Iguana Pet: Iguanas are one of the most popular pet lizards and are native to Central and South America. They are, however, a significant investment that requires extreme care. Iguanas have specific food, and habitat needs may grow pretty big, live a long time, and are quite powerful. They may also be difficult to tame and, if not handled often, might become aggressive. Iguanas can’t be terrific pets, but they need an owner who is prepared to commit from the start.
What a Beginner Needs to Know Before Buying a Pet Iguana
Pet iguanas have been more popular in recent years since they are one of the most often requested reptiles in pet shops. It’s common for individuals to grow iguanas in the same way they would nurture a pet dog or cat. It’s not a good idea to enter into iguana ownership without doing some research beforehand.
Size of Pet Iguanas
Iguanas, unlike some other lizards, may grow to be very big. In terms of length, green iguanas, which are the most frequent kind available in pet shops, are one of the largest and may grow up to seven feet long. The average adult golden retriever dog is just a few feet longer than this.
Because most iguanas are acquired as infants, many beginners fail to foresee how enormous their new pet would grow. Iguanas are typically under a foot long at this age. A few years later, a once-small iguana will be as long as several adults.
Diet of Iguanas
For iguanas, staying healthy requires a strict diet. There are several types of plants that iguanas must consume in order to maintain their vegetarian lifestyle in the wild and captivity. It would be best if you fed your pet at least once per day, although older people may only need to do it once or twice each week.
Iguanas might get ill if they consume food that has been sitting around for a long time. At the end of the day, it’s crucial always to remove any unconsumed food. Make sure to feed your iguanas at the same time each day to keep them on track.
An iguana may grow unwell if it is underfed. Egg binding, a painful and sometimes fatal illness that affects females, is made more likely in women who don’t consume a balanced diet. If an iguana doesn’t get enough vitamin D3 or calcium in its diet, it may also suffer from metabolic bone disease, which may cause bone deformity.
Medical Care for Iguanas
New iguana owners should choose a doctor who specializes in reptiles since most veterinarians only see common pets like cats and dogs. Skin infections, parasites, and other health issues may affect iguanas, even though they require no vaccines.
Iguanas in need of medical attention should not be left alone. If an iguana becomes sluggish, is bleeding, stops eating, or has swollen limbs, it should be sent to the doctor. Every six to twelve months, take your Iguana to the doctor for a preventative checkup.
Space for Iguanas
Whether you live in a large home or an apartment, you may be able to accommodate an iguana. Adult green iguanas need more space than you may expect, so be prepared to set up a specific area for them.
Because they’re arboreal, green iguanas need a lot of space to fulfil their innate drive to climb. It’s acceptable for newborns to use pet shop terrariums, but they’ll grow out of them in about a year. As a result, you’ll need to prepare an adequate cage for your adult green Iguana as soon as possible.
The enclosure must be at least 6 feet long, 6 feet wide, and at least 6 feet high to meet the minimal criteria. A whole room is even better provided that it has been correctly renovated. Other options include a separate sunroom and a completely remodelled and extensively renovated bathroom in some instances.
Iguana’s native to Tropical Climates
In pet shops, you’ll discover green iguanas originating from South America, where they thrive in areas with a lot of sun and humidity. In a nutshell, captive green iguanas must be housed in habitats that closely resemble those seen in the wild.
This implies that throughout the year, you must maintain a temperature of 80 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 75 degrees Fahrenheit at night. Controlled humidity is also necessary for keeping their skin hydrated. Calcium shortage may be prevented by using a particular UVB light source and an extra heated lamp.
Iguana Behavior and Temperament
They are not completely tamed, and many iguana pets may attempt to escape their cages and even your house. In order to tame an iguana, you must pick it up and hold it often to teach it to trust you and feel at ease in its habitat. However, they may reject since human interaction is frequently alien to them. So it’s critical that you treat your Iguana with care and patience at all times.
On the other hand, adult iguanas tend to become lethargic and indolent when they don’t feel threatened. Some iguanas love to climb on their owners while they’re out of their cages. If your pet iguana enjoys this activity, be sure to wear protective equipment.
With its tail, an iguana may do serious injury. The tail of an adult iguana may shatter a human bone. Iguanas are strong animals, despite the fact that this is an uncommon occurrence. It is important to watch for signs of struggle or hostility while handling them, especially if children and other pets are around.
Summary
Iguanas are one of the most popular pet lizards and are native to Central and South America. Iguanas have specific food and habitat needs and live a long time. An iguana may grow unwell if it is underfed. Skin infections, parasites, and other health issues may affect iguanas. Iguanas are native to South America and thrive in areas with a lot of sun and humidity.
