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Iguanas have a dragon-like appearance and fascinating demeanor, making them unique as family pet. As youngsters, iguanas may be quiet or flighty. With gentle, regular handling, most will learn that humans aren't predators and will settle down. As iguanas approach maturity, at around 3 feet in length, they may begin to demonstrate seasonal aggression. Both genders can become quite dangerous during this time, with biting, tail-lashing and scratching. In some males this aggression may continue throughout the year.
Iguanas are native to Mexico, Central America, islands in the Caribbean, and South America. The species most frequently maintained in captivity is the green iguana (Iguana iguana), which lives in warm, humid rain forests. As free-ranging adults, they are large lizards, living in trees and eating leaves and blossoms. The "pet industry" is supplied mainly with young animals raised on iguana "farms" in Central America. Most if not all, iguanas are infected with salmonella bacteria, so they are unsuitable pets for very young children and those with compromised immune systems. Good hygiene must always be practiced around pet iguanas. As soon as an iguana has been acquired, it should be taken to an exotic animal veterinarian for a general health check and a fecal exam for parasites.
Diet
Free-ranging iguanas are herbivores, feeding on plants (leaves, flowers). In captivity, the following can be offered daily:
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A variety of pesticide-free, calcium rich greens, about 60-80% of the diet and at least two items per feeding: turnip greens, collards, mustard greens, beet greens, kale, bok choy, Swiss chard, dandelions, parsley, romaine, escarole, spinach, cilantro.
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A fiber source such as chopped grass, alfalfa hay or alfalfa pellets, these can be soaked prior to feeding.
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Other vegetables, about 10-20% of the diet: frozen mixed vegetables, grated carrots, squash, zucchini, sweet potato, bell pepper, broccoli, peas, beans, okra, sprouts (soy, alfalfa, mixed salads)
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Fruits, no more than 10% of the diet: banana, papaya, melon, apple, plums, strawberries, tomatoes, grapes, figs, kiwi, berries.
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Treats occasionally: tender mulberry leaves, rose petals, hibiscus flowers and leaves, an dandelion blossoms.
All foods should be washed. chopped into bite-sized pieces. mixed together, and served at room temperature or slightly warmer. A calcium supplement (such as Calcium carbonate) should be sprinkled on the salad every other day. Iguanas are naturally active in daytime, so they should be fed in early morning. Feeding schedule:
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Hatchings (up to 14 inches)- every 12 hours.
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Young iguanas (less than 2 feet) - daily
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Mature iguanas (longer than 3 feet)- every day or every other day.
Gender
In young iguanas it may be difficult to visually distinguish a male from a female, your veterinarian can use a technique called probing to identify an iguana's gender. In mature animals, the male normally has a taller dorsal spine, larger dewlap, larger operculum scales, bilateral hemipenal bulges at the base of the tail, and a large, well-developed femoral pores. Iguanas reach sexual maturity at 2-4 years of age.
Housing
- be as tall as possible, to accommodate a tree-dwelling lifestyle.
- contain branches for climbing and basking.
- provide temperature gradients: daytime: 85-90˚F,daytime "hot spot" 95-105˚ F in one corner, nighttime: 75-80˚F.
- provide for 12 hours night /day cycles.
- include UV-B generating light bulbs (available at pet stores).
- Be free of mirrors and other reflective surfaces.
- Be clean, spacious, secure, safe and easy to service.
- contain easily cleaned substrate, such as newspaper, that can't be accidentally ingested
Water and Humidity
Green iguanas need an environment of high humidity to stay healthy. They should be provided with a large shallow water bowl for drinking and swimming. Many iguanas defecate only in their after bowl so the water needs to be changed daily and after each defecation.
Tips for a healthy life:
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feed fresh, high quality, pesticide free greens and chopped or grated raw vegetables.
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Offer access to fresh air and sunlight, or a UV-B generating fluorescent bulb.
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Follow your veterinarian recommendations for Calcium or vitamin D3 supplements.
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Mist iguana twice daily with a fine spray of warm water.
Always:
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wash hands after cage cleaning and handling the iguana.
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keep iguana and its bowls and cage furnishings away from kitchen and dining areas.
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disinfect sinks and tubs used to wash the iguana and its cage furnishings.
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refrain from kissing the iguana.
Important to avoid:
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meat protein (including dog food, cat food, monkey biscuit)
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Temperatures colder than 75˚F.
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Temperatures hotter than 105˚F.
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"Hot rocks" in the enclosure (it may overheat)
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under-cage heating pads.
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Free roam of the house.
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gravel, grit, cat litter, sand, pebbles, artificial grass or wood chip substrate that may be swallowed.
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toxic fumes from paints, building materials or household cleaners
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dogs, cats and young children.
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