Basic Iguana Care

The common green iguana, scientifically known as Iguana iguana, is a reptile pet imported from South or Central America or raised in captivity. Iguanas are the most popular lizard for people to have as pets. Unfortunately, they tend to be a pet bought on impulse. Consequently, owners often do not understand the needs of their pet.

Dr. Clay Glenn, wants to prevent these pets' dying because they had been bought on impulse and put in an inappropriate environment. "Each reptile has requirements for moisture, temperature, hibernation, and diet. Owning any reptile is going to require work. You can't just buy it, throw it in a cage, and think it's fine. Do research about your potential pet and find out the requirements," says Dr. Glenn.

One factor people forget about iguanas is that they grow continuously. In the wild iguanas live 10 to 15 years and can grow as large as 7 feet long. Reptiles in captivity can live up to 10 years if cared for properly. "People don't realize the commitment when they buy this little cute thing and put it in a ten-gallon tank," explains Dr. Glenn.

"You should get a cage that is at least two times the length of the reptile, measuring from nose to tail. Plus you will want to have room for it to move up and down - you'll want to have branches for it to climb on." Dr. Glenn suggests you use newspaper or butcher paper as flooring in the cage. "That way you can clean it daily," he says. Using corn cobs and wood chips is not a good idea. Your iguana may eat these and get an obstruction of the gut.

Iguanas are herbivores. "Up to 90 percent of an iguana's diet should consist of dark leafy green vegetables. Avoid too much spinach or broccoli because they are can reduce calcium absorption," says Dr. Glenn. "If you feed meat or too much protein in the diet, it can cause renal (kidney) failure." Some lizards are omnivorous (e.g., bearded dragons) or even completely carnivorous (e.g., monitors) so research your lizard's diet before feeding.

When you buy your iguana, have it tested for parasites. "Many iguanas die from parasitism. A lot of them have coccidia when you purchase them," says Dr. Glenn. When a lizard is sick, it may stop eating, drinking, and moving around. Skin disease and metabolic bone disease are very common ailments. One problem owners sometimes encounter is aggressiveness. Male iguanas (especially) become more aggressive as they get older. "Some males will get pretty vicious. Their small, very sharp teeth almost feel like razors when you get bit."

To prevent the problem of aggression, Dr. Glenn suggests that you spay or neuter your pet early. "Early spays and neuters on iguanas can prevent aggression." If you have a female iguana, an early spay can also prevent egg binding. Female iguanas lay eggs at specific times of the year. If the female does not have an appropriate nesting area or appropriate humidity, she may retain her eggs. "It is often necessary to surgically remove these eggs if they get bound," says Dr. Glenn.

In their native environment, iguanas rest at night and begin the hunt for tender shoots, flowers, and soft fruits after basking in the sun for a few hours in the morning. After eating they bask in sun again to stay warm enough to digest their food. Be sure to provide your iguana with a source of ultraviolet light and the appropriate amount of heat. Keep a thermometer available to monitor the temperature.

Iguanas are prey species, so a great part of the day is spent keeping a look out for predators. Initially, your iguana will be protecting itself from you (you are the predator). Socializing your iguana is a time-consuming but necessary process in order to ensure your pet's longevity. Many people end up getting rid of their iguana when it expresses its natural behavior of aggressiveness towards the predator (namely us). However, with time and socialization, your iguana will relax and become a happy safe pet.

Remember that most health problems in reptile pets are related to inappropriate diet, environment, and husbandry. Take the time to socialize your pet into a creature that you can handle and give it the environment it needs to survive.