Housing the Iguana
Iguanas can grow up to 7 feet long, and they typically weigh approximately 20 pounds. People who start with a baby iguana are typically surprised by the size of this reptile. An aquarium or tiny reptile cage, on the other hand, is a short-lived habitat for a newly hatched iguana.
Most iguana cages on the market are too small for the reptile. Enclosures featuring several ramps, shelves, and branches for iguana climbing are popular among iguana owners. A single iguana should be housed in a 12 ft long, 6 ft wide, and 8 ft tall enclosure. In other cases, the Iguana’s living quarters take over a complete room or even a substantial portion of a person’s closet.
Every day, remove observable waste from your Iguana’s enclosure, such as uneaten food, mess, shed skin, and so on. In addition, make a regular effort to keep the food and water bowls clean. Move your Iguana to a temporary cage once a week so that you may clean out its regular one. Use a pet-safe cleaner to remove the substrate (the bedding that absorbs waste and smells) and clean the rest of the room. Afterwards, reassemble the enclosure only when everything has dried.
Heat
Iguanas are found in tropical regions. In order to thrive, it must be kept at a temperature of 95 degrees Fahrenheit or above in its natural environment. To digest its meal, the Iguana requires a temperature of between 83 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. A careful eye should be kept on this, particularly if you’re altering a whole room’s temperature. An ideal temperature may be attained using heat lamps, which should be placed no more than one foot away from basking ledges.
Light
A huge enclosure requires a lot of illumination. Give your Iguana 10 to 12 hours of daily sun exposure using UVB lamps made for reptiles. This simulates the advantages of sunshine, such as boosting vitamin D synthesis by exposing it to artificial light.
Mercury vapour bulbs may be utilized in large rooms or enclosures, whereas tiny fluorescent lights or tubes can be used in smaller rooms or enclosures. Your tree-dwelling Iguana will be able to climb up and bask in these lights thanks to the abundance of branches and shelves in the cage.
Humidity
Iguanas need a humidity level of at least 70% in their habitat to survive. Add a mister or a pool of water to your Iguana’s cage to raise the humidity level for your pet. Two times daily misting is advised to enhance humidity and to keep the skin of your Iguana healthy.
Substrate
Iguanas are usually good on a wood substrate or bedding. Because they’re a tree-dwelling species, they don’t spend much time digging in their bedding.
Food and Water
A well-fed iguana is a happy iguana. This means that in the wild, the Iguana is a strictly herbivorous creature. It is forbidden for them to ingest any animal protein, including insects. In reality, an iguana’s health may be adversely affected by a diet heavy in protein, such as renal failure.
Provide your pet with dark leafy greens, a small amount of fruit, and a calcium supplement in addition to a quality pelleted commercial food. In addition, iguanas need constant access to freshwater. Keep your pet’s weight in check by following your veterinarian’s advice on how much food to provide.
Everything you give your iguanas must be cut or shredded into small bits since they don’t chew their food before swallowing it. All leftovers should be thrown away after a period of 24 hours.
Common Health and Behavior Problems
Most pet iguanas are infected with salmonella, as are most other reptiles. In other words, salmonella is present in the digestive system of Iguana and does not cause any disease to the animal. Humans, on the other hand, may get it through iguanas or things in their surroundings.
When working with iguanas, use common sense and good hygiene. Before and after playing with your pet, wash your hands well and avoid touching your face.
As a general rule, this should stop the illness from spreading in most situations. You should be particularly vigilant for those who have small children, pregnant women, or those who have weakened immune systems. A pet iguana may not be suitable for your household.
Iguanas are susceptible to renal disease, which is commonly caused by dehydration. Iguanas who are sluggish, have swelling on their bodies, and constantly drink or ■■■ should be taken to the vet.
Calcium supplements and UVB illumination are critical in the care of iguanas since they often suffer from metabolic bone disease owing to a lack of these nutrients (vitamins D and calcium). In addition, settings that are excessively cold may cause respiratory illnesses in many iguanas.
Most iguanas can be tamed if they are adequately cared for on a regular basis. They want a routine that is predictable because it gives them a sense of security. However, they have a strong instinct for self-defense and will bite, scratch, and whip their tails if they sense danger.
Choosing Your Iguana
These reptiles may be purchased from pet shops and breeders, as well as through rescue organizations. Rescues are often the last resort for animals whose owners have realized they cannot provide the level of care the animal requires. They’re usually available for between $20 and $50.
