Iguana iguana - The Green Iguana
Published by Steve on 2007/8/15 (462 reads)
The Green Iguana Iguana iguana
Adult Size 1.8 metres (6 feet)
Longevity 12 to 15 years
Housing Housing for an adult iguana should be approx. 180cm x 120cm x 90cm (6' x 4' x 3'), Obviously smaller would be ok for a young iguana, but bear in mind they do grow quickly and ideally larger would be better for a full grown adult. For a simple indication always aim for a habitat that it can stretch out in without having to bend its tail, also avoid anything that could trap or snag a claw. Heating pads can help maintain required temperatures from below and good ventilation is a must.
Substrate Newspaper, kitchen towel and carpet can provide suitable substrate, a benefit of paper is it’s quick disposability when fouled, which in turn maintains a clean habitat. With non disposable substrate ensure droppings are removed and disposed of on a regular basis. (Various commercial substrate's are also available and suitable)
Habitat furnishings Supply thick sturdy branches for climbing and exploring, Iguanas are arboreal and like to spend much of their time basking in tree's where they feel safe from predators. Cages must incorporate good height to accommodate branches.
Heating Daytime temperatures ideally should be, a basking area of around 30-35 C (85-95 degrees F) and a cool area of around 24-30 C (75-85 degrees F) night temperatures can fall to around 21 C (70 degrees) even slightly lower, as long as they are able to warm up in the morning. Guards must be used on high temperature heat sources to protect the animal from burns. A
combination of thermostats and thermometers is recommended to maintain accurate temperature control. Basking areas may be a little warmer if the Iguana is able to move to a cooler spot to thermoregulate. (Thermoregulation is the action of the lizard’s ability to maintain the correct body temperature by moving in to and out of temperature zones)
Lighting Use full spectrum 5% UVB reptile lighting, around 12 hours per day, to mimic natural sunlight, Use a proper reptile tube light, and not the cheaper horticultural grade type which are of no use for UVB output. Provide a spot lit basking area with access to a cooler area (gradient)
Water and Humidity Iguana's require moderate to high levels of humidity. You can achieve this by misting the vivarium every other day, spray misting the Iguana himself and frequent bathing. A large dish of water in his habitat will also help with this process. Humidity also helps considerably with their skin shedding process. Supply a large fairly deep water dish for drinking, with fresh water provided daily.
Note: If the Iguana also uses this for bathing, then be aware that they have a strong tendency to defecate in water, it seems to have a laxative effect on them, and so it will need replacing on a more regular basis.
Diet and Feeding Iguanas are herbivores requiring a good varied vegetarian diet. Outdated information, in older books, stating they eat crickets, mice cat & dog food is incorrect. All experts are now in full agreement on their herbivorous status. The diet should consist mainly of dark leafy greens, (Dandelion & Nasturtiums leaves & flowers, spring greens, watercress etc) with the addition of some vegetables and fruit. In winter time when fresh food can be scarce, a good substitute is the prepacked mixed bags of salad greens available in all supermarkets, try to avoid the ones containing lettuce which is practically water and nil nutrition. Vitamin/calcium additives may be used if considered necessary.
Temperament Most Iguanas can become tame to some degree, with regular handling and petting. Males can be territorial, and usually do better kept separate from other males. Behaviour is sometimes erratic during the breeding season with some animals having the tendency to become more aggressive, extra care should be taken when handling at this time. Iguanas are normally lethargic and very much creatures of habit, They tend to sulk if their routine is disturbed in anyway becoming even more lethargic and going off their food, a change of habitat or owner, being handled by a different person, breeding season, a change in diet, or indeed anything out of the norm can induce a sulk, but usually appetite and normality returns after a short break.
Suitability as pet The Green Iguana is not a beginners or Childs pet and does take some time, space and expense to achieve correct care, but for someone willing to give the time and attention needed, they can be kept most successfully in captivity.
Caution when handling is advised due to extremely sharp claws and teeth!
Things to consider Iguana’s are an arboreal lizard, mainly from the South & Central American rain forests, often seen in the reptile houses of zoo's and wildlife parks, this is a large colourful lizard, mostly mottled shades of green in colour with varying black banding on the body and tail. Most Iguanas can learn to become tame with regular handling and petting. Males can be territorial, and usually do better kept separate from other males. Iguanas have been known to show some aggression and for this reason they are not recommended as an ideal purchase for beginners or children. The normal life expectancy of a healthy Iguana is around 15 years and some have lived longer than this (oldest recorded being 29 years Hatfield), so you need to take into consideration when taking on an iguana that you could still be caring for it in 15 or more years time.
Salmonella Iguanas like all living creatures can carry pathogens and are no different to cats, dogs birds or any other pet. After handling or caring for any pet to prevent cross transfer of germs you should always practice good hygiene. Always wash your hands after handling ALL animals, (this also helps protect your pets from germs you may carry)
There are many excellent books available on Green Iguanas, it is advisable to purchase and read one or more of these before attempting to home an Iguana, there are also many informative web sites and forums providing much online information for free.
