Significant Insights about the Giant Green Iguana

The term giant green iguana refers to the giant lizards. They are said to be giants because they grow up to five to six feet in a span of four to five years. If you prefer not to have a big lizard under your care, then do not opt for a giant green iguana. There are no dwarf versions of this species so you must understand from the very start that green iguanas by nature can grow really large. You cannot by all means make an iguana a dwarf version not unless you expose it to severe chronic malnutrition and then to continuous hypothermia.

Of course, when you do safe keep it on a tank that measures only up to ten gallons, its normal growth will be hideously hindered. Such kind of environment will also make the iguana sick and crazy to the highest level. If you are really serious in making the iguana appear small, then kill it slowly. Killing it slowly means keeping it in a very small-spaced tank container, giving it dull food to feed on, and then exposing it to extreme cold. You may likewise try to be humane and just simply buy a stuffed toy iguana. 

The iguanas are naturally from the exotic tropical areas so when they are taken in as pets they must be fully maintained. Meaning, they must be catered with sufficient and healthy food, homey housing environment, proper lighting, and utmost tender love and care. In the absence of any of these factors, they can be subject to premature death. It is a must that you know for a fact if you will love to take care of a giant green iguana before purchasing one. They get extremely huge and live a span of twelve to fifteen years.

In terms of the breeding season, the mature male iguanas, which are then capable of mating with a female iguana, will usually appear rambunctious, mean, and grumpy. Meanwhile, the sexually active and mature female iguanas are able to lay eggs despite the absence of the male iguanas. More so, proper care should be given to the female iguanas so as they will be able to carry out a successful lying of their eggs. In truth, the giant green iguanas can be cared as pets both by the young and old.

Indeed, the giant green iguana ranks as one of the well-known and most sought-after lizards. Most of the buyers of the giant green iguana have no idea at all as to how huge the young iguana could grow when the right time comes. The full-grown giant male green iguanas measure up to almost seven feet. When it comes to feeding them, vegetables are a must. Pay particular attention to offering them the leafy ones since they are plant-eaters by nature. Fruits such as banana can also be included in the iguana’s diet. At a very young stage, it is important to feed the iguanas with diversified sorts of food because it is during this time that they learn to recognize the food preferences that they will go for. Once or twice in a week, the iguana should be given a small quantity of a vitamin and mineral supplement which is especially intended for reptiles. When all these insights are followed, you can be certain that your pet iguana will grow healthy.

The importance of proper nutrition for your iguana

Reptiles are of different kinds. Iguanas are just one of those that belong to the largest species of lard family. Iguanas are commonly seen in tropical rain forests, hot deserts and semi-aquatic places. From the forests of North America, Canada and South America to the desert places of South Africa and Madagascar and Island of Galapagos, you will be able to see different types of iguanas.

Iguanas can easily adapt to their environment. Like other reptiles, iguanas are also egg-laying animals and cold-blooded, meaning they cannot produce heat from their body.

Different Iguanas has its unique ability to be able to become accustomed to their habitat. They have their unique skills. Iguanas that dwell in high trees for instance, can jump off the ground without having injuries. In addition, iguanas in Galapagos Island, the Amblyrhynchus cristatus, known as the marine iguana are good swimmer.

The species of iguana differ in their color, size, behavior and their extinction status in the wild. Some iguanas have vivid and bright colors, and others are dull. Most iguanas grows quickly, a hundred times heavier as their normal size as a hatchling in just about 24-30 months. But this would happen if they are given proper care, enough food, and a place with good air circulation and lots of sunlight.

Most iguanas are herbivores while some are omnivore or carnivore depending on their habitat. Terrestrial dwellers are carnivore, they eat mealworms and wax worms while the forest and tree dwellers are herbivores, eats young leaves, flower buds and fruits.

Proper feeding of iguanas is important. Sufficient food intake might lead to bloating, and obesity. In addition, lack of proper diet may also lead to some diseases. Cases like these are very usual so you must be prepared whatever happened to your pet.

If your iguana is showing signs of NSHP or MBD you must bring your pet to a veterinarian. Your iguana is suffering from Nutritional Secondary Hyperparathyrodism or a metabolic bone disease. It doesn’t mean that your iguana is unhealthy if it is oversized or fat. Proper diet must be given. Provide your iguana with a high calcium and low phosphorus diet. Also, always make sure that your pet gets a proper sunlight.

If you’re iguana body seem to be bony and fat and jaws seem to be swollen, your iguana is in the critical stage of NHSP or MBD. This would lead to brittle bones that cause deformities and fractures.

To avoid this to happen give your iguana proper diet, exercise and should maintain a good weight but not becoming overweight. It is also necessary for a fat iguana to obtain the needed calcium or phosphorus ratio for a healthy bone.

How will you know if your Iguana is growing properly?

Hatchling usually measures for about two and a half to three and a half inches snout to vent. When it reaches and emerges from the egg it grows three-quarters of an inch a month for almost three months. The growth of young iguanas slows to a half when it is three months old with a snout to vent of five and three-quarter inches. Iguana reaches for about 9-10 inches stout to vent in just one year.

The growth of your iguana in this stage is very fast. During its twelve to fifteen months, it will grow for about triple of its original length. The growth length of iguana slows radically as the iguana continues to grow for next years. This time give your iguana a proper diet so that it would not get bigger and bigger.

Facts about Iguanas: Things You Need To Know

How you ever wondered what make up the body of an iguana? Now if you are interested in taking care of one iguana, you better take heed and take into account these vital facts about iguanas.

