How to Clean an Iguana's Cage

An iguana, like any pet, has special needs tthat need to be met to ensure his physical well-being and comfort. His cage requires a great deal of attention, as it is the place where he will spend most of his time. No worries! Cleaning your iguana's cage does not have to take a lot of time or effort. Here are tips for cleaning the cage in way that will keep both you and your iguana happy.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Additional cage or clean container with a lid
• Glass cleaner
• Paper towels
• Extra newspaper, mulch or other flooring product

1. Move your iguana to another cage or properly sized container. Be sure the second container has a lid, so that the iguana cannot jump out while you are cleaning out his cage. Remember while you are removing your iguana from his cage that he won't like you grabbing him from above. Be patient and coax him into your outstretched hand.
2. Remove all furniture and substrate, or flooring, from the cage.
3. Spray all sides of a glass terrarium thoroughly with glass cleaner. Wipe up the cleaner with paper towels. If you own a wooden or wire cage, brush out any debris. Soiled areas can also be cleaned with glass cleaner.
4. Place new flooring into the cage. Iguana cages can have a variety of flooring, including newspaper or more natural products like mulch or sand. If newspaper is used, throw it out. If mulch is used and has become soiled, put it aside to be cleaned and replace with fresh mulch. Be sure to replace mulch at least once a month. More durable flooring, including artificial-turf-like products, can also be used in iguana cages, and can be cleaned by shaking off any debris. Always be vigilant and pull out any soiled flooring.
5. Put all of the furniture back into the cage. Wash out the water bowl, refill it and replace it in cage. Be sure to change your iguana's water bowl at least once a day. Always clean the water bowl immediately if you find your iguana has defecated in the container. Put fresh food into his dish and place it back into the cage.
6. Last, and most important, put your iguana into the cage. Be sure to replace the lid, as well as the heat lamp near the cage.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to clean your iguana's cage at least once or twice a week.
• To minimize a mess in the cage, consider adding a sandbox. Mature iguanas often relieve themselves consistently in a familiar area.
• Each owner must decide if her iguana can be allowed to roam freely in the home. If you decide to do this, be sure to place your iguana in a small, contained area. Remove any sharp objects, as well as lamps or flammable objects. Remember that iguanas are apt to climb or hide in areas that are enclosed.
• Do not use cedar chips as flooring in the cage. This product releases a chemical that can be very harmful to your iguana.
• You should be able to recognize warning signs of aggression on the part of your iguana. Before an attack, the iguana will push out his dewlap, the flap of skin over his throat. He will also flatten himself to the ground and tilt his body and tail to one side. An iguana will often use his tail as a whip during an aggressive moment. If you notice any signs of this behavior as you prepare to clean the cage, you should give the iguana space and time to get more comfortable.