Green Iguana - Rescue

Blueeheeler · #1 (**permalink**) 03-12-2005, 08:29 PM

This is "Spike" he was dropped at my door on the 9th of March, with his enormous cage. No clue as to how old he is. Any Idea's? He is very tame I have had him out and walking around the yard. Gave him a long bath and shower to remove old shed. He loved it. He pooped in the tub and all looks good. No worms that I could see. I have an appointment with the vet on Monday for fecal test and an over all check up. I have not seen him eat as of yet and this is starting to bother me. I have a variety of greens and fruits along with the commercial foods and calcium. Any suggestions are welcomed and needed.

Daytime his outside in his big cage for some natural sunshine, hoping he will green up alittle. I am worried about his coloring. I think that he was very unhappy before and that he will green up with time. Any Advise?

Nighttime he is in the house with the rest of us for sleep. He is very boy.

Looking forward to having him with me for a long time to come.

Thanks for looking - Jamie

Blueeheeler · #2 (**permalink**) 03-12-2005, 08:33 PM

Having a problem with the picture but he is in my photo gallery. Jamie

NicoleRussell · #3 (**permalink**) 03-12-2005, 08:40 PM

what are you feeding him?
GREAT job with the rescue so far it sounds like.

Blueeheeler · #4 (**permalink**) 03-12-2005, 08:45 PM

Romaine, collards, squash shredded and banana grapes and strawberries.
t-rex Iguana veggies and fruits mixture for adults, moistened. Should I be doing something different? thank you for your reply. Jamie

NicoleRussell · #5 (**permalink**) 03-13-2005, 12:38 AM

Well I would cut out the romaine--there are so many better choices. Bananas aren't great either. Don't get me wrong--I'm not among the segment of the population that feels spinach, bananas and romaine (and other controversial foods) should be avoided like the plague, but you should try and keep such foods as treats.
Many people read something and take it to an extreme...boycotting certain foods like their cyanide. I feel that's a bit over the top.
But for staples, there are so many good choices. I buy them differently each week. Chards are one---dandelion; brown rice and 16 bean blend; chickory; bokchoy (not everyday); berries (mine love blackberries and raspberries), peaches...all sorts of fruits. Many people give you lists and they are everywhere so I try not to be repeatitive.
I like to feed 1st step baby foods a convienent treat---all the veggies and fruits.
You can also invest in some iguana dust by Trex...and supplementation with those pellets you are using is a great idea. I also love monster diet.....
Lighting is especially important as you probably know.

Blueeheeler · #6 (**permalink**) 03-13-2005, 02:01 AM

Thank you for your advice...I will change out the romaine and bananas.

He is my 1st iguana and I can use all of the advice you can supply.

How do I get him to eat. He has had nothing but water for the last 2 days. I have offered food both days and nothing. I am working on getting his large cage in the house, it has been some chore I will tell you that thing is HUGE.

He has been active(I think). Not sure how active they are. I care for and raise snakes so this is a little different. I have plenty of light for him and he gets about 6 hours of direct sunlight when he is outside in his cage. when I get it in the house I think I will put it in front of a small window so he can look outside and have natural sunlight. I will still be providing his UVB/A by a bulb since the window will most likely not be open all of the time so the rays can come through. He does bask a lot is this okay or should I add more heat throughout his cage?

Again I thank you in advance and your help is needed. I have been on the computer since I knew I was going to get this guy, reading and learning. I even bought the book "Iguanas for Dummies" I have been reading that too. so much to learn.

Jamie

NicoleRussell · #7 (**permalink**) 03-13-2005, 01:13 PM

The brown rice and 16 bean thing is something that a friend (J Binns)told me about (who's an expert with iguanas in my opinion). We were discussing animal protien and iguanas. While he feels animal protien is a NONO---protien by way of beans and mixed with brown rice has proven to be beneficial to iguanas. I buy the rice and beans cook it up (I buy the goya 16 bean combo) and freeze portions in baggies so I have them available. I mix this with various salads. You can also mix in some pellets.
You can follow Melissa Kaplans diet for iguanas (she really does know her stuff)---but keep an open mind. Ask around and try to come up with a good plan based on alot of imput.
Lizards are not snakes....and it's harder to cross over then you can imagine. I have my moments with snakes too---I sometimes forget how disimilar they are.
As far as lighting....the ambient light throuh your window is great but keep in mind that even with the window open the screen will filter most of the UVB...but what does come through will help psychologically. You need a great MVB (mac is best)....or a good tube with a heat source. I prefer MVB's over anything else for 99.9 percent of all lizards.
What are your basking and ambient temps? Where in the country (or the world) do you live? (I'm very jealous you can bring your iguana outside now---it SNOWED here yesterday

)

Blueeheeler · #8 (**permalink**) 03-13-2005, 05:30 PM

thank you for your reply, I live in sunny Central California. Yesterday our high temp was 75.