The term iguana is usually used to refer to all types of the members of the lizard family branded as the Iguanidae. As a general knowledge, the iguanas possess powerful but short limbs added up with their sharp claws. These claws are utilized for digging and climbing. Yes, they do love to climb that is why a set of branches for climbing must be set up in their tanks. The strong tails are used for their defense mechanism.

They whip it in the air especially when a predator corners them. Their tails are likewise used for swimming. The dewlap is a huge flap of skin that is contained on the sides of the body particularly in the areas of the throat of a male iguana is used to either intimidate a predator around or to impress another female iguana. The dewlap also functions in the regulation of their body temperature. Furthermore, the iguanas also contain some crest of very soft spines that lineup the middle part of their backs and necks. Relatively, the male iguanas have longer spines in contrast with the female iguanas.

By means of size, the male iguanas appear to be bigger. They have bigger heads and brighter body colors compared with the females. The body of the male iguana is much distinct during the time of the breeding season. Physically, both the male and the female iguanas contain twelve up to thirteen pores underneath the sides of their thighs. The pores are the ones which secrete the waxy substance which they use in marking their territories and identifying each of them. When the male iguanas mature, their own femoral pores come to develop some outward projections which they tend to use in the copulation strategy to take a grasp of the female iguana.

The skin of the iguana is filled with very minute scales. They are unable to change their skin colors just like the deed of the chameleons but when they get exposed to light, some parts of their skin become darker in color. The young iguanas appear to be colored in pale green alongside with black ringed tails. As they grow mature, their colors turn out to be more earthly colored which are usually darker especially in their bodies and tails.

Back in their natural habitats, the iguanas appear to be wary since they always feel that danger is beside them. They could always be spotted running and hiding. They make full use of their accurate vision, keen sense of hearing and smell so that they could better ensure their own survival. They may appear to be clumsy at times but then the iguanas are great swimmers and tree climbers. They usually bask in the morning atop the trees and they can jump into the water anytime they sense danger.

Mating fro the iguanas occur in the months of January to February. The female iguana tend to get pregnant for two months and then by the time laying the eggs come, the female iguana digs in the soil or sand to deposit the eggs which range from 25 to 40 eggs. After two weeks, the hatchlings are ready to come out into the world.

The iguanas could be great pets provided that you know how to take care of them. They are inherently high maintenance. But then everything will pay off if you just learn how to care for your pet properly.

Some Vital Considerations Posed on the Care for Iguana Cantina

The iguanas are among the most well-known reptiles which are often purchased from the leading pet shops all over United States. The iguana can grow in almost any type of climate and could utterly measure between four to six feet in terms of its length and from ten to fifteen pounds in weight. When taken captive, the iguanas can live a span of twelve to fifteen years and sometimes up to twenty years provided that they are maintained to the fullest level. Since the iguana cantinas are originally from the humid and hot environments, it is rightful to assume that these reptiles are most active when the sun is up. At times when danger is imposed on them, they can be expected to use their defense mechanism tools such as their strong tails, nails, and jaws.

In their natural habitat, the iguana cantinas are spotted to be always hiding from their predators. They have very strong senses of sight, hearing, and smell and can easily detect the dangers abound. Most of today’s youngsters and teenagers buy iguanas out of severe impulse but then therefore disregarding the vital facts about their proper care. As a general knowledge for everyone, sufficient basics about the requirements for caring for an iguana must be taken into consideration.

The Iguana’s Indoor Housing Concerns

The young iguana cantina is able to live on an aquarium filled with thirty to fifty gallons of water. But of course as they are properly fed with the rightful diet, their growth would seem to advance in a matter of months. This means that the aquarium size should be adjusted as well. The aquarium enclosures come in a variety of styles and are either made out of plexiglass, wood, or simple glass. The substrate to be used must be something that can help you out easily. If you want to save, you can make use of newspapers. Among the other cool choices are the indoor and outdoor carpeting, linoleum, and artificial grass. Materials to avoid are soil, sand, and bark because they commonly invite insects and pests to thrive in them. This will in turn cause harm to your pets. The iguana habitat should be disinfected and cleaned two times in a week. It is also important to set up pieces of rocks, branches, broad limbs, or drift woods as climbing materials for the iguanas.

Water for their Habitat

Even the iguanas crave for water and this need of theirs should come handy. Most of their water intake source comes from the plants which they come to consume in their diets. When the iguanas are taken inside their tanks, they love to drink water from the woods or leaves inside the cage. Bathing the iguana is another good source of water intake into their bodies. This will further train the reptile to be accustomed with the water. When bathing your pet, lukewarm water must be used.

The Outdoor Sunlight for the Iguanas

Nothing can ever compare with the natural light coming from the sun. Sunlight will make your pet iguana cantina healthier. In a week, the iguana must be exposed to natural sunlight from five to ten hours. If you wish to place your iguana in a cage outside of your home, you should ensure that cats, dogs, or any other wild animals must not be present to pose danger on your pet.

The Essential Components of a Proper Iguana Cage

 
When people think about buying an iguana, different questions come to mind. More often than not, one of these questions is: Where do I keep it? People then try to find out the components of an iguana cage. If you are trying to find the best iguana cage for your pet, here's a guide for you:

1) Size – The first thing you want to know about is how big the iguana cage has to be. Some people have the misconception that the cage will limit the size of the iguana. This is not true. An iguana under ideal conditions will grow up to 6 feet long. This means that you will need to have a huge iguana cage in order to accommodate your pet. In fact, some people provide a whole room instead of an iguana cage for their pets!

