Getting a rescued iguana soon

[Pixie]

Hello all,

I never thought it would ever happen but alas, I have fallen in love and have decided to take in an iguana in need of a good home.

Last time I went to my local herp meeting, a member had rescued an iguana that was to be put down. She couldn't let it happen and brought him to the herp meeting in hopes of finding a new home for the guy.

Green iguanas had never been a pet lizard that was attractive to me until that night. The ig is about 3' (most likely male) and has a jaw deformation due to improper previous care. The bottom jaw is pulled in some and he has a bump on each side of his jaw.

His jaw problems do not affect his eating and is otherwise in decent health. I trust the "evaluation" done by the person who rescued him as she has some vast experiencing with herps and iguanas so I don't doubt what she is telling me.

Now I've decided to take him in as a permanent resident in my zoo and am preparing for his arrival early next week. I know a little about iguanas but nowhere near enough IMO to properly keep one so I've been doing some mad research and cramming info into my brain as fast as I can to prepare for the new guy!

For his enclosure, I am converting a closet which will be lined with linoleum for easy cleanups and will be equiped with 2 basking areas as well as a full spectum neon light. I have a nice big branch but am looking for more to make it a nice happy enclosure for my ig to climb and be happy in. I also plan on providing a tub of water, a kitty litter pan that will be big enough for a soak if he so chooses or as a poo vessel. I understand they seem to enjoy "going" in water.

I think I understand their diet needs relatively well. They are principaly foliovores and need nutritious greens as a main with other veggies for variety and a bit of fruits. From what I understand, 60% of their diet needs to be foliage, 30% veggies and no more than 10% fruit. I will be hunting the produce stores in my area within a day or two to see the variety I can provide for my ig.

Any advice would be GREATLY appreciated. For me this is like entering a new hobby altogether as I know the needs for this species is demanding and I want to provide the best care possible.

Also, any good links to iguana care relating to diet and behavior would be awesome. Maybe a recommendation for a particular book?

I can't wait to get this little guy now! I haven't been able to stop thinking about him since I saw him last week! His funny face is so endearing to me, I can't resist! lol

Pixie