Iguana Facts - Interesting Information About Iguana Anatomy, Care, and Nutrition

Green iguanas are wonderful pets for those who love reptiles and lizards. I won't deceive you by saying they are extremely easy to take care of, because iguanas require more commitment and dedication than most other pets. However, they are wonderful pets if you commit to take care of them properly. They are fascinating to observe. Here are just a few iguana facts you might be interested in.

Iguanas are herbivores. They eat plants, greens, vegetables, and fruits.

Nutrition

Iguanas have two eyes on each side of their head, and a "parietal" eye on the very top of their head.

Iguana Facts - Interesting Information About Iguana Anatomy, Care, and Nutrition

Many think that iguanas need Iceberg lettuce as part of their diet. Iceberg lettuce does not provide sufficient nutrients for your iguana. Iguanas need dark leafy greens such as romaine, collard and mustard greens, and watercress.

An iguana will reach about 2 feet long nose to end of tail by the end of its first year.

An iguana will typically reach about 3 feet long nose to end of tail by the end of its second year.

Over the years, an iguana will grow to a length of about 5 to 6 feet. This sounds big for a pet. Take a look at some iguana pictures; much of this length is accounted for by their tail. It is not quite like having an alligator or crocodile as a pet.

It is generally assumed that iguanas are stupid. They are, actually, smart animals. Not rocket scientists, but they are smart and capable of being trained.

Iguanas shed their skin periodically throughout their adult life.

Iguanas are arboreal lizards in the wild and live in the tropical trees.

Iguanas are raised on farms, then released to "grow." They are then later consumed as food in native Spanish areas. They are reported to "taste like chicken." I would not know; as an iguana lover, I could not personally bring myself to taste one. I'll take their word for it.

As iguanas grow and mature, they lose the vibrant intense color they have as hatchlings.

Attempting to control or stunt an iguana's growth by restricting its enclosure size is cruel and is an old wives' tale. It won't work, and you will make the iguana sick and maybe even injured or worse. They need to be able to move around, exercise, bask, hide, etc.

Not all UV lighting is safe to use in your iguana enclosure.

An iguana does not necessarily know what foods are best for him. Train him early with proper diet and nutrition. Remember, they are herbivores. While he might take meat from you, it is not good for him.

You can mix fresh veggies, fruits, and leafy greens with a commercial iguana food when preparing your iguana's meals.

Spinach, along with other foods that contain oxalic acid and calcium, are not good for your iguana. The oxalic acid and calcium combine, creating a compound called calcium oxalate. This compound not only prevents proper calcium metabolism, but can cause kidney damage or even uremia.

Iguanas are fascinating creatures to study and observe. There are many facts and characteristics that set them apart from most other pets. Be sure, however, before you possess one, to educate yourself fully on proper care so that you can enjoy your pet iguana adventure to its fullest.

Iguana Facts - Interesting Information About Iguana Anatomy, Care, and Nutrition

Jesse Kincaid is an avid iguana enthusiast and enjoys helping others learn how to properly and humanely care for pet iguanas. Jesse enjoys working outdoors as a kayaking, fly fishing, and rafting guide. You can read more Iguana Facts and more about iguana care and needs at his website, http://www.iguanacarebasics.com

Interesting Facts About the Hawthorn Tree

While it may be hard to believe that a tree can be a member of the rose family, the Hawthorn tree is exactly that. Considered invaluable as a hedgerow, this tree also has many culinary and medicinal properties.

Several varieties of the Hawthorn tree have developed over the years, but the original Hawthorn was historically and often still is used as a hedgerow. The name actually indicates this use, with its meaning being an old English term for "thorny hedge". A native of Africa, Europe and central Asia, this tree along with its hybrids have quickly gained popularity and are grown in most North American regions.

Nourishment

This tree is not finicky about its habitat; growing well in sunny conditions as well as partial shade and amenable to most soil types. Its 400 year life span only adds to the tree's remarkable characteristics. A height of 25 feet is normal, with an almost equal spread of up to 20 feet. Most of the species of the Hawthorn tree possess thorns, some reaching 5 inches in length. Its leaves differ depending on the variety.

Twice a year will find the Hawthorn tree in bloom, exhibiting tiny, white spherical buds at first; opening to reveal lovely white petals and a pink center. The back of the flower contains the beginning of a seed, which will develop into a bright red berry by the time fall rolls around.

One reason that the Hawthorn tree is well loved by landscapers is that it has multiple uses. The berries of the tree have long been used to improve the cardiovascular system. Controlling high blood pressure, helping blood flow in and out of the heart, dilating coronary arteries and assisting the heart in its use of essential minerals are examples of the medicinal properties of the Hawthorn berry. It is also packed full of antioxidants thought to be more potent than vitamins A, C and E.

Not to be overlooked are the culinary uses of the Hawthorn tree; once called the "bread and cheese" tree. Its leaves, when chewed, provide nourishment and re-energize the eater, taking away the rumbling in the tummy. The leaf buds can be cooked and either eaten plain or added to soups. The berries have long been used to make jellies and jams as they contain their own pectin. Flower buds are attractive as a garnish for foods and are edible as well.

Adding to the list of value is the wood of the Hawthorn tree. Trunk wood is used for carvings, and root wood is used in making boxes. When used as firewood, the Hawthorn tree wood burns at an extremely high heat; capable of melting pig iron.

Planting a Hawthorn tree can bring many benefits; medicinal, culinary and wood value, not to mention its natural beauty. There is little wonder it has endured through the centuries as a favored tree.

Interesting Facts About the Hawthorn Tree

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