Skin and bone iguana help

[Psychoticchaos]

I recently rescued an iguana that has been on a all cricket diet. Poor guy is skin and bones. He is about 2-3 feet long. I have been handing feeding him romaine lettuce hearts and collard greens. Is there anything else I can do to help get him back on his feet?

 

[Psychoticchaos]

Pet store suggested a fattening supplement (can't remember the name) and pumpkin. I've learned that they don't always know what they are talking about so I thought i should double check

 

[Ron G]

I had an iguana years ago and used to feed him way more things than I would feed my bearded dragon. For instance he would gobble up scrambled eggs with calcium powder mixed in. I would also give him cooked hamburger and not have any problem. I'm sure people will come on and say that is bad for him but if you want to fatten him up with protein I would try that. My iguana grew over 2 feet eating greens, eggs, hamburger and chicken. I never fed him crickets worms or any other insects. Good luck with him.

 

[gilliesexotics]

There is debate on whether or not to give iguanas animal protein. I personally believe it is fine in moderation.

Things id do for your iguana. He will make a come back as long as he is willling. It will take some time and the main thing is to be patient.
1. Proper husbandry
2. Natural sunlight
3. Soak him twice a day in luke warm water.
4. Dust all food with plain phos free calcium
5. Lots of different leafy greens (mustard, collards, kale, dandelion greens, green leaf, etc), squash's, sweet potato, carrots, etc.

 

[Psychoticchaos]

Thank you, I want this poor guy to make a comeback. He is to weak to move around much so I have been hand feeding him and watering him from a misting bottle I put against his mouth. He drinks quite a bit when. The only times I see him move is during feeding he will pick up his head and when I mist him he stands up on all four and stretches his head into the air. I've taken to calling him lucky (of course lol)

 

[Bushmaster11B]

Another thing to note: Romaine Lettuce isn't very nutrient and contains mainly water. I would replace with collard greens. Try Acorn squash. The whole family eats acorn squash and so does my BD. Spaghetti Squash is good too. I would seriously look into wax worms and definitely Silk worms. Wax are fatty so dust them and the Silks are PACKED with protien and moisture. And what reptile doesn't like worms? Make sure you research size before ordering. Silks can reach 2" long.

 

[gilliesexotics]

Iguanas typically wont give any attention to a worm

 

[Bushmaster11B]

Really, I didn't know that. Thanks for the info