|
Positive Calcium to Phosphorus Ratio
Every feeding sprinkle a light dusting of a calcium carbonate, calcium gluconate
or calcium lacerate on the salad. Iguana diets tend to contain excess phosphorus so calcium supplements without
any phosphorus are recommended. Do not over-supplement with calcium! A fine barely perceptible dusting is all that
is required.
Ideally with a balanced diet little calcium supplementation is necessary. If the
iguana eats a commercial reptile diet it is getting plenty of multi-vitamins. Multi-vitamin supplementation is
only required if the iguana is not eating any of the commercial diets, a very light dusting of a good quality reptile
multi-vitamin once or twice a month is necessary. Multi-vitamin supplementation with each meal may be excessive.
Variety is the key to a healthy diet. Avoid feeding just dog food and a few vegetables
and fruit. Until more is known it is prudent not to rely on any one item for the majority of the diet. Patients
should be checked a month or two after restructuring their diet. Captive reptile diets are just beginning to be
understood so keep an open mind as recommendations are likely to change in the future. Wild caught iguanas are
often shy and should be minimally disturbed until they are eating well and seem less nervous. Owners should resist
the temptation to tame them immediately because this will further stress them and can be too much for an animal
that is already maximally stressed. Allow them a few months to adjust to captivity. A hide box will give them a
secure area in the cage for retreat. Particularly nervous individuals may need their cage covered so they do not
pace at glass barriers or bash their snouts whenever there is movement outside the cage.
If you have any questions or your pet is not feeling well, please feel free to contact
us:
|
VETERINARY
ASSOCIATES STONEFIELD