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Post by dominick on Oct 21, 2003 9:36:09 GMT -8
Hey folks,
Seems like I have a bit of a dilemma.
Rex used to poop consistently on the kitchen floor ever day. Same spot ever day. As potty trained as I could ever hope for. I missed the opportunity to train him when he was young. He's 4 and very male now.
Well, recently Rex has decided he likes to poop outside in the yard. He perches on his favorite Cherry Tree, straddles just right and PLOP! To the ground with it. Much to the dismay of any child standing under him! LOL.
Now, I've noticed he'll hold it in until he gets put outside. This wouldn't be an issue except that now it's fall in Jersey and the weather is getting colder.
Seems like I have to have a long talk with him about this new habit.
I'll let you know how it turns out.
Anyone else experience strange pooping habits? Would love to hear about them.
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les
Junior Member
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Post by les on Nov 17, 2003 5:50:50 GMT -8
I don't envy you your dilemma, Dominick.  We are so lucky that Gromit, our five and half year old male, is 'potty trained' and has only ever used a large water-filled cat litter tray in which to relieve himself. He's been like this from Day one. The tray is in his viv and the amount of water also helps with the humidity. He is so good that he will even return to his tray when he is out free-roaming. And once, he has relieved himself he simply wanders back out again. ;D So at least we are spared little deposits on the floor or dropped from above.  |
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Post by WillemsMom on Nov 17, 2003 14:53:54 GMT -8
Les, please tell me about Gromit's pooping tray and his viv. How much floor space does he have in his viv? And his pooping tray. How deep do you keep the water and how do you keep it warm enuf. I tried a pooping bowl in Willem's enclosure that I picked him up and held him in. WATER EVERYWHERE!  . He hated it, though he poops great at bathtime. Dom, I'm sorry for the dilemma you're facing with Rex. Maybe he'll realize it's getting too cold and find his old place on the floor again for the cold months. Please tell me where you live in NJ. I lived there for so much of my life! 35-40 years. Somerset County and Long Beach Island. |
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les
Junior Member
Posts: 10
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Post by les on Nov 17, 2003 15:18:31 GMT -8
Here's a photo of Gromit in his viv.  As you can see it is a fair size and he also freeroams in the afternoons. Before you all point out the obvious, I know that his heat lamps are not caged, but they never have been and he has never tried to investigate them. Guaranteed, if I caged them now that'd be the first thing he hang on.....mind you that could make an interesting picture. He does have quite a large area of floor space, but prefers to sit on his branch or on the shelf you can see in the photo. He only goes down on the floor to eat or to use his tray. The tray is about 20" long and about 4" deep. I simply fill up a bucket of water and leave it in the kitchen at room temperature until he uses his tray. I suppose the depth of the water is about 2" maximum. When he has used his tray it is removed, the contents flushed down the toilet, it is disinfected, filled with the water from the bucket and replaced on the floor of his viv. The tray is directly under his basking area and so the heat from the two basking lamps seems to keep it at room temperature. The evaporation also helps the humidity to a small degree. Maybe it's because we live in England, but he doesn't seem to mind the water being at room temperature.....or if he does he hasn't said. |
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Post by dominick on Nov 17, 2003 19:40:11 GMT -8
Les-
He's just so fantastic! What a Giant he is. And looks like the picture of Iguana health. Cheers to you mate, well done!
What a great enclosure Les. That's one lucky Ig.
Nancy- I live in Jamesburg, NJ, Middlesex County. Been here all my life. LBI---my dream. It's my favorite summer resort place.
BTW, Rex has forgone the outdoor toilet when it is too cold. Now, he looks out the back door, I put him out in the grass. Either he goes, or comes right back in and poops on the newspaper. He's such a great Ig. I just love him.
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Post by WillemsMom on Nov 18, 2003 7:27:03 GMT -8
Les, Your viv and Ig are awesome. Thanks for the details. You have helped me visualize what I'll do when Willem's larger enclosure arrives. Your arrangemnt sounds very good. And Gromit is awesome! What a handsome guy. Congratulations!
And Dominick..I love the way you love Rex! He IS wonderful.
I had a little house on a lagoon in Ship Bottom. W5th street. (1986-93) I was there for the storm of the Century..exciting. Used to love to go to Crane's. Have you been there ;D
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GHOST
Junior Member
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Post by GHOST on Nov 20, 2003 7:30:10 GMT -8
For many iguanas, "potty training" can be established by simply heating the water. Though the enclosures themselves are warm, the water will maintain temperatures in the 70"s or low 80's. That is exceptionally cool to an iguana and not very enticing.
If the "toilet" is large enough, you can add a fish tank heater to maintain a constant temperature of 88 degrees. With the water being that warm, the iguana will be more prone to venturing in it. That will also relax his "muscles" and help to induce defecation.
Still, some iguanas just don't feel comfortable with this technique, but it also aids in raising the humidity within the enclosure through natural evaporation with a heat source.
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. He hated it, though he poops great at bathtime.