Of course, if you are not yet ready to provide this space for your iguana, you could choose to delay until your iguana grows to its full size. However, the iguana cage that you provide should be large enough to contain the activities of your iguana. It should not cramp the animal in any way. If you choose to wait until your iguana has grown to full size, you should at least prepare and make plans for the time when you are going to need a bigger iguana cage.

2) Temperature – an iguana is cold blooded. This means that they need to regulate their body temperatures by making use of the environment. What are the implications of this? This means that you need to provide different temperatures in the iguana cage. This is so that the iguana can move from different spots to properly regulate its body temperature. You should also try to include a source of heat without light which will be used during the night time.

3) Humidity – iguanas require high levels of humidity to live comfortably. They are easily dehydrated because of the fact that iguanas aren't really inclined to drink much. This is because the native habitats of iguanas have high humidity and this keeps them from being dehydrated. Dehydration can lead to kidney failure. This means that not having enough humidity can shorten the life of your iguana. Another reason to keep your iguana cage humid is the fact that humidity helps loosen skin. This means that an iguana will have an easier time shedding skin if it is kept in a humid environment. If you wan to keep your iguana healthy, you should provide an iguana cage that has a humidity of 65 to 75 percent of the air.

4) Lighting – iguanas need a source of UVA and UVB light. Of course, the best source that you can make use of is the sun. This does not mean that you should place your iguana cage in a sunlit area. The glass or plastic of iguana cages filter out the UV light much needed by iguanas for production of vitamin D3. This vitamin helps in calcium consumption. This means that you need to let your iguana bask in direct sunlight as much as possible. This helps in developing strong bones and preventing Metabolic Bone disease which is a very common cause of death among iguanas in captivity.

Other than the sun, your iguana cage should also include an artificial source of UVA and UVB light. This is in order to make up for days when the sunlight is not enough for your iguana.

Health is also the Wealth of Your Pet Iguana

To maintain the health of your iguana does not mean that you need to take it out on regular walks on the park, or have him groomed in your local pet center. These are the things you would do for your pet dog but not for your iguana.

Keeping your iguana healthy is a matter of knowing its basic needs. With all the information about these reptiles already available, there is no reason why you cannot have them growing big and healthy.

Some people prefer to have iguana for their pet because they think that taking care of one is not as difficult compared with other kinds of pets. But then, iguanas can also be sensitive if you do not know what you are doing.

Unlike pet dogs or cats, there is really no high maintenance needed to keep your iguana healthy. All that is needed are some basic necessities that may seem unimportant yet will prove vital in keeping them healthy and fit.

Iguanas are like human. They are fully awake in the morning but needed the darkness of the night to be able to sleep and rest. This is one of the things you have to consider if you have an iguana.

In pet stores today, you will be able to find an assortment of iguana shelters that are complete with the necessary equipments that you pet will need. For example, there are cages available that comes with a bulb that serves as light as well as a heat source for your iguana. Heat is vital in maintaining the body temperature of an iguana. Some owners go to the extent of monitoring temperatures and providing heaters for these pets.

Those who cannot afford these things opt for the more conventional approach of turning lights off in the evening so the iguana can rest. But the problem with this set up is that there is no additional source of warmth supplied to the iguana. In these cases, you may find drifting off to a corner or a place where these reptiles find the heat that their body needs.

For those who want to maintain an orderly temperature monitoring, there are timers that they can buy to ensure that everything is kept well in order. Keep in mind that iguanas thrive mostly on outdoor forest temperatures. That was their home before they were in captivity. It is therefore important that you maintain what they have gotten used to so that they will not find it hard to adapt to their new environment.

First aid is also necessary if you notice signs of illness of skin diseases. Be sure that you have antiseptics or iodine ready for use. If your iguana appears to have an infection, you will notice dark spots or scratches that were not there initially. The best thing to do is to note if these things are starting to get worse or not. Check out the surrounding areas around your pet. Some of these things are caused by the environment that they are exposed to.

If the problem persists, then it is time to consult an expert iguana veterinarian. They will be the ones who will give you advice on what to use on your pet to stop whatever symptoms of illness it is experiencing.

If the health of your iguana is important to you, then you should prepare yourself for the necessary measures in maintaining and keeping them.

Get Acquainted with the Green Iguanas

The green iguanas or those which take the name of "Iguana iguana" are commonly found all over the South and Central America, in Mexico, in the southeastern part of Brazil, eastern Pacific, and the Caribbean. Breeds of the green iguana are now also spotted in Hawaii and Florida. The green iguana is popularly the largest type of lizard that happens to inhabit much of the territories of United States.

The Physical Description of the Green Iguana

In a matter of three years, the young twelve-gram green iguana can turn into a one kilogram adult green iguana. Right after they get hatched, their length varies from 17 to up to 25 centimeters. Most of the well-fed matured green iguanas come to weigh at about 4 and 6 kilograms but at times they reach the 8 kilogram weight.

The term green iguana does not stereotype these reptiles. The matured iguanas come in uniform colors whereas the younger ones vary between brown and green. Their colors can also get affected by their health, mood, temperature, and social statures.

One of the distinct features they have is the dewlap that can be found under their throats. The dewlap is much dominant in the male green iguanas rather than in the females. The laterally positioned eyes of the green iguanas are being protected by some immovable eyelids and mobile lower eyelids. The parietal eye functions as some kind of a meter for the solar energy and contributes much to the maturity of the endocrine and thyroid glands in these reptiles. Lastly, the plates or scales on their heads are much irregular and larger compared to the scales found on the rest of their body parts.