Buying an iguana from a pet shop and expecting it to remain the same size is not a good idea. These creatures are rapidly expanding in size. Check the animal’s eyes, skin, and sewage for any abnormalities. Red signs include low body weight, mucous around the animal’s nose or mouth, acne or lesions on its skin, and a lack of movement.
Before purchasing a pet iguana from a farmer or exotic animal veterinarian, be sure to verify your local rules and regulations. You should also check to see if there is a nearby veterinarian that takes iguanas.
Lifespan of Iguanas
Unlike hamsters, which live for just a few years, pet iguanas may survive for up to a decade with adequate care. Anyone contemplating purchasing an iguana as a pet should be aware that it is a long-term commitment. You should only buy an iguana if you have the time and patience to devote to its maintenance for at least a decade or more.
For the right individual, an iguana can become a wonderful pet. Raising an iguana may be difficult, time-consuming, aggravating, and ultimately gratifying. Do your research before making a final decision about getting an iguana as a pet. A wild reptile in captivity entails considerable responsibility, and beginners need to be aware of this.
Are Iguanas Good Pets?
You’ve been thinking about getting a green iguana of your own. If you’re prepared and have all of the necessary resources, it’s a beautiful opportunity.
Sadly, prominent pet retailers routinely misrepresent green iguanas, leaving many would-be iguana owners in the dark about what they’re getting themselves into. Keeping an iguana is a big commitment, and it’s crucial to know what you’re getting yourself into.
Pros and Cons of having Iguana Pet
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| In captivity, this lizard may live for up to 20 years. | Among North America’s biggest lizards, the iguana, |
| In the wild, iguanas consume leaves and fruits, which are simple to get by. | Iguanas are not cuddly |
| Not at all fragile, iguanas have a lot of strength. | Iguana requires regular attention and care. |
| Iguanas are active throughout the day and rest during the night. | Housing an iguana isn’t a piece of cake. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Iguana pets.
Q1. Is an iguana a good beginner pet?
Beginners should avoid keeping iguanas as pets due to their demanding nature. Temperatures, activity, and nutrition are all important aspects of caring for an iguana.
Q2. Is it cruel to have a pet iguana?
The Iguana is a hot new pet trending right now. Iguanas should not be kept as pets, according to the RSPCA. A mature male may become quite aggressive, and the males can grow up to 6 feet long. They need a lot of space, heat, and light.
Q3. How much do iguanas cost?
For between $15 and $35, you may buy the Green Iguana, a six-foot-long pet iguana, online or at a pet shop. It’s more expensive to get a dog from a speciality hybridizer Cyclura Iguanas, for example, may cost anywhere between $250 and $600. A one Satanic Leaftail Gecko costs $250.
Q4. Is it true that iguanas can bite?
Iguanas are fantastic pets, but taming them may be a difficult process. Self-defense is the sole reason iguanas bite. Their razor-sharp teeth are designed to rip apart plants, but they might be very harmful to people. Fortunately, they provide a heads-up beforehand.
Q5. Do iguanas like being cuddled?
Iguanas are not cats, and although their squishy tiny bodies may scream “cuddle me, human,” they aren’t likely to be interested in cuddling. Although their sharp claws aren’t the best thing to have to dig into flesh, some iguanas may like climbing their human captives.
Q6. Do iguanas recognize their owners?
In a time period of 12 to 15 years, it’s possible to teach an iguana how to eat, sleep and go the bathroom at a particular time and in a specific location. After living a huge time with the owners, they can identify their owners and family members.
Q7. Should I get a male or female iguana?
Babies and certain females are more receptive to strangers than their male counterparts. Iguanas can and do attack humans. During the mating season, even domesticated, sexually mature iguanas may become violent. If an adult male believes his authority is being threatened, he is more likely to turn hostile against his owner.
Q8. Do iguanas get lonely?
Because iguanas are solitary lizards, they don’t become lonely. When it comes to loneliness, iguanas don’t have a problem with it because they’re so territorial.
Q9. Do iguanas eat meat?
Green iguanas like plant material as a staple of their diet. Fruits and vegetables, as well as lettuce and other greens, will be on their menu. A newborn chicken may sometimes be eaten by iguanas, though, when the opportunity arises. Iguana owners should read this brief essay on how to properly care for their reptiles.
Q10. Do iguanas and dogs get along?
Dogs and iguanas do not get along and should not be allowed to interact with one another. The Iguana, who is quite wise, may find the dog’s persistent antics upsetting. Due to its unpredictable nature, the dog may get protective of its home and hurt the Iguana.
Conclusion
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