Iguana pet lizards have specific feeding and habitat needs, can grow pretty significant, live much longer, and are super strong. They can also be difficult to tame and develop hostility if not handled often.
Iguana Pet
Iguanas are among the most popular pet lizards native to Central and South America. They are, however, a significant commitment that necessitates extreme caution.
Iguanas have specific feeding and habitat needs, can grow pretty significant, live a long time, and are incredibly robust. They can also be difficult to tame and develop hostility if not handled often.
This is not to say that iguanas cannot make excellent pets, but they do require a committed owner from the outset.
| Overview | Of Iguana Pet |
|---|---|
| Common Names | Iguana, green iguana, and American iguana |
| Scientific Name | Iguana Iguana |
| Size Of An Adult | Up to 7 feet long and up to 20 pounds |
| Life Expectancy | In captivity, expect to live for 10 to 12 years, though up to 20 years is not unusual. |
Giant lizards are particularly appealing to reptile enthusiasts. You clearly can not keep a Komodo dragon as a pet, but you can support other types of lizards as pets. When it comes to lizards, Iguanas are a popular choice among pet owners for various reasons.
Even outside their natural home, the green iguana has become a popular pet. These stunning pieces are native to tropical regions such as Central and South America; if you live in the area, you will have no trouble finding one!
Of course, before you consider getting one, you should consider the advantages and disadvantages of owning an iguana as a pet.
We will go over the advantages and disadvantages of owning a green iguana as a pet in this section.
Pros Of Iguana Pet
The advantages of owning a green iguana as a pet are detailed below:
1. Lifespan
This giant lizard can live up to 20 years in captivity, which is a massive plus for caring owners! To live as long as they do, iguanas require proper care like any other pet. Naturally, such a long-lived pet will necessitate a significant amount of time and effort on your part.
2. A diet that is simple to follow
If you do not care for your salad, offer it to your pet iguana, who will be grateful. In the wild, iguanas eat leaves, fruits, flowers, and vegetables, and in captivity, this herbivorous diet must be recreated.
Their dietary needs will be dictated by their age. Adult iguanas feed more frequently than juvenile iguanas. According to many pet stores, young iguanas should eat animal protein such as crickets and other tiny insects. Wrong!
Iguanas (no issue how older they are) are completely incapable of processing animal protein. Adult iguanas consume less frequently than young iguanas, so including animal protein in their diet can cause renal damage.
Iguanas in the wild use less water because they consume many greens, and their environment is sufficiently humid to keep them hydrated. Captive iguanas require clean, sufficient water to drink. Consult with your doctor for a more personalized iguana diet plan.
3. Strong Structure
Iguanas are not particularly delicate creatures! They bear a resemblance to little dinosaurs. Their jaws are strong, and their teeth are savagely sharp. Their appearance is similar to Godzilla’s, with massive, razor-sharp claws and a long but strong tail.
You can let your iguana alone if you keep it in an outdoor enclosure (if your home size and weather allow it) because they do not get wounded easily.
Iguanas enjoy climbing trees and can even fall from heights of 40 to 50 feet and land safely. If the powerful and agile abilities of iguanas appeal to you, this is the pet for you.
4. Iguanas Are Diurnal
Is not it preferable if iguanas are awake at the same time as you are if you enjoy observing them? Iguanas are diurnal creatures, which means they awaken and prepare for the day when the sun rises.
Indeed, iguanas are so fond of the sunlight that they congregate wherever the most remarkable UV radiation is available. It is usual to see them sunbathing in the sun high on a tree branch in the wild.
Iguanas are lovely creatures to see because they connect with humans and other animals in their unique way.
Summary
In captivity, iguanas can live up to 20 years. They, like any other pet, require adequate care. Their diet must be replicated exactly as it is in the wild, which requires a well-balanced herbivorous diet. Iguanas are diurnal species, awakening and preparing for the day when the sun rises. Their appearance is comparable to that of Godzilla, with gigantic, razor-sharp claws and a long, but powerful tail.
