Green Iguana Eating Issues

Question
Hi, my iguana is about 8 months old and he is not eating very much. From my research i believe he should be eating everything in sight. Some days he cleans his food bowl and others he doesn't even touch it. I prepare the greens/veggies every morning and his staples are collard/mustard/swiss chard greens with some zucchini/squash. I chop them very finely using a food processor. His current ambient humidity is about 25% and i am currently attempting methods to raise it. Could the humidity issue be in relationship with his disinterest in food?

Answer
Hi Russell,

Chronic low humidity can lead to dehydration over time but my first suggesstion would be to double check the temperature range with a reliable digital thermometer. A temperature gun is ideal for quickly testing tempertures right along the basking branches.

Reptile appetites are very temperature dependent and iguanas need a basking temp. of around 100F give or take a few degrees. You didn't happen to mention the basking temp. you have but if it is currently in the low 90'sF, try bringing it up a bit.

I have two adult males and their appetites are much higher and more consistent during the winter months when they are housed indoors and their basking temperatures are controlled and consistently in the 98 - 105F range.

Reptile foggers are a possible option for increasing the humidity. I have a small, cool mist humidifier in my large enclosure for that purpose. Provding a container large enough for soaking can increase humidity and prevent dehydration. You may find that he starts defecating in the water as iguanas often habitually will do. As long as the water can be easily changed, it is quite convenient and helps keep the cage clean. Lol, it is a habit you will come to appreciate when your iguana (and his droppings) are full size.