Exotics
Green Iguana
The Green Iguana or Common Iguana is a large, arboreal herbivorous species of lizard of the genus Iguana native to Central and South America. The green iguana ranges over a large geographic area, from southern Brazil and Paraguay to as far north as Mexico and the Caribbean Islands; and in the United States as feral populations in South Florida (including the Florida Keys), Hawaii, and the Rio Grande Valley of Texas.
The Green Iguana is a herbivore and can grow up to 1.5 metres (4.9 ft) in length from head to tail, although a few specimens have grown more than 2 metres (6.6 ft) with a bodyweights to upwards of 20 pounds (9.1 kg). Iguanas are commonly found in captivity as a pet due to its calm disposition and bright colors, they can be demanding to care for properly. Space requirements and the need for special lighting and heat can prove challenging to an amateur hobbyist. Captive iguanas often live to be 10-12 years old. There are reports of them having lived past 20 years in captivity.
Temperature and humidity are very important for Iguana, temperature should be maintained at 85-103F and humidifier is also recommended. Iguana lighting should produce good a UV spectrum and heat. They commonly bask near spotlights, never leave lights on 24 hours a day as it can cause stress to the animal. A backlight can be used for heat at night. Iguana should be provided with furniture, climbing and basking branches; give them as many options as possible. They should have a water bowl big enough for soaking. You may never see your iguana drink, but they can absorb fluids through their cloaca. Iguanas love to swim, but should never be allowed to swim in a chlorinated pool.
Green Iguanas are primarily herbivores, feeding on leaves, flowers, fruit, and growing shoots of upwards of 100 different species of plant. In Panama one of the Green iguana's favorite foods is wild plum, Spondias mombin. There is a lot of debate about the ideal iguana diet. The most common recommendation is 85% leafy greens, 10% other vegetables, 5% fruit. Harder foods can be grated so they are easier to swallow. The best iguana foods have at least a 2:1 calcium to phosphorous ratio and include: collard, turnip, mustard, beet and dandelion greens, kale, beets, radishes (and the greens), carrots, yams, okra, zucchini, yellow and other squash, kohlrabi, parsnips, cucumber, pumpkin, watercress, mulberry leaves, corn, grapes, melons, apples, pears, watermelon, cactus fruit. DO NOT FEED cheese, meat, insects, dog or cat food to your iguana. Too much protein can cause organ damage that cannot be repaired. Iceberg lettuce is not recommended because it has no nutritional value.
Leopard Gecko
The Leopard gecko is a nocturnal ground-dwelling gecko naturally found in the deserts of southern Central Asia and throughout Pakistan, to the northwestern parts of India.
Unlike most geckos, leopards do not climb very well. Leopard geckos are long-lived compared to some reptiles. On average geckos live for six to 10 years in captivity, but many males live 10 to 20 years.
Leopard Gecko are nocturnal creatures, so do not require any special UV lighting. A regular incandescent bulb could be used to provide a basking spot, but leopard geckos prefer dimmer conditions so consider using a red bulb or ceramic heating element to provide the temperature gradient. Under tank heaters can also be used, such as a heating pad. Daytime Temperature: basking spot of 88 F (31 C) with a gradient to about 75 F (around 24 C); night Temperature: can drop to a gradient of 70-75 F (21- 24 C)
Leopard Geckos are insectivores; a staple of crickets, wax worm, mealworms and other insects make a good diet. Juveniles can be fed every day and adults every other day. The majority of captive Leopard Geckos will also refuse to eat dead prey. Supplementation of calcium, vitamin D3 and a multivitamin are also important to their diet.
Corn Snake
The Corn Snake (Pantherophis guttatus), or Red Rat Snake, is a North American species of Rat Snake that subdues its small prey by constriction. The name "Corn Snake" is a holdover from the days when southern farmers stored harvested ears of corn in a wood frame or log building called a crib. Rats and mice came to the corncrib to feed on the corn, and Corn Snakes came to feed on the rodents.Corn Snakes have a diet primarily consisting of rodents, mostly mice and rats. They are proficient climbers and in the wild they can scale trees in search of birds and bats although they prefer to be on ground level.
Captive Corn Snakes are usually fed on a diet of commercially available rodents, predominantly mice, while younger and smaller specimens may eat live or dead rat or mouse pups of various sizes. Captive Corn Snakes have the potential to live for over 18 years and the average size of a corn snake in captivity is 120cm -190cm (4ft-6ft). Most, Corn Snakes are calm, docile, placid snakes that are hardy and thrive very well in captivity. Due to their temperament and are recommended for first time owners, as they are relatively easy to care for. Corn Snakes are not highly active and do not need huge enclosures. A medium sized vivarium will house your Corn Snake nicely. The vivarium should allow a minimum of 1 square foot of floor space to each foot of snake and be approximately a third of the snake’s length in height. They should be cleaned out every 3-5 weeks. When cleaning the vivarium out, disinfect the cage furniture and the inside of the vivarium with a weak disinfectant solution or a reptile safe product.
Corn Snakes are cold blooded and get heat from their surroundings. In the wild snakes bask in the sun to keep warm or move to a shady spot if they are too hot, this is called thermo-regulation. The ideal temperature for you snake's vivarium is a temperature gradient of 21-30°C (70-86°F). Heat should be provided using either a heat mat with thermostat or a bulb with a dimming stat on the roof of the vivarium surrounded by a bulb guard. Corn Snakes do not require a specific humidity level, but may appreciate a light misting of their vivarium to aid them during the shedding process.