Cons Of Iguana Pet
The disadvantages of owning a green iguana as a pet are detailed below:
1. Size
Iguanas are one of America’s most giant lizards. From the tip of the head to the end of the tail, they can be 50 to 72 inches long.
A mature male green iguana can weigh up to 20 pounds. Because of their great size, many reptile aficionados favor green iguanas, while others consider this a disadvantage.
Iguanas’ huge size necessitates the purchase of large tanks or terrariums to accommodate their long tails. Iguanas achieve their maximum size around seven, so do not be fooled by that tiny iguana in the pet store!
Iguanas do not come in miniature sizes; they all grow giant reptiles. Do not get an iguana if you do not have a terrarium big enough for one.
Iguanas require the freedom to move, extend, and turn freely to be happy and comfortable. They, like other lizards, need a large, deep water pot in which to soak.
As a result, if you do not have enough space in your home to accommodate this enormous lizard, you should consider another pet.
2. Look, Do Not Touch!
There are several reptiles with caring, affectionate, and entertaining dispositions. This is not the case with iguanas. For starters, iguanas dislike being handled. They can be taught to tolerate touch, but they do not enjoy it.
When pet iguanas are petted, experienced iguana owners have noticed that they close their eyes, but this is not because they enjoy being pet. Iguanas often close their eyes to relax; this is one of the ways they avoid stressful situations, such as being pet.
When your iguana begins to open only one eye while being pet, it indicates that it is becoming more trusting of you. It is a positive indicator if it keeps both eyes awake.
Because iguanas have such a strong sense of self-defense, it is not uncommon for them to be apprehensive of you or anybody else in the vicinity.
The iguana’s tail accounts for the majority of its length. They use their tail as a whip to protect themselves if someone tries to seize them by their tail or if they feel threatened.
If you can not resist cuddling your pet, be cautious around the iguana until you earn their confidence. Depending on the iguana’s personality, it could take days, weeks, months, or even years.
3. Health
Iguanas in good health require continual attention and care. People often overlook that iguanas have various health problems due to their rugged appearance.
When green iguanas are young, their skin is vivid green (hence their name, right?). As they age, the green hue becomes darker and darker.
A healthy grayish color should be present in a fully developed iguana; any severe or noticeable departure from this color could indicate that the iguana is ill.
Iguanas in captivity frequently acquire Metabolic Bone Disease, which weakens their bones, causes malformations and leads to early death. The sickness is caused by the iguana not receiving enough UVA and UVB sunshine.
The iguana can produce vitamin D3 and metabolize calcium using these components of natural daylight. If natural sunlight is not available, special UV bulbs are available.
Captive iguanas are also susceptible to respiratory illnesses. This occurs when the temperature in their tank is not conducive to their health.
Other health issues with iguanas exist, and loving owners must pay great attention to their pets to ensure that they live a long and happy life. Pet iguanas are not for you if you do not have the time or money to deal with these difficulties.
4. Costly To Accommodate.
Getting an iguana is not difficult or expensive; they are reasonably easy to come by due to their popularity.
However, keeping an iguana is difficult. They, for example, require exact housing circumstances to live a long and healthy life.
Iguanas require a terrarium that is large enough to accommodate their final size, as well as unique lighting, humidity, and temperature conditions.
Not to mention the costly trips to a veterinarian specializing in exotic animals. You should choose a new pet if you think you will have trouble keeping an iguana for the next 20 years.
5. Housing An Iguana
This point is connected in some manner to the previous one. Iguanas reach a maximum length of 72 inches, and pet stores rarely stock tanks or terrariums large enough for your iguana to turn around and stretch its long tail. As a result, you will need to design a cage specifically for your pet iguana.
Iguanas, like other reptiles, require a tank or terrarium with controlled UV light, temperature, and humidity. This is critical for their health since an incorrect temperature might cause your iguana to lose its fingers or even its tail. They need warm temperatures to survive because they are cold-blooded animals.
