Behaviour, Welfare and Health Assessment of the Green Iguana (Iguana iguana)

Whilst exotic pets are commonly kept at home these days, many owners lack proper husbandry knowledge and experience to maintain these animals in good condition. Proper husbandry and care is crucial for Green iguanas, since there is a strong relation between their psychological and physical health. Failing to ensure appropriate care of Green iguanas results in health disorders, atypical behavioural patterns and stress. To determine the link between husbandry, behavior and health of the Green iguana, eight individuals were observed during a 22 days period in an exotic animal care facility. The individuals’ health was evaluated by means of physical examination and faecal flotation. The conditions in which the animals were kept were also documented. The housing conditions of three individuals did not meet the minimal recommended requirements. All of the idividuals had been found to be infected with endoparasites. Moreover, all Green iguanas showed signs of stress. A retrospective analysis of the most common Iguana iguana diseases in Lithuania was also performed. The most common disorders were found to be trauma (21.6 %) and osteomalacia (21.6 %)