So you are thinking of adopting an Iguana.....

Introduction to Iguana's

Part 1

Iguana's are cold blooded, they require heat lamps to get warm. This is achieved with special and costly heat lamps not ordinary household light bulbs.

One of the most important things  one must understand about Iguana husbandry, is that that completely adorable 8" little green stick-like creature that loves the 20 gal atrium you so lovingly constructed with leafy decorations, a branch for the little guy to climb and bask will get bigger. Now repeat after me; " HE WILL GET HUGE!"  So when you are all gazing adoringly in the Pet Shop at this magnificent creature getting all excited about taking him home remember, "He will get HUGE!"

Iguana's require a massive commitment, if taken care of properly, an Iguana will live 20 to 25 years.  With that having been said, and you still want to take that green stick-like creature home, do your research, learn what they like to eat, what kind of habitat they require humidity etc. Be prepared, when they start to outgrow the atrium, they will need a bigger cage if that is what you choose , although it is becoming increasingly common for Ig's to be free roam.  That simply means, they have a designated basking shelf set up with the above mentioned appropriate lighting with enough space for them to stretch out, get comfy and bask as well as being free to roam (or in some cases rampage). Some people choose to build huge elaborate habitats creating separation between their Ig and themselves.

If that is how you choose to raise your new addition, the habitat should be no smaller than 6'x6'x4', he will grow into it very quickly. It should be equipped with a shelf perhaps a large branch or 2x4 placed on an angle to encourage them to climb thus somewhat keeping the length of their nails under control. As well as they will need appropriate lighting and if possible a large container (i.e. cat litter pan) filled with water.

Iguana's are very social, affectionate creatures, they like to be in the thick of things, watch TV and look out the window.

If your Ig is in a cage you take the risk of him becoming anti-social, it becomes too easy to feed them, clean the habitat and close the door without making the effort to touch and handle them which is unfortunate, as you will be missing out on one of the greatest rewards of having an Ig.

Should you find one of your extremities in an Iguana's mouth, two things to remember, DO NOT Panic! and DO NOT rip said extremity out of his mouth, you will only cause more trauma to the bite. Prying open the mouth by either moving what ever it is that is now firmly lodged in his mouth or gently pulling the dew lap down is the best way to get them to open their mouth.

The only advice to avoid getting whipped is to stand where the tail can't reach, but if you do, don't worry it's rarely fatal.

Getting scratched is unavoidable, no matter how short their nails are, remember Ig's use their nails to climb trees, and to them there is no distinction between an inanimate tree trunk and your arm, leg, back, neck or head.

Be prepared, Iguana's are naturally inquisitive for example, one of my Iguana's opened a sliding screen door in our new home and one of the other Iguana's decided to explore the gardens below, now bear in mind, our apartment is on the third floor, and has less than a Juliet balcony it is a straight drop.  For two weeks we searched high and low ripped our entire house apart looking for our beloved pet all the while having no idea she was outside until a neighbour spotted her munching leaves in the garden. Iguana's are also notorious for getting into places and not being able to get out, so if your Ig is M.I.A... look in the least obvious place.

published 2 years ago

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