The Habitat of the Green Iguana

Arboreal lizards—these are what green iguanas are and they therefore enjoy living on top of tree canopies. The younger green iguanas tend to stay in the lower portions but the matured ones like it high above. This kind of dwelling technique allows them to do basking in the sun and they rarely go down with the exception of the time when the female green iguanas deem the need to dig their burrows so they can lay their eggs. They still prefer to have water around their habitat so that they can easily escape the predators who love to attack them. They are great swimmers so they most of the times successfully manage to avoid their predators.

The Development of an Iguana

Right after an estimated 65 days upon the mating period, the female green iguana is now ready to lay her eggs. The number and size of the eggs depend upon the size of the female iguana. Within a three-day period, about 10 to 30 pale-colored eggs get deposited into the nests. Other nests can be shared by many female iguanas especially when there is a very limited space for them. Actually, the female iguanas do not guard their nests but they do visit their eggs from time to time. The incubation for the iguana eggs last from about 90 up to 120 days. The hatchlings are the ones that crack their egg shells open by making use of their special egg teeth which are known as the caruncle. The yolks in the eggs are the providers of nourishment for the young iguanas.

Some Myths about Green Iguanas

People who own green iguanas often have certain misconceptions about them. These myths could interfere with a person's ability to take proper care of a green iguana. Some of these myths may not be too harmful. However, some of these myths could be dangerous to a green iguana's health and well-being. Here are some common myths about green iguanas which you should know about:

1) You can feed lettuce to green iguanas – This myth has some truth to it. Of course, since green iguanas are best kept on a vegetarian diet, you can feed it lettuce. However, you should realize the fact that most types of salad lettuce have very little nutritional value. Some people realize this when it's already too late to change the iguana's diet. This is because a green iguana which is mainly fed lettuce will continue to eat lettuce even if better foods are added to its diet.

If you want to take proper care of your green iguana, you should feed it vegetables that have a high nutritional value. Examples include collards, turnip greens and mustard greens.

2) Iguanas will not outgrow their cages – Some people think that keeping iguanas in small cages will cause their growths to be stunted. These people provide small cages for their iguanas in order to keep it in a convenient size. This will definitely not help your green iguana. A green iguana, when properly taken care of, can grow up to six feet long. This means that keeping it in a small cage will only accomplish the feat of making your green iguana's life very uncomfortable.

3) Iguanas need to consume gravel in order to help their digestion – this is a very dangerous myth. Some people add gravel or small pebbles to an iguana's enclosure because they think that these help a green iguana to digest its food. However, you should realize that gravel or any such material could kill your green iguana if it is consumed. You should try to avoid feeding your green iguana these materials, whether by accident or on purpose.

4) Hot rocks are great for heating – some people add hot rocks to a green iguana enclosure, thinking that these rocks are good for an iguana's body temperature. What you need to remember is that green iguanas are cold blooded. This means that if a green iguana sits on a hot rock, it can literally be cooked to death. If you wish to provide proper heating for a green iguana enclosure, you should use special lighting available in most pet stores.

5) Iguanas can eat insects, pet food, and other animal products – Many sources today still state that iguanas should be given animal protein as part of their diet. However, the truth is that green iguanas are best suited to an herbivorous diet. The body and metabolism of a green iguana is designed to utilize plant proteins effectively. Animal proteins, on the other hand, can prove to be very troubling to them. Consumption of animal proteins can cause your green iguana to develop gout. It can also lead to serious kidney problems. The only reason that iguanas eat insects in the wild is because these get mixed up with their food accidentally.

These are just some of the myths that you may have heard about green iguanas. By knowing the truth about these myths, you are now equipped to give the best care possible to a green iguana.

How to Take Care of a Green Iguana

When people talk about getting an iguana for a pet, they usually refer to the most common species, the “Iguana Iguana” or the green iguana.

Found in South and Central America, as well as other parts of the Pacific, the iguana has become very popular among pet owners in the United States and Europe in the past few years.

Active in daytime, the young iguana , helping it to hide itself from predators in the green vegetation of the forest.  With its quick movements and sharp eyesight, the green iguana avoids capture quite easily.  As the iguana grows older, its color changes from bright green to a muted green.

An iguana in the wild spends its day trying to find a sunny spot to lie on, feeding, and trying to escape from predators.

Of course, an iguana in captivity is a different case.  Though there are no more predators to escape from, an iguana should be well taken care of by its owner.  It maybe a popular pet, but taking care of it is by no means an easy task.

Let’s talk about some things to do when taking care of an iguana.

1.    Provide a large enclosed space for your iguana.  

Since a green iguana may grow as large as seven feet, the pet’s enclosure should be any owner’s top priority. It may seem that the iguana is contented with a small pen; however, without ample space, it will grow listless and will be stressed, resulting to sickness and even vulnerability to infections.

The enclosure should be a few times the iguana’s length in either depth or width or one and a half times in height since the animal needs to move around or even climb.

Later on, the pet iguana should be given privileges to roam around the house, as long as the owner will make sure that it won’t be able to get out or feed on important stuff around the house.

2.    Provide big branches or synthetic structures for your pet’s enclosure.

Not only will the enclosure look more pleasing to the eyes with the addition of the things mentioned above, but they will also make the pen a better place for the green iguana to live in.  It will be a good habitat since it will provide a venue for climbing and basking - two activities that contribute to the iguana’s emotional and psychological growth.

