New MemBeR

[groover]

Hello everyone. My name is GrOover(name of my ig ) I took hold of my ig just last month and I want to know more about how to care for my ig and make it live as long as possible. I hope you all can help me nurture my ig. My very interested with my ig coz it kinda snobbish ;D same as me...Im actually scared of reptiles, i can't stand the texture of their skin, but i want to face my fear so im gonna take good care of dis 1. Please help overcome my fear.

[Gigi]

Hi!! It's been a while since I was here but "Welcome!" nonetheless =)

Here are some good websites with info on green igs:
www.iguanaden.org
www.anapsid.org
www.greenigsociety.org

HERE is a good yahoo GROUP for questions on baby igs
and you can CHAT with BabyIg members HERE too.

Make sure you get a proper ENCLOSURE , with appropriate LIGHTING
HERE are some ENCLOSURE PLANS
and CLICK HERE for some info on SUBSTRATES

Here's a quick grocery shopping list ( this is not a complete diet! )

The following greens are listed only as a reference for the 'best greens' to look for at the grocer:

Collard Greens,
Dandelion Greens,
Mustard Greens,
Turnip Greens,
Endive,
Arugula,
Pak Choi (Bok Choy),
Beet Greens,
Napa (cabbage),
Red Swiss Chard,
Green Swiss Chard,
Kale,
Watercress,
Chicory
Fresh Green Beans/yellow wax beans
Fresh Pea Pods
shredded Squash (butternut, acorn, spagetti)
Sweet Potatoes
Parsnip
(some prefer to slightly soften squash, sweet potatoes, and parsnip by microwaving in a small amt. of water for about 1 minute. Cool before serving, of course.)

The 4-6 greens AND the veggies is what "I" am calling "Main Diet". (Remember: More greens than veggies.)

For Treats: (only a 3-4 days a week)
Fruits, such as Kiwi, Watermelon, Cantelope, Banana, lemon peel.

HERE's a great, easy to read FOOD CHART
and CLICK HERE for the FOOD CHART from the forums

1) Calcium:
The iguana's diet should contain twice as much calcium as phosphorus in order to maintain healthy bones.
This does not mean you should select only foods with high calcium levels, but rather the combination of foods maintain that balance.

2) Goitrogens:
The thyroid regulates many functions of the body. Iodine is necessary for the thyroid to perform properly. Some foods contain high levels of "goitrogens" which are compounds that keep the body from using iodine.
With this in mind, foods that are high in goitrogens should be fed as a minimal part of the diet.

3) Oxalic acid and Oxalates:
Oxalic acid binds with calcium making it inaccessible to the body. Regular consumption of large amounts of foods high in oxalic acid may result in a calcium deficiency.
Oxalates bind calcium creating tiny insoluble crystals with sharp edges, which can lead to irritation of the stomach and kidneys. They may also contribute to the formation of kidney stones. Foods containing large quantities of these chemicals should be used in moderation.

4) Potassium:
Too much Potassium in the blood can pose a threat to organ/muscle tissue. The kidneys normally regulate potassium levels, but where kidney failure/damage is present this control is lost. Excess Potassium that should be excreted thru urine is instead released into the bloodstream resulting in an electrolyte imbalance that upsets nerve transmission, muscle contraction, and heart function.
Given that iguanas are very susceptible to kidney problems, foods high in Potassium should be also be used moderation.

It's also a good idea to take your ig to a local herp vet to get them acquainted, and so you know where to go if/when the need arises.

Good luck! Keep us updated, and don't be afraid to ask questions!!

[groover]

Thanks for all the food suggestions but i just cant get my ig to eat veggies. He only eats super worms. So far he is growing and still as active as hell but im wonderin if he's healthy only with the worm intake. I cant find any sickness though.