The Green Iguana is a tree dwelling, vegetarian which lays eggs and is active during daylight hours. They can reach a length of 6 feet and up to 18 pounds. Iguanas mature berween two and three years of age and may be sexed by probing or examining ihe femoral pores (a row of pores on the underside of the hind legs, the males having larger pores. Also, males com­monly display an up and down head bob. With proper care iguanas may live from 12 to 15 years. Choose a healthy animal with clear, alert eyes, and no dis­charge from the nose and no stool caked around the vent, one which is active and flicks its tongue inquisitively, and who eats well.

House your iguana in a large aquari­um (40 gal. or larger) to start, with a screen or wire cover, and furnish it with branches and newspaper or brown paper to cover the bottom. Food and water bowls should be shallow. A heating pad placed under one end of the tank set on low or medium will provide warmth necessary for digestion. An ordinary ciip-on incandescent light may also tx used to provide heat. Iguanas ferment their food in a companmented colon which takes about 96 hours. Never use a "hot rock" which can malfunction and blister your animals. Also important is a grow light with UV-B spectrum (such as VITA-LITE) which is needed to utilize calcium in the diet & should be replaced every 4 to 5 months. Your iguana may get his ultra-violet light from direct sun light, but be carefiil 10 provide shade as well so he does not overheat. Temp­eratures may range from 70° to 85° F.

NEVER feed your iguana iceberg lettuce, it contains NO nutrition and the iguanas may become hooked on it and refuse other food. A good diet consists of a variety of vegetables and fruits such as frozen mixed vegetables (thawed), spinach, kale, collards, mustard greens, turnip greens, dandelion greens, yellow squash, zucchini, butternut &. other squash, sweet potato, tofu, banana, orange, apple, mango, papaya, tomatoes, grapes, pumpkin, etc. Feed several items once to twice a day. Monkey biscuits may be offered once every week or two (soaked in hot water, then squeezed out), but be careful not co overdo as diets high in meat or fat can shorten their lives causing liver degener­ation, obesity, and gout. Two or three times a week the diet may be supple-rneiiicd with a good rr.:.:t;viu:.T.ir; and/or calcium powder designed for reptiles (or birds). Tofu, corn, brussel sprouts, squash, and broccoli arc high in calcium and should be provided often. Most iguanas are fond of Hibiscus flowers and will eat other blossoms as well.

Your iguana will need frequent and regular handling to become and remain tame. Handle him 2 or 3 times a day, gently stroking die back or neck and get­ting him accustomed to being picked up and held. Some iguanas have been trained to "potty" on newspaper. Most illnesses result from poor hygiene, so keep me cage clean. If an outdoor cage will be provided, be careful to use plas­tic coated wire or something suitable that your pet cannot rub his nose against and injure himself. When you plan your cage, remember that iguanas are good at digging. When new animals are obtained remember to quarantine and worm them before introducing them 10 your other animals. Keep in mind that you may keep one male and one to two females together, all being nearly the same size. Never try to keep males together as injuries will eventually result.

For information about joining the International Iguana Society and receiving the quarterly newsletter Iguana Times, write to:
International Iguana Society
Route 3, Box 328
Big Pine Key, FL 33043

BETTER YET, CONTACT OUR RESIDENT IGUANA EXPERT, BELOVED TREASURER DOREEN SACCARDO. YOU CAN REACH HER AT DOREEN'S EMAIL OR AT 727-942-6700