Iguanas

Iguanas are one of the most popular types of lizards to keep as a pet. Unlike many exotic pets, which can be difficult to locate in a regular pet store, Iguanas are quite readily available. Before you bring home a pet iguana; however, it is important to take the time to find out the special requirements needed to care for a pet iguana properly.

Potential pet iguana owners should know that iguanas tend to grow quite large. As they grow older they have a tendency to become more aggressive and can be difficult to tame. This is not a pet that is into cuddling and snuggling. You should also know that Iguanas have been found to carry Salmonella in their digestive tracts. If you have young children in the household, anyone with a compromised immune system or there is a pregnant woman in the household, you will need to take extra precautions regarding hygiene measure to insure no one becomes ill.

Before you bring your Iguana home you will need to make sure you have the correct housing already set up. This means a 30-50 gallon aquarium for a small iguana. Keep in mind your baby iguana will begin growing rapidly very quickly and before long you’ll need a custom cage. To get set up you will also need a UVB fluorescent tube light, basking lamp, a special heating pad that can be placed under the tank, food and water dishes, a basking limb, timer to regulate the length of time at which the lights should stay on, two thermometers and a thermostat to regulate the temperature of the tank.

You will also need to make sure you have some food items on hand to feed your iguana, such as various types of greens including turnips, collards, mustard as well as peas, squash and green beans. This food will need to be chopped in order for your iguana to digest it sufficiently because iguanas swallow their food whole instead of chewing it. To keep your iguana healthy, it is a good idea to add a calcium supplement that does not contain D3; which is toxic to iguanas.

Remember that it is extremely important to have the right housing set up for your iguana from the moment you bring him home. He will need to be kept sufficiently warm in order to survive. His cage should be kept at a gradient ranging from 80 to 90 degrees.

 
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