For the flooring of the enclosure, one may use mulch (a material designed to keep hold of moisture, prevent weeds from growing, and keep the earth from being eroded) or simply sheets of your daily newspaper.

3.    Make sure to provide the enclosure with a good heating device.

You should not overlook this since an iguana not properly heated will not be able to digest its food well.

An owner should provide a good source of UV light for the iguana.  The enclosure should not have any part with a temperature lower than 26°C while at least one part should have a temperature as high as 35°C.  A spotlight is good for this purpose.

4.    While heating and light are important, provide darkness, too.

Six to 10 hours of darkness each night is also important for the iguana’s well-being.  The enclosure should be shielded from streetlights or lights from appliances.

5.    Pay attention to your pet iguana.

Any pet animal deserves care and interaction from its owner.  Just like your regular cat or dog, the green iguana deserves love and affection.  If not given the attention it deserves, an iguana may grow listless, sick, and eventually die.

There you go.  The tips mentioned above are just some of the things that have to be considered in taking care of an iguana.  These are not to be used as a substitute for a consultation with your trusted veterinarian.  Professional help is still needed in order to make sure that your iguana will live for a very long time.

The Place to be: The Green Iguana Surf Camp

Do you want to experience fun and leisure while learning at the same time?

If you do, well, Green Iguana Surf Camp is the place just for you.

Green Iguana Surf Camp has been in the business for a long time now, teaching guests not just to ride the waves, but also to enjoy the entire surfing experience - all the while making sure that you know how to keep yourself safe in the Costa Rican waters.

Found in the heart of Playa Dominical, where waves are the most constant in the whole of Costa Rica, Green Iguana Surf Camp offers a one of a kind adventure to young and old alike; to the surfing enthusiast and your average vacation junkie; to the thrill seeker and the exhausted traveler.

Attractions

Picture-perfect examples of tropical beaches, Playa Dominical and its surrounding shorelines and reefs, like Playa Guapil, Playa Dominicalito, Playa Hermosa, and Playa Ventanas, are full of ideal surfing sites.

With their easy-to-ride breakers to more difficult kinds of waves, there are just no flat surfs in the places mentioned above, making them good locations for wannabes to become skilled at surfing.  Intermediate and advanced surfers, on the other hand, can further hone their skills in beautiful pointbreaks known as “Papas Point” to Playa Dominical’s natives or “The Point” to many.

Green Iguana Surf Camp also offers many activities other than surfing.  With its rainforest canopies, breathtaking beaches, and several waterfalls, an adventurer can engage in tours, kayaking, and even rappelling.  The weary traveler, on the other hand, can always relax and watch the golden sunset while stretched lazily in a hammock, the sound of the rolling waves at the background.

Lodgings

Green Iguana Surf camp also offers lodgings to its guests.  There are two kinds:  the beachside lodgings and the rainforest lodgings.

1.    Diuwak (pronounced as “Dee-you-wak”) Resort is for those who want to be near the ocean.  Elegant, rustic, and yet comfortable, it is approximately 100 feet from the sea.  Diuwak has Package One and Package Two rooms.

•    Package 1 or standard room has single and double beds, a private lavatory with heater, telephone, an electric fan or air conditioner.
•    Package 2 or deluxe room has all the facilities from Package 1, but are a little bigger.  They also have a television set and a mini-refrigerator.

2.    Rainforest Lodgings also offers different amenities, but, as its name suggests, it is a place where you can stay in the forest surrounded by the profound silence of nature.  So, if you want to learn how to surf in Costa Rica and reflect on your life as well, Green Iguana Surf Camp’s Rainforest Lodgings is the kind of lodging to choose.

Other Features

Besides the nice lodgings, guided tours to the different beaches and surf areas, and trips to the waterfalls, Green Iguana Surf Camp also offers surf lessons by seasoned teachers and lifeguards, a CD featuring photos of your surf instruction, a Green Iguana t-shirt, a trip to the Reptile Park, and transportation back and forth from the San Jose airport.  The packages also include meals and a therapeutic massage.

Whichever package you choose, Green Iguana Surf Camp guarantees pure fun!

Now, close your eyes.  Imagine yourself a few days, weeks, or months from now in your summer outfit or that skimpy bikini (no need for that wet suit), smiling with sun-tanned local children, with attractive waves and palm trees neatly-lined at the beach in the background.

Enticing, right?  What are you waiting for then?  Contact Green Iguana Surf Camp now!

Tips on Getting the Right Cage for Your Giant Iguana

Iguanas are usually seen in smaller sizes. But contrary to this, iguanas can be so large that you will need a whole room for it to be able to survive. This article will discuss on how to properly get or build a cage for you giant Iguana.

One of the most important things in building your pet’s cage is the SIZE - size does matter when it comes to your giant iguana’s cage.

There are common beliefs that an iguana’s growth size is only limited by the shape and size of their cage. But sad to say this statement is not true. Most iguanas continually grow faster on the first quarter of their life span and slower on the next half.

So before purchasing a giant iguana, make sure that you have the proper resources and space for a big cage for your iguana’s habitat. A newly hatched iguana can easily fill out a 60 gallon aquarium in just one year if properly and healthily taken care off.

A small iguana in the first 6 months of his life does not need a big cage. A large fish aquarium will do, but you should be ready to spend more after eight months because this is the time where rapid growth of your iguana occurs.

Another important thing to consider in building a cage for your giant iguana is the temperature and humidity of the cage. Iguanas are reptile and are cold blooded creature so they basically need an environment which is warm but not too hot.

