How to Setup a Cage for a Baby Iguana

There are many important factors to consider when deciding to purchase an iguana. Set up of a cage is one of them. Iguanas need many things such and heat and light. If a cage is not set up properly it is very likely your newly purchased iguana will die. Baby iguanas are no different and absolutely must have the proper set up in their cage.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cage or an Aquarium
• Light
• Heat
• Humidity
• Food
• Spray bottle
• Water

1. Buy and set up an ultraviolet light. Your iguana is going to need real sunlight now and again (you can take him outside for this), but for the most part you are going to have to provide your new iguana with artificial lights. The most effective light for an iguana is the ZooMed's Iguana Light. You can get it at your local pet store or buy it online. Place this light inside the cage.

2. Heat your iguana's cage to 80-90 degrees. There are several ways to do this. You can opt for a heating lamp, a heat rock, or a ceramic heating element. Your pet store should be able to provide you with what you need.

3. Create humidity for your iguana's cage. There is only one way to do this. Get a spray bottle and fill it up with water. Once a day spray the entire cage with water. Make sure you do this during the day and not at right before you turn the lights out at night.

4. Add food and water dishes. Your iguana won't drink that often, but you should still make sure it always has water. Make sure all food and water dishes and small enough that the iguana can use them with ease.

5. Add a hide log. Little iguanas, especially babies, need to be able to hide sometimes to feel secure. They make hiding logs for iguanas that you can buy and add to your cage.

6. Provide a climbing mechanism for your iguana. Your iguana needs to be able to climb to get exercise. You can use some sturdy branches or pieces of wood to create a climbing structure in your iguana cage.

Tips & Warnings

• Leave a thermometer in your iguana cage so you can monitor the temperature at all times.
• You can give your iguana a little box. Use a regular litter box, but line the bottom with newspaper and paper towels-no litter.
• Keep your iguana's cage at the right temperature at all times. Your iguana could get sick if its body temperature drops.

[omgpigtails]

on 7/10/2009 About the litter box - instead of newspaper, just use room temperature water. Igs actually naturally go in water, you can encourage them to do this more often by bathing them in luke warm water.

At night time temperature should never be below 70 degrees. Basking areas should be no more than 90-95 degrees and at night no more than 80-85. (Fahrenheit)

[omgpigtails]

on 7/10/2009 Don't buy heating bulbs or light bulbs at your pet store. You can save more than fifty bucks if you buy them from a hardware store. Make sure the sockets are ceramic so nothing catches on fire. Don't forget to add a screen over the lamps so that the ig doesn't burn itself on the bulb, it will try to get as close as possible to the heat source. Feed the ig only a vegetarian diet. Feed a hose into the cage from a humidifier and regulate the humidity, igs get most of their water this way - it should be more than 60% humidity in their habitat. Dont forget to heat their cage at night. NEVER EVER EVER use a heating rock or pad. Igs do not feel heat from underneath and they will burn themselves without knowing causing permanent damage and sooner death.