The most common problem I see in reptiles is improper feeding and housing. Below is a recommended diet for captive Iguanas.
Recommended Diet for Captive Iguanas
All plant material is washed, chopped and thoroughly mixed. This will ensure a balanced diet in that all food items will be eaten, rather than just the favorite.
HATCHLINGS– up to 14 inches in length: feed twice a day or provide continuous availability. Plant matter finely chopped or shredded.
JUVENILES– up to 2.5 years and 3 feet in length: Feed once a day. Plant material should be fine to medium chopped.
ADULTS: over 2.5 years and 3 feet in length: Feed daily or every other day.
INGREDIENTS : Each meal should contain ingredients from all five of the following categories:
1) Calcium-rich vegetables: 30-40% of diet, two or more items per feeding- turnip greens, mustard greens, beet greens, kale, collards, bok choy, Swiss chard, dandelions, parsley, romaine, escarole, spinach, alfalfa pellets.
2) Other vegetables: 30-4-% of diet, a variety weekly- frozen mixed vegetables, squash, zucchini, sweet potato, bell pepper, broccoli, peas, beans, okra, grated carrot, sprouts.
3) Grain/fiber: optional, up to 20% of diet- whole grain breads and natural bran cereals.
4) Fruits: no more than 15% of diet- figs, papaya, melon, apple, peaches, plums, strawberries, tomatoes, banana (with skin), grapes, kiwi.
5) Vitamin/ mineral supplementation: Natural sourced in diet are best but moderate use of supplements is recommended.
-Fat soluble vitamins (A,D,E)
-Minerals: Use powdered calcium carbonate (Cuttlebone shavings is one source) or calcium gluconate.
-Mix 1 part vitamin and 2 parts mineral.
HATCHLINGS AND JUVENILES: 1 small pinch per feeding.
ADULT: 1 full pinch per 2 pounds body wt. twice a week.
ADULT FEMALE: 1 full pinch per feeding from December until egg laying.
GROUPS: 1/8 tsp. vit/min. supplement per 3 pounds iguana per week.
UV light with wavelength of 290 – 320nm
