How to Care for an Iguana

Iguanas have seen a surge in popularity. However, this popular pet is frequently misunderstood, and owners must learn the basics of caring for this reptile before choosing an iguana. Proper iguana care is not about giving the animal what it wants, but what it needs.

Things You'll Need

• Fresh vegetables
• Commercial iguana food
• 6 foot long and high enclosure
• 85 degree F temperature
• Fluorescent lighting
• Humidifier
• Newspaper or paper towels
• Shelves
• Diluted bleach
• Clippers

Instructions

Food and Water

1. Provide iguanas fresh food and water daily in order to care for it properly. Remove uneaten food each day to avoid spoilage. Provide shallow dishes that cannot be easily tipped over for food and water.

2. Offer food in the morning, so the iguana has the advantage of higher daytime temperatures to help it digest its food.

3. Encourage water consumption. Change the water bowl daily or more frequently if the iguana soils the water. Mist the iguana's food with water. Occasionally place favorite foods in the iguana's water dish so that it will consume water with the treat.

4. Give the iguana a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. It is a myth that iguanas can get by on lettuce alone. Vegetables should make up approximately 90 percent of the iguana's diet. Fruits should compose 10 percent or less of the diet.

5. Grow your own vegetables for your iguana. If you garden organically, you can be assured that your pet is getting is herbicide and pesticide free food.

6. Utilize available commercial iguana diets if you are unable to provide a variety of fresh produce. Options include Walkabout Farm Iguana Growth Mix and Rep-Cal Iguana Food.

Habitat

1. Prepare yourself for the mature size of an adult iguana. They can reach 6 feet or greater in length. A 10 gallon aquarium is not going to suffice. The enclosure should be at least 6 feet long and 6 feet high.

2. Keep the iguana enclosure at a temperature of at least 85 degrees. Adequate warmth is necessary for iguana metabolism.

3. Allow the iguana to bask in the sun whenever temperatures are between 80 and 100 degrees. Care for your iguana by ensuring it receives abundant UVA and UVB light to prevent bone disease.

4. Supply supplemental lighting with fluorescent tubes designed for reptile use. This supplements, but does not take the place of, sunlight in cold climates.

5. Maintain a humidity level between 65 and 75 percent for the iguana. Use a humidifier or give the iguana a daily shower.

6. Line the bottom of the iguana's cage with newspaper or paper towels. Sand or wood chips can be ingested and should not be used.

7. Furnish adequate climbing structures for the iguana. Although branches look appealing, sturdy shelves are better equipped to support the weight of an adult.

Regular Maintenance

1. Clean the iguana enclosure weekly. Use diluted bleach or Nolvasan, which has a low toxicity.

2. Wash your hands after handling or caring for the animal. This prevents infection with Salmonella.

3. Trim the iguana's claws monthly to prevent scratches and furniture damage. Use clippers made for reptiles, humans or dogs. Alternatively, you can file the nails.

4. Take the iguana to the veterinarian for annual check-ups. The vet can detect sub-clinical disease before owners notice symptoms.

Tips & Warnings

• Never feed your iguana eggs, dairy products, insects, meat or non-iguana pet food.

• Never feed rhubarb to an iguana. It is toxic and can cause death.

• Avoid hot rocks. They are ineffective and can cause serious burns.

Resources

• Buy iguana food at Herpnutrition.
• Buy Nolvasan at KV Vet Supply.