Alan Truism
2007-10-06 03:03:45 UTC
[ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_Iguana_in_captivity ]
The Green Iguana (Iguana iguana) has became popular in the pet trade—over
800,000 animals were imported into the United States alone during 1995,
primarily originating from captive farming operations based in their
native countries (Honduras, El Salvador, Colombia, and Panama). Despite
the apparent "mass market" appeal of these animals they are demanding to
care for properly over their lifetime, and many die within a few years of
acquisition. In 1998 a National Iguana Awareness Day (NIAD) was
established to discourage consumers from viewing iguanas as "throwaway
pets". Iguanas are not suitable "pets" for young children (or most
teens). Many naive buyers are tempted by the low price of young iguanas
and apparent low cost of feeding, and as a result offer these animals
inappropriate food and insufficient housing without adequate sources of
heat and light. Although they will consume a wide variety of foods if
offered, green iguanas are naturally herbivorous (folivorous) and require
a precise ratio of minerals (2 to 1 calcium to phosphous) in their diet
(vitamin supplements may be needed in captivity).The question whether
captive green iguanas should be fed animal protein is controversial; while
some have recommended such additions, as they are known to enhance the
growth of the animal, others, such as zoologist Adam Britton, believe that
such a diet is likely to cause excessive protein intake, which the
iguana's naturally herbivorous digestion system can't handle, resulting in
severe long-term health damages and early death (diet information
available on Melissa Kaplan's link). Green iguanas will thrive only in
temperatures of 75 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit (24 to 32 degrees Celsius) and
must have appropriate sources of UVB and UVA lighting. Without proper UVB
lighting their bodies cannot develop Vitamin D and as a result the animals
will develop metabolic bone disease which is fatal if not treated.[4]
[ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_Iguana_in_captivity ]
The Green Iguana (Iguana iguana) has became popular in the pet trade—over
800,000 animals were imported into the United States alone during 1995,
primarily originating from captive farming operations based in their
native countries (Honduras, El Salvador, Colombia, and Panama). Despite
the apparent "mass market" appeal of these animals they are demanding to
care for properly over their lifetime, and many die within a few years of
acquisition. In 1998 a National Iguana Awareness Day (NIAD) was
established to discourage consumers from viewing iguanas as "throwaway
pets". Iguanas are not suitable "pets" for young children (or most
teens). Many naive buyers are tempted by the low price of young iguanas
and apparent low cost of feeding, and as a result offer these animals
inappropriate food and insufficient housing without adequate sources of
heat and light. Although they will consume a wide variety of foods if
offered, green iguanas are naturally herbivorous (folivorous) and require
a precise ratio of minerals (2 to 1 calcium to phosphous) in their diet
(vitamin supplements may be needed in captivity).The question whether
captive green iguanas should be fed animal protein is controversial; while
some have recommended such additions, as they are known to enhance the
growth of the animal, others, such as zoologist Adam Britton, believe that
such a diet is likely to cause excessive protein intake, which the
iguana's naturally herbivorous digestion system can't handle, resulting in
severe long-term health damages and early death (diet information
available on Melissa Kaplan's link). Green iguanas will thrive only in
temperatures of 75 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit (24 to 32 degrees Celsius) and
must have appropriate sources of UVB and UVA lighting. Without proper UVB
lighting their bodies cannot develop Vitamin D and as a result the animals
will develop metabolic bone disease which is fatal if not treated.[4]
[ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_Iguana_in_captivity ]