A basking point should be installed which should have a temperature of eighty-nine to ninety-five degrees Fahrenheit and the total air temperature should be at least eighty degrees Fahrenheit.

Different temperature should be assigned on different parts of the cage to allow regulation of body temperature for your giant iguana pet.

You can use mercury vapor lamps or fluorescent tubes in this kind of situation though some pet shops may recommend the use of hot rocks. But veterinarians are definitely against this idea. Hot rocks can burn your giant iguana’s skin and can cause wound which would lead to infection and death.

The humidity of the cage should also be taken into consideration. A sixty-five to seventy humidity rate should be observed for a proper iguana cage. You can have this by installing a humidifier into the cage or if you find too expensive you can just manually spray water on the cage a few times everyday.

You can also try to put a large bowl of water on the cage so that it can add up to the humidity inside the cage.

Lighting is also essential so make sure that your cage has the proper lighting in order for your giant iguana to survive.

An iguana needs a good dose of UVA and UVB lights. This is because UVA lights kindle their natural behavior and UVB on the other hand helps them in producing Vitamin D3 which is an essential component of their digestion process.

The most cheap and accessible way to get this UV rays into your giant iguana’s body is by exposing them to sun rays regularly or by building their cage near a window where sunlight is abundant.

It might be quite hard for you to be able to build such a complex man made biodiversity on your own place but these are essential needs for you giant iguana to survive under your captivity.

So this is a matter of life and death, if you think that you cannot provide the listed requirement for your iguana then you should think twice and lay out your terms and reconsider your option about owning a giant iguana.

A Healthy Giant Green Iguana like no other

Giant green iguanas are the "in" thing now. This is one of the most popular reptiles that is being held captive and is taken care of in most households. So you should not be surprised if your child asks for one instead of the usual cats or dogs.

If you base on the word "giant", you are probably thinking that these iguanas will appear so. Many would-be iguana owners will be surprised at the size that these reptiles can turn into in its adult years. You may have brought a little pet in the store along with cute accessories only to realize later on that those things would not fit your pet anymore.

These are what giant green iguanas can turn to. They may look small initially but they can grow their maximum size if you know how to do it properly. Now, how do you do that?

You can start off by choosing the healthiest iguana you can find. You will see this if the iguana seems active and alert. Check out their body and body parts. They should be round and without any signs of scratches, bumps or lumps.

The difference between healthy and a not-so-healthy iguana can be seen by their movements. A healthy one does not sit around and remain stagnant in one place. You will find them moving around in their cages as if curious with what is happening around them. Their eyes would appear round. Their tongue should also flick in and out while moving about.

You should not make the mistake of selecting one that appears to be calm in thinking that they can easily be taken care of. Another mistake is choosing one that appears sickly because you pity the reptile. These are sure signs that the iguana is not really healthy after all. You might end up regretting your decision later on.

The next step is giving it a suitable and comfortable home. The aquarium that you need to buy will depend upon how small or grown up your pet is already. Smaller iguanas require 10 to 29 galloon aquariums.

The best thing to do is have a custom-made cage built. It will prevent you from shifting to one cage after another once the iguana starts growing. It does not matter if you think that the cage is too large for your pet. Eventually, it will grow bigger and will need more room to move around.

The kind of diet that you give your iguana will determine how healthy or unhealthy it will be. Iguanas in their juvenile years should be fed everyday. While those in their older years can be fed after every two days.

Even if iguanas are carnivorous, the best foods to give them are green leafy vegetables. These will ensure that they maintain a healthy and balanced diet. You should do well in maintaining the kind of diet you will give your pet so that it will not turn out fat, obese and lazy.

Female iguanas have the tendency not to eat the food you give them. This may be because they are in their egg development stage. Once this stage has passed, they will get their appetite back. Just be patient in free feeding them so they will become thin and unenergetic.

Having a healthy iguana is just a matter of taking the necessary steps. If you want your giant green iguana to live for years to come, you will take time to consider every aspect needed in their growth.

Facts about the Desert Iguana

The desert iguana is a very common animal to be spotted by many. There are even people who would claim that they have seen iguanas in their backyards and which are hiding behind the big rocks. By nature, the iguanas do love to feed on flowers and leaves of several bushes. So that it can take full control of its body temperature, the iguana transposes its color from the gray one to an almost pure white hue. Usually in the morning, the iguana wears the darkest of its color and by midday its changes its color to white so as to avoid feeling very hot.

The desert iguana is known for its scientific name dispsosaurus dorsalis and it commonly thrives in the South Eastern California deserts preferably in the Mojave and Sonoran deserts, in Southwest Utah, Southern Nevada, Baja, California, South Central Arizona, Northwest Mexico, and others can be relatively found in the gulf of the Californian islands. For most of its life, the desert iguana is fond of staying in the sandy and arid habitats usually fondling in the creosote bushes and the rocks that they call their shelters. Another place which they find solace in are the already abandoned burrows of those kangaroo rats. In the southern habitats, the desert iguanas can be usually spotted in the deciduous forests and subtropical places.

Description of the Desert Iguana

When the desert iguana matures, its growth ranges from ten up to sixteen inches long. The body becomes rounded and large. The tail grows long. The head becomes brown-colored which specifically follows a netlike outline that is reddish brown in hue. The trunk and the neck of the desert iguana contain tan and grayish spots. Meanwhile, its tail possesses some white or grayish spots. During the most extreme hot periods, the desert iguana climbs into the bushes to seek for cooler areas. But despite the condition of the climate, the desert iguana remains active even during 115 degrees F.

