How to Setup a Cage For Baby Iguanas

There are many important factors to consider when deciding to purchase a baby iguana. Setting up a proper cage is one of them. Iguanas need many things such as heat and light. If a cage is not set up properly, your newly purchased iguana may die.

Things You'll Need

• Cage or an aquarium
• Light
• Heat
• Thermometer
• Spray bottle
• Food
• Water
• Small faux log

Instructions

Cage Setup

1. Purchase and set up an ultraviolet light. Your iguana will need this light along with sunlight to help his body absorb Vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency is a serious illness in iguanas and can kill them.

2. 

   Heat your iguana's cage. The cage needs to stay a constant 80 to 90 degrees. Place a thermometer inside the cage so you can monitor the temperature at all times. There are several options to heat the cage: a heating lamp, heat rock or a ceramic heating element.

3. Create humidity. Iguanas like a humid environment. Spray your iguana's cage down once a day with a spray bottle full of water. Do this early in the day and never right before bedtime.

4. 

   Add food and water dishes. Make sure all food and water dishes are small enough that the iguana can use them with ease.

5. 

   Add a hide log. Iguanas like to have a place to hide. Baby iguanas in particular hide to feel secure.

6. 

   Provide a climbing area for your iguana. Your iguana needs to climb to get exercise. You can use some sturdy branches or pieces of wood to create a climbing structure in your iguana cage. Just be sure all pieces are safe for your iguana before you put them in the cage.

7. Put your iguana in its new home and enjoy watching your new friend explore its home.

Tips & Warnings

• You can give your iguana a litter box. Use a regular litter box, but line the bottom with newspaper and paper towels, not cat litter.

• Don't be surprised if your iguana doesn't drink often, but you should still be sure that it has fresh water at all times.

• A reptile's body temperature is only as high as the air around it. Make sure your iguana stays warm; being too cold can kill it.