For further information check out
FBH: www.f-b-h.co.uk
Proteus Reptile Trust: www.proteus.uk.net
Adult Size 1.8 metres (6 feet)
Longevity 12 to 15 years
Housing Housing for an adult iguana should be approx. 180cm x 120cm x 90cm (6' x 4' x 3'), Obviously smaller would be ok for a young iguana, but bear in mind they do grow quickly and ideally larger would be better for a full grown adult. For a simple indication always aim for a habitat that it can stretch out in without having to bend its tail, also avoid anything that could trap or snag a claw. Heating pads can help maintain required temperatures from below and good ventilation is a must.
Substrate Newspaper, kitchen towel and carpet can provide suitable substrate, a benefit of paper is it’s quick disposability when fouled, which in turn maintains a clean habitat. With non disposable substrate ensure droppings are removed and disposed of on a regular basis. (Various commercial substrate's are also available and suitable)
Habitat furnishings Supply thick sturdy branches for climbing and exploring, Iguanas are arboreal and like to spend much of their time basking in tree's where they feel safe from predators. Cages must incorporate good height to accommodate branches.
Heating Daytime temperatures ideally should be, a basking area of around 30-35 C (85-95 degrees F) and a cool area of around 24-30 C (75-85 degrees F) night temperatures can fall to around 21 C (70 degrees) even slightly lower, as long as they are able to warm up in the morning. Guards must be used on high temperature heat sources to protect the animal from burns. A
combination of thermostats and thermometers is recommended to maintain accurate temperature control. Basking areas may be a little warmer if the Iguana is able to move to a cooler spot to thermoregulate. (Thermoregulation is the action of the lizard’s ability to maintain the correct body temperature by moving in to and out of temperature zones)
Lighting Use full spectrum 5% UVB reptile lighting, around 12 hours per day, to mimic natural sunlight, Use a proper reptile tube light, and not the cheaper horticultural grade type which are of no use for UVB output. Provide a spot lit basking area with access to a cooler area (gradient)
Water and Humidity Iguana's require moderate to high levels of humidity. You can achieve this by misting the vivarium every other day, spray misting the Iguana himself and frequent bathing. A large dish of water in his habitat will also help with this process. Humidity also helps considerably with their skin shedding process. Supply a large fairly deep water dish for drinking, with fresh water provided daily.
Note: If the Iguana also uses this for bathing, then be aware that they have a strong tendency to defecate in water, it seems to have a laxative effect on them, and so it will need replacing on a more regular basis.
Diet and Feeding Iguanas are herbivores requiring a good varied vegetarian diet. Outdated information, in older books, stating they eat crickets, mice cat & dog food is incorrect. All experts are now in full agreement on their herbivorous status. The diet should consist mainly of dark leafy greens, (Dandelion & Nasturtiums leaves & flowers, spring greens, watercress etc) with the addition of some vegetables and fruit. In winter time when fresh food can be scarce, a good substitute is the prepacked mixed bags of salad greens available in all supermarkets, try to avoid the ones containing lettuce which is practically water and nil nutrition. Vitamin/calcium additives may be used if considered necessary.
Temperament Most Iguanas can become tame to some degree, with regular handling and petting. Males can be territorial, and usually do better kept separate from other males. Behaviour is sometimes erratic during the breeding season with some animals having the tendency to become more aggressive, extra care should be taken when handling at this time. Iguanas are normally lethargic and very much creatures of habit, They tend to sulk if their routine is disturbed in anyway becoming even more lethargic and going off their food, a change of habitat or owner, being handled by a different person, breeding season, a change in diet, or indeed anything out of the norm can induce a sulk, but usually appetite and normality returns after a short break.
Suitability as pet The Green Iguana is not a beginners or Childs pet and does take some time, space and expense to achieve correct care, but for someone willing to give the time and attention needed, they can be kept most successfully in captivity.
Caution when handling is advised due to extremely sharp claws and teeth!
Things to consider Iguana’s are an arboreal lizard, mainly from the South & Central American rain forests, often seen in the reptile houses of zoo's and wildlife parks, this is a large colourful lizard, mostly mottled shades of green in colour with varying black banding on the body and tail. Most Iguanas can learn to become tame with regular handling and petting. Males can be territorial, and usually do better kept separate from other males. Iguanas have been known to show some aggression and for this reason they are not recommended as an ideal purchase for beginners or children. The normal life expectancy of a healthy Iguana is around 15 years and some have lived longer than this (oldest recorded being 29 years Hatfield), so you need to take into consideration when taking on an iguana that you could still be caring for it in 15 or more years time.
Salmonella Iguanas like all living creatures can carry pathogens and are no different to cats, dogs birds or any other pet. After handling or caring for any pet to prevent cross transfer of germs you should always practice good hygiene. Always wash your hands after handling ALL animals, (this also helps protect your pets from germs you may carry)
There are many excellent books available on Green Iguanas, it is advisable to purchase and read one or more of these before attempting to home an Iguana, there are also many informative web sites and forums providing much online information for free.
For further information check out
FBH: www.f-b-h.co.uk
Proteus Reptile Trust: www.proteus.uk.net
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