Since the desert iguanas seek refuge from the bushes, they are known to be vegetarians. They are classified to be herbivores as they do eat fruits, buds, and the leaves of most of the desert-existing perennial and annual plants. They are also very fond of the yellowish flowers of the creosote bush. It eats insects, the feces of the lizards and the mammals, and the carrion as well. More so, the desert iguana is not endangered.

The desert iguanas move swiftly. They are always spotted crossing the roads in a very fast pace and just simply ahead of the passing cars. Their back legs are really that powerful which therefore allows them such movement. Among their predators are the foxes, birds of prey, weasels, rats, snakes, and then the human beings. The eggs of the desert iguanas are also being attacked and eaten by most animals.

The Desert Iguana’s Breeding Season

At the middle period of the month of March, the desert iguanas start to come out from its long period of hibernation. The breeding season for the desert iguana happens in between April up to May. In between the months of May and June, the desert iguana is expected to lay two to ten eggs that will be hatched by the later part of July till August. All throughout the breeding season, the adult desert iguanas have that pink color at the side of their bellies.

Tips and tricks in building an iguana cage

Iguanas are arboreal, they prefer to stay in a large and wide ecosystem. Iguanas also tend to spend its time high up in tall trees. It is because their enemies or predators will not be able to follow them up in high trees. Most iguanas can easily hide from their enemies, by climbing jumping down into the ground without getting hurt.

But today, the lives of iguanas are in danger. Some of them are being caught and eaten by wild animals.

If you’re an animal or pet lover you can help these iguanas to survive against predators and help them from being extinct. You can do this by taking care of iguana, by just having at least pair.

Handling of iguanas needs proper planning. There are some things to be considered.

The first and most important thing is building a cage or enclosure. You must provide them with a good place where they can roam while having the freedom they enjoy in the wild.

Here are some more tips in building a great home for your iguana.

1.    Look for a cage that is spacious and secured. A large room or a big closet can be a good place where they can roam. You can add artificial plants and branches where they can climb and hang over. If your iguana is still young, be sure to make the appropriate size of the cage. A smaller one with no hole is recommended so that they’ll not escape from the cage. When your iguana grows and get habituated to his new home, you can expand the area so that it will not look crowded.


2.    Another thing to consider in building an iguana cage is the air circulation. Look for a cheap but comfy closet with proper air circulation. You can put a small, low-cost and quiet fan that will help regulate the air and raise the temperature and humidity inside the cage. A closet which has a good flow of air can also prevent the growth of mildew. But in case a mildew problem occurs, you can simply wash the walls using water and bleach.

3.    During the night time, you can use a heating pad to warmth your iguana. Look for a light bulb that consumes less electricity. You can simply screw a 75 watt bulb on the wall of the cage.

4.    Let your iguana adapt first to the new enclosure. Iguanas might get traumatized or hurt themselves if placed in a new environment. Iguanas normally react if placed in a new enclosure by rubbing and scratching the walls. It is advisable that you stay with your iguana as they explore. Try to bond with your pet until he gets acquainted with his new environment.

5.    Be cautious on the electrical connections positioned on the enclosure. All wiring must be carefully situated in areas where your iguana can’t reach them. Iguanas are intrusive creatures, they will try to jump and climb up on accessible wirings and hot light equipments.

6.    Lastly, keep your enclosure away from pests. Remove left over foods as soon as possible.  Remember that cleanliness is the most essential factor to prevent possible problems.

Building a cage for your iguana can be simple and fun. Just follow the steps above and surely you’ll have a perfect enclosure for your pet.

Babying your Baby Iguana the Right way

If there are baby dogs, cats or rabbits, then there are also baby iguanas. It is during this stage that these iguanas appear in their most fragile and need your loving care the most. Although they appear like they are easy to take of in their small appearance, proper precaution is needed so that they will be healthy in their older years.
    
Just like any juvenile pet, there are certain requirements that you need to provide for your baby iguana. Although they are not as meticulous and as herd to get as any other pet food, you should also consider if these things will be perfect for your iguana. You do not want them to become sickly and eventually die even before you see them in their full sizes, now do you?

Here are some of the important factors you need to consider when taking care of your baby iguana.

1. Shelter.

Not just any other type of cage will do. Though it does not matter what kind it is made of, you need to consider what should be inside the cage that the iguana will need.

An example is having something in them that will keep your pet warm during the night. Check out for carpeting or artificial turf to cover the flooring area of the cage. If you do not have the budget for it, you can opt for newspapers because they work just as well.

Since iguanas live on trees, you need to set up some branches for your pet to climb on to. Climbing on branches will form part of their leisure and movements. Just make sure that the branches are stable enough to hold their weight in case they lay down on them.

2. Temperature.

Baby iguanas should always be warm in order to stay healthy. Since you have no way of telling this just by looking at them, you can put a thermometer inside their cage so you can monitor the changes in the temperature inside the cage.

Make certain that you maintain a temperature of 70 degrees during the night and 85 degrees in the day. It is also a good idea for the cage for its shelter to be placed near a source of heat. You will see that your pet is inclined to have a comfortable rest if they stay close to that heat being radiated.

Special monitoring of temperature is required during the cold season. Check the shelter regularly. You would not want your pet to freeze to death without you knowing.

3. Food intake.

Baby iguanas need to have a diet that is rich in Vitamin D3, phosphorous and calcium. Lots of greens are also needed. You can also give them vegetables and fruits that you yourself are consuming.

