AboutYexalen Expertise I will answer any questions that you may have about feeding, lighting, heating, maintaining a proper setup, construction of enclosures, bathing, dealing with agression, general care and keeping of the (common)Green Iguana.
I can not answer questions about other species of Iguana although I can and will try my hardest and give you the best information I can after researching and going over my findings. I am not a certified veterinarian and so I can not answer medical questions that require treatment. I am here to supply you the information you need about the animal you care for so the more information I have the better I can help with your question(s).
Experience I have researched these particular lizards for several years however not having enough area in my home to own one, I have been around many and have read enough information from books and various reliable web sites to understand the personal side of keeping one of these magnificent reptiles. I have answered several questions before on other question and answer sites and am currently working on my reptile focused web site where a portion will be dedicated to the care of Iguanas
Education/Credentials I have been researching reptiles in general for over eight years and Iguanas in particular for 2 years. I have not enough room in my home to own one of these lizards but I have cared for a few that had belong to close friends and have had "hand to hand" experience with these reptiles.
Question hi i have a green iguana that is approximately 3 years old, my question is quite a few of the spikes/spines on the middle of his back are missing or falling off. does this mean hes sick or is something missing from his diet or is he dehydrated? right now he is going thru his aggressive stage (looking for a mate) and im not sure if that has anything to do with it. otherwise everything appears to be ok he eats regularly and is very active.
Answer Hi Christine, The most common is poor shedding. If his "spikes" are falling off or becoming black and dead like then it is usually because of shed, the skin doesn't come off and causes that problem. It is common but can be avoided by proper humidity and bathing.
I haven't heard of much else causing it besides shedding difficulties besides just bashing around and breaking them off but it would appear as a break not just falling off and usually you can tell the difference.
But it sounds just like poor shedding. Be sure when he sheds that all the skin comes off his spikes. If humidity and bathing doesn't help let me know, there are a few more options to help just dont pull at the skin.
