Just like with the salad, they go in cycles with RepCal. They eat it for a while, then get bored with it and don't eat it. Removing it for a bit and then returning it, or only feeding every few days is just as beneficial to them for the hydration and vitamins they receive from it.

As I understand it. Of all the iguana commerical diets looked at by those who have the greater amount of experience and knowledge (an admittedly loose statement, but there are no real iguana diet scientists to rely on here), Repcal had the best, most beneficial formula. It would almost be perfect (for supplemetning only) if they reduced the amount of food color, something the company has refused to do so far, to spite some formal requests.

The things to watch for are fishmeal (an appetite enhancer, for some reason fishmeal entices iguanas to eat, but is in essence animal protein, though in very small amounts) and fillers. Those are the non-essential items that they could do without. So, the smaller the amount the better. And as long as you are not using RepCal as the main portion of the diet, these amounts are negligiable.

RE: D3. Exogenous D3 is simply passed through the system. The reason we try to limit the amount of intake (usually through supplementation) is because the extra D3 simply over-tasks the internal organs for no good benefit. The iguanas skin has a built in mechanism to break down D3 that is produced but cannot be used. By adding large amounts of extra D3, we are overburdening the system and moving it toward hypervitamintosis-D. The small amount received from small amounts of RepCal as a supplement to a good, healthy diet (as opposed to large amounts consumed if Repcal is the staple of the diet) is not enough to overburden the system and is simply passed through.

A good, reliable study would be great Anthony, but somehow I think you would end up measuring D3 in your iguana repeatedly to make sure she stayed under the threshold. There are some things we need to leave to nature. ;-)

The biggest issue here is exactly what Mark hit on....HYDRATION. This is one of the most critical parts of iguana husbandry. In nature they receive sufficient hydration from the environment and natural foods they eat. In captivity they are almost all in some level of dehydration. We simply cannot do as good as Mother Nature. If an iguana is well hydrated, their system works better and the thrive much more. This leads to good appetite, growth and health.

So, if your iguana is eating very little right now, be sure that the little it does eat has a good amount of hydration in it. Soak the greens overnight in water and feed in small amounts.

As I have just mentioned to Anthony privately. Sometimes there is no better reason for reduced eating than a low-cycle in the iguanas natural habits. There are hundreds of variables that cause them to change feeding habits. Sometimes, they just eat less for a while, then eat tons for a long time.

Barring any immediate medical conditions (ruled out by fecal sample and vet check), it may just not be hungry this time of year. ;-)

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Regards,
Dominick
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"Do you watch too much television? Did you do so as a toddler? Evidence tonight that it could be the cause of learning disorders, like attention deficit and hyperact-Ooooh, a kitty!" - Keith Olbermann

I will have to revisit this as school is under another crunch but I thought D3 was a fat soluble molecule so it not one of the ones to pass right through the system.

Such as you can't over does on Vit. C because it is water soluble and washes right out but you can on something like Vit. E which enters the fat stores and does not get flushed out quick enough.

I enter finals next week and assuming I pass all my classes, may be a long shot, I am done with my BSEE degree in 6 days.
For a sports analogy on where I am:
Its late in the third I'm down by two but have home ice. Two of theirs just went to the box with majors so it is 5 on 3. Puck drop stick side of their goalie. My goalie is on the blue line ready to hit the bench for a 6th attacker. It's a long one but has been done.

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~ Mark

Good Luck Mark.....I am rooting for you.....Lyn

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Warmest Regards from Lyn