps to acheive proper hydration, but may not be critical to it. More critical to hydration is moisture intake. This is acheived through misting, "moist" (ie. sprayed) food and bathing and soaking.
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Post by WillemsMom on Jan 25, 2004 7:11:00 GMT -8
The humidity issue for me is very complex. I was happy to read your post. I've been trying very hard to get the humidity high in Will's basking area. but it's so big and the heat lamps are burning the humidity off quickly. Yikes! Right now Will's humidity level is dropping from the 60's to the 40's due to the temp rising from mid 70's to the high 80s. BUT, while the guage may read 41%, there is a stream of warm mist
rising past and above Will's basking ledge. He's hanging his head over a little bit and loves to breathe it in. Also, while the thermometer reads 88 at best, when I focus the little hand-held thermometer on Will, he reads 95.
I'm discovering everything is pretty loose..can't reach perfection, so your post was a big help! Will does love his bath/soak and is very active after it. I try to keep his food moist..sometimes with a gatorade/water sol'n. I hadn't thought of misting him though and it seems like a wonderful idea. Clearly we can't rely on one thing to do the trick. Thank you!
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Post by dominick on Jan 25, 2004 9:32:34 GMT -8
Hi Nance-
As has been the case for years, our information on proper Iguana husbandry is constantly changing as we learn more and more about them.
As you stated, you can only try to achieve optimum levels of temperature and humidity. Trying to maintain exact levels will drive you mad!
More importantly, watch your Iguana closely. A change in behavior or eating habits is a far better indicator that something is wrong than some guage or reading.
Also, you are diligent and do a wonderful job trying to provide Willem with proper care. That means more than any humidity level or UVB reading. Most Iguanas don't get that much attention from their owners. So, take it easy on yourself and don't forget that love and nurturing mean as much as temp and humidity!
Regards,
Dominick
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Post by WillemsMom on Jan 25, 2004 13:07:20 GMT -8
Thank you, Dominick. Your post means alot to me. I signed up on IML and AIML. My Yahoo id is Lavendar Violets. I expect to lurk for a while and learn, but if you see a post from Lavendar Violets..that's me.
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Post by Yoda on Feb 8, 2004 15:45:34 GMT -8
 well said Dom... And quite frankly I dont want to read another post on someone that is depressed or worried to the point that is is driving them nuts.... You people are the ones that are doing the right things!!!!! Seeking proper husbantry and food information and providing the best you can is all you can do...the rest is all about love and attention... This is not a science project.....It is a wonderfull animall that needs love and attention as much as anything else... Dont drive yourself crazy to the point ...you miss the whole point of having such a great animal and friend... James and Yoda
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Post by mar on Aug 28, 2004 4:46:16 GMT -8
Just bumping this to the top for a short time.
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