Iguanas/Expert Profile

Expertise

I am well versed in all aspects of the care and keeping of green iguanas. This includes all husbandry issues pertaining to the Green Iguana. I am not a vet so I cannot answer medical questions, other than ideas for normal supplementation, removing stuck shed, dropped tail and mites and other general health questions

Experience in the area

I own 3 green iguanas, two of which are rescues. I've had my Iguanas for 11 years. I own a yahoo group dedicated to raising healthy iguanas. I've rescued and rehabbed several young iguanas and have placed them in wonderful forever homes. I prefer taking in the "hard cases" that need critical care.

Organizations

Scales and Tails Exotic Pet Rescue (one of the founding members)

Publications

One of the Co Authors of the Book "The Iguana Dens Care and Keeping of Giant Green Iguanas"

Education/Credentials

I was a vet tech for a small animal practice for 6 years.

Past/Present Clients

I own a yahoo group dedicated to raising healthy iguanas.(babyiguana) I have answered several Iguana questions on the "reptile" forum on here.

What do you like about this subject?

I like being able to help all iguana owners give the proper care to their iguana and offering a care sheet to help them give that care. Iguanas are fascinating lizards and although they may not be the most social,they are one of the most regal.

What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field?

I hope to educate owners on the needs of iguanas and continue learning through research what will keep iguanas healthy for many, many years.

Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:

Many people that own iguanas bought or won them on the assumption that they were short lived, easy care reptiles. In reality, they have very specific care needs and live for 15-20 or more years.

Something controversial or provocative about this subject

In the past, it was recommended to feed animal proteins to iguanas. In recent years it has been proven that green iguanas cannot process the proteins of animal based foods, which causes kidney failure in a short time. many people still are behind the times on what has been learned on keeping green iguanas. They are 100% (herbivores)plant matter eaters!!