Climbing is one of the preferred activities of iguanas. Their space should be set up with places for children to climb and have fun.
If keeping an iguana is a problem for you, or you do not have enough space in your home to own one, a less demanding pet is in order.
6. Not Suitable For Children
Children adore petting animals and carrying them around. Iguanas, on the other hand, are not suitable for children.
Iguanas have powerful and keen jaws, and if they feel threatened, they will bite. Iguanas can be startled by sudden or rapid movements, and children can be restless.
If iguanas feel threatened and decide to strike, their powerful tails can cause significant harm.
Under adult supervision, older children can get near to the pet iguana and be taught to respect the iguana’s territory. Even yet, if you have youngsters at home, not getting the iguana is less expensive than a trip to the emergency room.
7. Training Is Difficult.
Iguanas have a variety of personalities, with some being more accessible than others. Iguanas, regardless of species, have one thing in common: they are notoriously difficult to train.
To tame an iguana, get them used to be touched from an early age. It is also a good idea to feed them with your hand. The iguana will learn to trust you and understand that you are not a threat.
Never capture an iguana by the tail; if they feel trapped, they will “let go” of their tail, which will grow shorter and less beautiful. Carrying an iguana should be done with caution and by the stomach, never by the tail.
If your iguana is exceptionally stubborn, training it can take years. There are significantly more docile lizards to get if you do not have the patience to train an iguana for such a long time.
Summary
If you lack the time or money to deal with these issues, pet iguanas are not for you. Iguanas demand a big terrarium with specialized lighting, humidity, and temperature conditions. Iguanas are notoriously tough to train and have the potential to inflict serious injury if threatened. They are not suited for children due to their large jaws and ability to bite when threatened. Because training an iguana can take years, select a less demanding pet.
Frequently Asked Question(FAQs)
People have many queries about “Iguana Pet” few of them were solved below:
1. Is an iguana a decent pet for a beginner?
Are iguanas suitable as first-time pets? Iguanas are not recommended for beginners because they require a tremendous deal of knowledge, experience, and patience. Owners must understand how to keep their iguanas cool, provide appropriate activity, and provide a nutritious diet.
2. Is it unfair to keep an iguana as a pet?
The iguana is the most fashionable pet right now. The RSPCA advises against raising iguanas as pets. They may grow up to 6 feet in length and have expensive specialty demands such as heat, light, and much room. The males, in particular, can become very violent as they age.
3. What is the cost of a pet iguana?
The Green Iguana, a typical pet iguana that grows six feet long, may be acquired for $15 to $35 online or at pet stores. Specialty breeds are more expensive. The price of a Cyclura Iguana, for example, varies between $250 and $600. A pair of Satanic Leaftail Geckos costs $250.
4. Do you like to play with iguanas?
When overstimulated, most iguanas may ‘play’ with towels, pillows, and even clothing, as well as other toys. Some owners give their pet iguanas a soft toy in the shape of an iguana, which may not be a superb option. Your iguana may misinterpret the toy as another iguana.
5. Are iguanas aware of their owners?
Iguanas can know their owners and family members, have a good memory, are affectionate, live for 15 to 20 years, and can be trained to eat, sleep, and go to the bathroom at specific times and locations.
6. What kind of iguana is the finest for a pet?
Green iguanas, rhinoceros, and desert iguanas are the most popular pets since they are easier to care for. These three are the most docile, and despite being enormous pets, the green and rhino iguanas remain kind and shy.
Conclusion
Certain iguanas are more docile than others, and their personalities vary. Patience is necessary while training an iguana. They are magnificent lizards that resemble little dinosaurs. Due to their diurnal nature, you can observe them at any time of day. However, maintaining an iguana is quite expensive, so be sure you can commit to having one before purchasing. Although iguanas are uncommon pets, they make terrific companions for the right person.
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