His basking temps are 95 to 98 most of the time, mid morning and after noon they get up to 105. ambient air is whatever the temps are outside at that given time. when in the house it is above 85 since he has less wind and inclement weather.

I will be working in the house today to get his Huge cage in the house all the time. Then I won't have to move him for the night hours. He will be able to acclemate himself better that way. I have him roam the house for a couple of hours so he can get used to it and get the exercise that he needs. I also take him out in the yard around 12-1 when the yard is completely sunny and let him run free, so he can explore new things. He is a very good boy. Now if I could only feel confident about clipping thoughs claws I would be a happy camper. I had someone ask me at the store last night if I had a new kitty. when I said Iguana then they said OH so your not a vegiterian?

Anywho thank you and lets hope he eats today. Jamie

NicoleRussell · #9 (**permalink**) 03-13-2005, 11:57 PM

I don't clip my igs nails because I want them to be able to climb...of course I pay for that with all the scratches on my arms (and face)
Also I have rock iguanas---they mature much slower and at some point they will be 99% terrestrial...right now they enjoy climbing trees in the herp room so I let them hae their claws

Blueeheeler · #10 (**permalink**) 03-15-2005, 04:56 AM

Well I took "spike" to the vet today and he weighs 2.47 kg. Dr says he looks healthy and I am doing a good job getting all of the retained sheds off. He finally ate for me today. Also put his cage in the house Sunday and he seems to be better off now. the Dr took a blood sample, will see in a few days how that comes out. Still need to take a fecel, I will do that tomorrow. He seems so much happier now that his home is stable and warm all of the time. anyway just thought that I would update all of you who have read this post. Thanks Jamie

NicoleRussell · #11 (**permalink**) 03-15-2005, 12:06 PM

thanks for the update---I'm looking forward to some pics when you get a chance

Blueeheeler · #12 (**permalink**) 03-16-2005, 02:52 AM

http://us.f1.yahoofs.com/groups/g_18...wZ5NCBGGD4w_Vp

Here's a couple of pictures I hope this works if not there are pictures in my photo gallery here on RTB. Jamie

Blueeheeler · #13 (**permalink**) 03-16-2005, 02:56 AM

Here's the other picture....I hate this time limit on editting your own post and photos. Whats the deal with that anyway? Jamie

NicoleRussell · #14 (**permalink**) 03-16-2005, 12:16 PM

I couldn't see anything..is it my machine?

Blueeheeler · #15 (**permalink**) 03-16-2005, 04:50 PM

I couldn't tell you if it's your machine or not? I see them. Does anyone else?

Here's a link to the pages.
http://us.f1.yahoofs.com/groups/g_1800271/__tn_Spike.jpg?bcxpFOCB72MkJM17

http://us.f1.yahoofs.com/groups/g_18...xpFOCB.9kQSlKv

Hope you will be able to use these. Good luck. Jamie
http://redtailboa.net/pp/showgallery...00/ppuser/9625

NicoleRussell · #16 (**permalink**) 03-16-2005, 07:06 PM

I couldn't view the yahoo but the RTb I could see....he's really nice looking. I love iguanas

Blueeheeler · #17 (**permalink**) 03-18-2005, 12:48 AM

Just another update, the vet emailed me to let me know that Spike is a girl and that her Phos and Ca levels are high. She also stated that this is normal in girls during reproductive years. She also stated that the high levels could be caused by kidney disease. What is your opinion? I know that you are not a vet but I am looking for an opinion, thanks

Her new name is charlotte.

Jamie

NicoleRussell · #18 (**permalink**) 03-18-2005, 01:29 PM

Did you get any numbers? Did she say they were equally as high or is one higher then other?
I'm not sure what your backround is with greem iguanas...there is alot of conflicting info out there. One great source is the iguanden.com for diet info. This is a starting point however. On that website they will give you some great info on Ca to PH levels in food and how they affect iguanas. They will list a great diet as well. I tend to be more liberal with my iguanas...but if your rehabbing a reptile, or taking care of a geriatric lizard--it' alway a good idea to take the side of caution and follow a conservative diet.
In this case you have no idea about the animal's past---and 9 out of 10 iguana owners are not doing the right thing with their animal's diets. I had to really search out the right people to get some great advice.
Aj Gutman---who is the most remarkable women in the reptile world (in my opinion anyway).
John Binns-----my hero hands down.
Robert MacCargar---who I pray to at night
and all the other non iguana herpetologists and culturalists who have helped cross species wise......which is always the best way to learn about any reptile.
What I'm trying to say is read the facts---and take what everyone' agrees on first and apply it (GREAT lighting,conservative salad diet and no animal protien) and after the animal is totally rehabbed---and after you have read many sources that you trust----begin to form your own opinions.
The iguana den for example states pelleted food are not recommended. I disagree. They also state to stay away from certain foods like they are poison and I also disagree with that. BUT---you always have to approach a new animal with the idea that it has been abused and neglected. Apply all the stringent ideas to yoru husbandry to get the animal ont he right track.
As far as the blood levels this can change with proper lighting, and diet and long as they aren't through the roof which is not what I got from your post.
Here's some idea of thos eratios with respect to diet, taken directy from the iguana den.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Vegetable Calcium:Phosphorus Ratios