Baby iguanas are not used to being fed any kind of food. Their digestive system is not as strong and as flexible as cats or dogs. Know what kind of food they can take and what they cannot.

Your baby iguana can grow up healthy and strong just by taking care of them the way you do any kind of pet. If it is absolutely necessary, you can consult a vet that specializes in iguana for things that are far beyond your comprehension. They will be able to give you sound advices regarding your baby iguana and the things that you need to do.

Interesting Informations About The Baby Green Iguana

The green iguana is one kind of reptile which is commonly found all throughout South and Central America. The breeds of the green iguana are also spotted in Mexico, Paraguay, Brazil, and the Caribbean Islands. There is no definite proof that the green iguana ranks among the endangered animals but then it is sometimes misconstrued to be one because it is a major attraction to the hunters. Hunters love to capture the big female iguanas. The green iguana is also a favorite delicacy of some and it is known by the name of “Bamboo Chicken”.

The Physical Appearance of the Green Iguana

The overly grown green iguanas typically grow in between four and six feet but there are some that extend up to seven feet. The tail takes up almost all of the length since it ranks to be almost half of the entire body measurement. Despite their being green, there is likewise the dominant black stripe coloring in its body. Not because they are called green iguanas they will already settle for the monochromatic color of green. The shade also diverts from the very bright green to the grayish and dull green. The skin of the green iguana is mostly rough primarily because of the pointy scales along the animal’s back. The green iguanas are equipped with claws and long fingers so that they can easily grasp and climb.

The Habitat of the Green Iguana

Baby green iguanas are typically raised in the tropical rainforest areas specifically in areas with lower altitudes and accessible water resources like those of the streams and rivers. Most of their formative years are confined in the forest top at about forty up to fifty feet high atop the ground.

The Admirable Adaptations of the Baby Green Iguanas

Aside from the invariable claws and long fingers possessed by the baby green iguanas, they also have a lot of proficient and admirable adaptations with them. The baby green iguanas are keen in terms of their senses of hearing, sight, and smell. One of their defense mechanisms is their tail which is obviously sharp and is snapped high into the air when danger is sensed. Once a predator gets the chance to grab the tail, it grows again without any damage at all. The skin of the baby green iguana is tough it is able to avoid scratches, cuts, and is also water-resistant. The pigmentation on the skin of the baby green iguana helps out in the camouflaging especially when there are predators in the area. But then when their predators detect them, the baby green iguanas are able to swiftly jump from the trees and then dive directly into the water. Mind you, they are excellent swimmers.

 

Apart from these excellent adaptations, the baby green iguanas are also strong. Imagine that they do fall off the ground at about 40 up to 50 feet but they still manage to come unhurt. The male green iguanas have what is known as the dewlap on their skins. This is the special flap on their skins which they use to impress the female green iguanas or to intimidate their oncoming predators. With these dewlaps, they manage to let themselves appear bigger. Another excellent characteristic for the green iguanas is that they are able to keep fat under their own necks and jaws for quite a time especially when there is not much of the food at hand.

How to Feed Your Albino Iguana

Iguanas are sensitive creatures; most of them rely on their environment for survival. Having an Albino Iguana as your pet gives you the obligation to properly care for it and make sure that it survives under your captivity.


One of the most crucial factors in an Albino Iguana’s survival is food. So being the owner, you must appropriately feed it with the right food.

Iguanas are scientifically classified as herbivores so green leafy plants should not be in its main diet. Though some people still recommend on feeding iguanas with insects and other animal protein based food. You may have seen iguanas eating insects on televisions and magazines but research studies shows that this thing occurs only by accident. Like for example, when an insect is on a piece of plant. An iguana slowly creeps over to eat it. Then leaf and insect are simultaneously consumed by the reptile.

Experts and veterinarians recommend more vegetables to be fed to your pet and lesser animal protein or insects.  This will eventually lead to better physical health.

Albino iguanas also need water, so make sure to provide them with this. Iguanas usually dip their head on the water when drinking, so also make sure to have a tall glass that is full of fresh water. Sometimes they also lick off small water droplets from plants to quench their thirst.

Water should always be available for your iguana and make certain that they are fresh.  Never feed your iguana with left over vegetables because this may cause disorders in its digestive system. It will then lead to sickness or even death.

It is highly recommended to feed your iguana every day and regularly. The ideal time for feeding your iguana is early in the morning usually an hour after it is awake. Succeeding feeding all through out the day can also be done but only in small quantity. Never feed your iguana immense amounts of food before sleeping time.

Feeding your Albino Iguana in the morning gives it time to properly digest food before sleeping. In addition, the morning temperature will give your iguana the right environment to properly digest its food.

The amount of food to be given literally depends on the size and bulkiness of your iguana. The main rule in here is to feed your iguana as long as it wants to. This kind of technique will allow you to note how much your iguana can take over one feeding.

Food for your Albino Iguana should be on a shallow bowl which should be made of ceramic, glass or plastic and should be regularly cleaned. The bowl to be used should be sturdy enough to hold your iguana and should not be tipped easily.

Variety of food is also important to make your iguana feel healthy and at home. Iguanas are known to eat a large variety of fruits and flowers in the wild so it is a good idea to also feed them this way while they are in your captivity.

Aside from proper food your iguana should also have the proper lighting and sunshine. Iguanas usually get calcium from the sun rays to help them properly digest their food.

So if you want your Albino Iguana to stay healthy and have a longer life span feed them with the right amount of food and the right kind of food.