Iguana eggs, also called larvae or pre-grown reptiles, are very attractive and fun to watch, especially if you have one in your tank. These lizards are so cute that they’re hard to resist when they start crawling around the tank. The bright colors of these lizards make it very easy to identify them and have even managed to become a topic of conversation among some aquarium enthusiasts. The good news is that you can easily learn how to recognize the different varieties of Iguana eggs as well as how to feed them properly.
Egg layers need to be separated from other Iguana eggs. As soon as an egg begins to develop it will produce a soft, velvety eggshell which protects the embryo while it rapidly matures. In the wild, an adult iguana will leave its nest to find a suitable location for reproduction. During this time it will secrete a thick protective mucus to shield the embryo while it grows. If this same secretion is present, then the female iguana will lay eggs which will hatch into pre-grown iguana eggs.
The size of the iguana eggs depends on their stage of development. Large, fully developed iguanas lay eggs that are large enough to accommodate themselves and their developing baby. Small, immature iguanas lay eggs that are somewhat smaller than those of the larger species. The small immature iguanas may also hatch without having eaten their mother’s pouch.
Young iguana eggs will remain in a gelatinous egg sac until they hatch into larvae. The eggs will stay in the sac until the developing larva has consumed enough calcium carbonate to develop an operculum. After this step, the larvae will move out of the sac and start to explore the environment around them. At this point the iguana will take up a full body posture, with head out in front, for a look at predators lurking in the night. The iguana will then assume a semi-erect posture, holding its tail straight out in front.
It is important to note that when you feed your pet female iguana eggs or unfertilized eggs, do so without using tongs or help. The eggs will remain in their protective shells for several days after you remove them from the shells. If you intend to try to catch them, then at least attempt to handle them gently and without damaging the eggs by trying to pick them.
Many reptile owners prefer to use an egg incubator instead of allowing the pre-grown chicks to eat the eggs directly from their mother’s pouch. You can purchase a commercially-made incubator from a reputable pet store or online. Once you have decided on the type of incubator you will purchase, you should place the eggs inside and turn on the machine. incubators are available in several different sizes and you should base your choice on the number of eggs you wish to raise.
It is important to realize that incubators work best when they are used in conjunction with a moisture-based moisture buffer, which serves two purposes. First, the buffer will help keep the incubators’ temperature levels steady as the eggs hatch. Secondly, it also provides a moist surface on which the eggs can grow. Typically, a three quart water/mildew based buffer can be purchased at any pet store.
Once the eggs have hatch and the growing stage is complete, you may wish to transfer them from the incubator to an outside enclosure. Transferring the iguana’s eggs to a substrate will help to keep their hatching area dry at all times. In addition, placing a moist substrate directly on the eggs will also help the eggs hatch faster. If you plan to raise several iguanas at once, it may be beneficial to purchase multiple egg incubators.