This is the newest most up to date Ca:P Chart on the internet today. It was developed using approximately 10 sources either from the internet or in book form. Only the most accurate data was used at all times. The values were then calculated out into ratio form since it is the ratio that we are most concerned with in the Iguana's diet. Then the values of Protein were added in order to show how vegetable protein is all that is needed to help and iguana grow and stay healthy as opposed to adding extra proteins as with other diets.

This list was then placed in a BEST to WORST order, first by ratio, second by calcium value and lastly by protein value.

A table for fruits can be found on the Iguana Den site as well.

Listed updated on May 1, 2000
Food name
* Amount
* Prep
* Calcium
(mg) Phosphorus
(mg) Ratio
* Protein
(g)

Collard Greens 1 Cup Raw 52.2 3.6 14.6:1 0.882
Mustard Spinach 1 Cup Raw 315.0 42.0 7.5:1 3.3
Turnip Greens 1 Cup Raw 104.5 23.1 4.5:1 0.825
Amaranth 1 Cup Raw 60.2 14.0 4.3:1 0.7
Beet Greens 1 Cup Raw 45.2 15.2 2.9:1 0.7
Dandelion Greens 1 Cup Raw 102.8 36.3 2.8:1 1.485
Chinese Cabbage 1 Cup Raw 73.5 25.9 2.8:1 1.1
Lettuce (Loose Leaf 1 Cup Raw 38.1 14.0 2.7:1 0.7
Coriander 1 Cup Raw 15.7 5.8 2.7:1 0.376
Jute (Potherb) 1 Cup Raw 58.2 23.2 2.5:1 0.3
Kale 1 Cup Raw 90.5 37.5 2.4:1 2.2
Mustard Greens 1 Cup Raw 57.7 24.1 2.4:1 1.5
Parsley 1 Cup Raw 82.8 34.8 2.3:1 1.8
Chicory Greens 1 Cup Raw 180.0 84.6 2.1:1 0.8
Cabbage (Green) 1 Cup Raw 41.8 20.5 2.0:1 1.3
Watercress 1 Cup Raw 40.8 20.4 2.0:1 0.8
Spinach 1 Cup Raw 29.7 14.7 2.0:1 0.9

Food name
* Amount
* Prep
* Calcium
(mg) Phosphorus
(mg) Ratio
* Protein
(g)

Squash (Spaghetti) 1 Cup Raw 23.2 12.1 1.9:1 0.6
Endive 1 Cup Raw 13.0 7.0 1.9:1 0.3
Leeks 1 Cup Raw 52.5 31.2 1.7:1 1.3
Celery 1 Cup Raw 48.0 30.0 1.6:1 0.9
Squash (Butternut) 1 Cup Raw 67.2 46.2 1.5:1 1.4
Napa Cabbage 1 Cup Raw 31.6 20.7 1.5:1 1.2

Food name
* Amount
* Prep
* Calcium
(mg) Phosphorus
(mg) Ratio
* Protein
(g)

Lettuce (Butter Head) 1 Cup Raw 17.6 12.7 1.4:1 0.7
Okra 1 Cup Raw 81.0 63.0 1.3:1 2.0
Tofu (Regular) 1 Cup Raw 275.3 228.2 1.2:1 16.2
Cabbage (Red) 1 Cup Raw 45.4 37.4 1.2:1 1.2
Radish 1 Cup Raw 24.4 20.9 1.2:1 0.6
Tofu (Firm) 1 Cup Raw 408.2 370.4 1.1:1 20.3
Broccoli (Spears) 1 Cup Raw 87.4 78.0 1.1:1 4.4
Turnip 1 Cup Raw 39.0 35.1 1.1:1 1.2
Swiss Chard 1 Cup Raw 18.4 16.6 1.1:1 0.6
Jew's Ear (Pepeao) 1 Cup Raw 15.8 13.9 1.1:1 0.5
Soy Bean (Green) 1 Cup Raw 504.3 496.6 1:1 33.2
Green Beans (Snap Beans) 1 Cup Raw 40.7 41.8 1:1 2.0
Squash (Winter, All Variety) 1 Cup Raw 36.0 37.1 1:1 1.7
Chayote 1 Cup Raw 22.4 23.8 1:1 1.1
Lettuce (Iceberg) 1 Cup Raw 10.5 11.0 1:1 0.6

