Iguanas have many unique traits. They shed their skin in pieces, instead of one long piece like snakes do. A healthy iguana will shed often, indicating a healthy environment and diet. When an iguana sheds skin around the toes, if necessary, remove the dry skin to prevent the skin from constricting blood flow. Otherwise the toe may lose blood flow and die off. MAKE SURE TO ONLY REMOVE DRY SKIN! Removing skin that is not ready to be removed will cause damage to the scales underneath. Iguanas will snort fluids occationally. This is not due to a cold or illness, it is the way they remove excess salts. Humans sweat out salts, while iguanas snort them out. You can usually see a white, powdery substance around their nostrills.
Adult iguanas may not eat for several days during the breeding season (November to February). Don't panic if your iguana doesn't eat, but keep a watchful eye out for any other problems that may arise. If your iguana doesn't seem to have any ailments while being off food, there is no need for concern. If your iguana seems lethargic and lifeless, then veterinary care is in order.
You may wonder why your iguana seems aggressive during the breeding season. This is due mostly to increased hormone activity mostly in males, but occationally in females. Male iguanas may be particularly mean to human females at this time. Male iguanas are trying to establish their mating territory and can be easily provoked at this time. Use caution when handling an adult male. Female iguanas display aggression around the time they are gravid (carrying eggs).
Iguanas communicate with each other by bobbing their heads up and down. If your iguana bobs at you, it may be a warning of an attact or simply a greeting. If it is a fast vigorus bob then it may be a warning. A slow nod usually signifies a greeting towards you. Be careful if you decide to bob back! Your iguana might think you are threatening it and attack you.
