Don't Buy that Baby Green Iguana

Many reptile lovers are tempted to buy the cute baby iguana in the pet store. You should not do so unless you have plenty of experience dealing with reptiles. There are many factors to consider before you commit to taking on an iguana.

First, you must consider they will grow to 6 feet or even a little longer. Green Iguanas need to have plenty of space and their tail can be a dangerous weapon. In fact, they have been known to break a dog's leg. My 5 ½ foot female iguana (Spiker) would thump it on the floor as a warning to my large 29 Lb. cat.

The teeth are sharp and can draw blood easily. I was only bit once by mistake and it can be painful. You need to have special housing for a full-grown iguana. You could give them a part of a room or a special cage. I had good luck with large wire cat cages with wheels. There were a couple of shelves which is essential. Iguanas like to be off the ground. They love to climb.

The easiest material to use for the floor is a newspaper. Iguanas love water, but their environment must be kept dry. Newspapers are easy to clean. Carpet may hold germs longer, plus there claws are easier to get snagged in the carpet. When cleaning there cage and materials just use hot water and a brush if needed. Using bleach or any other chemicals could be fatal to them.

Iguanas need water for soaking plus it is great exercise. My larger iguanas used to love swimming in a little kiddie pool. The water should be about room temperature. The water will help loosen old skin. The iguanas in their natural environment are used to rain every day.

Green Iguanas need a heat rock to help digest their food. Most people recommend under a tank heater, but depending on your cage that may not be possible. I never had an iguana burn their belly on a hot rock, but I kept a close eye on it.

Iguanas also need a special light such as Vita Light. This helps them process their Vitamin D. If they are kept outside, you will not need to use a light. They should have light about 10-12 hours a day. It should be a little longer in the spring and less in the winter.