Food name
* Amount
* Prep
* Calcium
(mg) Phosphorus
(mg) Ratio
* Protein
(g)

Squash (Acorn) 1 Cup Raw 46.2 50.4 0.9:1 1.1
Rutabaga 1 Cup Raw 65.8 81.2 0.8:1 1.7
Burdock Root 1 Cup Raw 48.4 50.2 0.8:1 1.8
Sweet Potato 1 Cup Raw 29.3 37.2 0.8:1 2.2
Lettuce (Romaine) 1 Cup Raw 10.1 12.6 0.8:1 0.5
Dock 1 Cup Raw 58.5 83.8 0.7:1 2.7
Broccoli 1 Cup Raw 42.2 58.1 0.7:1 2.6
Ginger Root 1 Cup Raw 17.3 25.9 0.7:1 1.7
Cucumber (without Skin 1 Cup Raw 16.7 25.0 0.7:1 0.7
Squash (Hubbard) 1 Cup Raw 16.2 24.4 0.7:1 2.3
Cucumber (with Skin) 1 Cup Raw 14.6 20.8 0.7:1 0.7
French Beans 1 Cup Raw 342.2 559.4 0.6:1 34.6
Brussels Sprouts 1 Cup Raw 37.0 60.7 0.6:1 3.0
Carrots 1 Cup Raw 29.7 48.4 0.6:1 1.1
Squash (Summer, All Variety) 1 Cup Raw 22.6 39.6 0.6:1 1.3
Parsnips 1 Cup Raw 47.9 94.4 0.5:1 1.6
Kohlrabi 1 Cup Raw 32.4 62.1 0.5:1 2.3
Pumpkin 1 Cup Raw 24.4 51.0 0.5:1 1.2
Tomato (Green) 1 Cup Raw 23.4 50.4 0.5:1 2.2
Cauliflower 1 Cup Raw 22.0 44.0 0.5:1 2.0
Squash (Zucchini 1 Cup Raw 18.6 39.7 0.5:1 1.4
Peppers (Sweet) 1 Cup Raw 13.4 28.3 0.5:1 1.3
Alfalfa (Sprouts) 1 Cup Raw 10.6 23.1 0.5:1 1.3
Lupins 1 Cup Raw 316.8 792.0 0.4:1 65.1
Soy Bean (Sprouts) 1 Cup Raw 46.9 114.8 0.4:1 9.2
Asparagus 1 Cup Raw 28.1 75.0 0.4:1 3.1
Beats 1 Cup Raw 21.8 54.4 0.4:1 2.2
Yams 1 Cup Raw 25.5 82.5 0.3:1 2.3
Avocado (California) 1 Cup Raw 25.3 96.6 0.3:1 4.9
Avocado (Florida) 1 Cup Raw 25.3 89.7 0.3:1 3.7
Eggplant 1 Cup Raw 5.7 18.0 0.3:1 0.8
Peas (Green) 1 Cup Raw 36.3 156.6 0.2:1 7.9
Artichoke 1 Cup Raw 21.0 117.0 0.2:1 3.0
Bamboo Shoots 1 Cup Raw 19.6 89.1 0.2:1 3.9
Tomato (Red) 1 Cup Raw 9.0 43.2 0.2:1 1.5
Mushrooms 1 Cup Raw 3.5 72.8 0.02:1 2.0
Corn (Yellow) 1 Cup Raw 3.1 137.1 0.02:1 5.0
Rhubarb
(IS TOXIC
Do No Use!
Here for data
purposes only) 1 Cup Raw 104.9 17.0 6.2:1 1.1

Blueeheeler · #19 (**permalink**) 03-18-2005, 06:41 PM

thank you for all of the info. I have been reading Iguanas for Dummies and I have been reading all the info on the iguanaden also. I called the vet today to get the levels of her Phos and CA they are:
Ca greater than 20 mg/ld
Phos 38.4 mg/ld
Thanks again. jamie

NicoleRussell · #20 (**permalink**) 03-18-2005, 06:51 PM

try to be stringent about the Ca:Ph rule with this iguana.
Do not even look at foods that are not deamed safe on most lists.
In the meantime I will email a couple of people who know more and find out if there is anything else that could be done.

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