Lizard Health Articles

Most people know that iguanas are reptiles. Yet, they belong to the largest reptile family: lard. Their natural habitats are the tropical rain forests, hot deserts and semi-aquatic places. You can see these iguanas in places in North America, South America as well as South Africa, Canada, Madagascar and on the island of Galapagos.

Reptiles and Environment
Iguanas are adaptable to all kinds of environment. They are cold blooded which means they can't produce heat. They also lay eggs like many other reptiles.

Each iguana in different parts of the globe are different because they get used to their habitat. In certain places, iguanas lay about in high trees which can jump down to the ground without any injuries. Galapagos Island iguanas are known to be excellent swimmers.

The iguana species are different in their coloration - some have bright colors where others are quite dull.
Iguanas' size, their behaviors and even their status in extinction can be different.

Iguanas grow fast and are nearly 100 times heavier than hatchlings in just two and half years. This only happens if the iguana has been given correct care, enough food, plus have air circulation and plenty of sunlight.

Iguanas are mainly herbivores even though some iguanas are omnivores or even carnivores. This depends on the the habitat they live in.

Terrestrial dwellers are carnivores and live off of mealworms and wax worms in the forest. Tree dwellers are herbivores and eat flower buds, fruits and young leaves.

It's very important that iguanas eat properly to ensure their survival. A diet that is lacking in proper nutrients could lead to some diseases. Insufficient intake of food could lead to bloating and obesity. Like any pet, keep an eye on their health.

Iguana Health Care Regarding Weight and Diet
Even if your iguana is overweight, this does not mean it is unhealthy. Yet you know ensure it gets proper diet such as one with a high calcium intake with low phosphorus diet. Be sure your iguana gets as much sunlight as possible.

Should your iguana show signs of NSHP or MBD, it is imperative to bring them to a veterinarian. Nutritional Secondary Hyperparathrodism, which is a metabolic bone disease is one disease your iguana could get. Keeping an eye of them is vital.

Suppose your iguana's body is bony and fat with jaws appear swollen, this means your iguana is in the critical stages of NHSP or MBD. The disease leads to fragile bones those of which can cause deformities and possible fractures.

Give your iguana a proper diet along with exercise and maintain their weight. A fat iguana should have the needed calcium to keep healthy bones.

How to tell if your iguana is growing healthy
When an iguana is only a hatchling, it will measure to two and half to three inches from its snout to vent. Once the iguana comes from its shell, the iguana will grow three-quarters of an inch a month for nearly three months.

The growth slows down at about three months of age to half an inch but at one year the growth kicks back in and during twelve and fifteen months, it will triple the original length. Over the next few years, the iguana will only grow sparingly. This is the time to give a healthy diet so the iguana won't grow any bigger.

If you are interested in iguanas and like to own one, be sure to read about their environments and diets because it can be the difference between the iguana's life and death.