How do I Keep an Iguana As a Pet?

In order to keep an iguana as a pet, it is important for you to understand the proper care techniques needed to safely house, feed, and interact with your pet. You will need to find housing for your iguana, provide food for adequate nutrition, keep his habitat regulated at the proper temperature, and interact with him properly without causing injury or stress. You can start by reading up on proper iguana care, going to your local pet store, and following instructions exactly to ensure your new pet is safe and secure in your home.

The first thing you will need to prepare before having an iguana as a pet is finding the proper housing. An iguana habitat should be made from mesh wire, allowing him the opportunity to climb on the enclosure without the risk of escape. You can build the cage yourself, as long as you ensure all sides and corners are secure. Find step by step instructions online or in an iguana care book. The enclosure should be fairly large in width and length, similar to those used for ferrets and other large indoor animals, although height is not an important factor.

Line the enclosure with newspapers so that you can clean droppings quickly and easily each day. Place artificial trees and other plants in the cage so your iguana can climb and perch. You will also need to be sure that you provide a sun lamp so that he can keep his temperature at the proper levels. These can be found at most specialty pet stores as well as online.

Aside from arranging a good habitat, in order to keep an iguana as a pet you also need to know a few things about proper iguana care. Water should be made available to your pet at all times, day and night. Food should be served at least once a day, twice if your iguana doesn't seem to be gaining adequate weight on just one feeding. Iguanas should only be fed food made especially for them, or preferably, fresh greens and fruits that you prepare yourself. All should be served raw and finely chopped to prevent choking.

When you decide to take on the task of having an iguana as a pet, you should understand the iguanas are not naturally social creatures. In the wild, they are often reclusive and avoid contact with other animals except during mating season. When you first bring home your iguana, you can expect him to nip or bite at you at first. Proceed slowly by petting his head first to gain trust, and the slowly work up to holding your pet.

To mimic their natural environment, iguanas require a spacious and vertically oriented enclosure with plenty of climbing opportunities. The habitat should have a temperature gradient ranging from 75 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit and a basking spot around 95 to 100 degrees. UVB lighting is crucial for their health, as it helps them synthesize vitamin D3, which is essential for calcium absorption.

Iguanas are primarily herbivores, and their diet should consist of a variety of leafy greens, vegetables, and fruits. Juvenile iguanas should be fed daily, while adults can be fed every other day. It's important to provide a balanced diet with calcium supplementation to prevent nutritional deficiencies. Avoid feeding them animal protein, as it can lead to kidney damage and other health issues.

Handling an iguana requires patience and gentleness. Start by allowing your iguana to get used to your presence. Gradually introduce your hand into its enclosure without making sudden movements. Support their body when picking them up, and never grab them by the tail. Regular, calm interaction can help build trust between you and your pet iguana.

A healthy iguana will have clear eyes, smooth skin without lesions or discolorations, and a full, rounded body. They should be alert and active, with a good appetite. Their droppings should be firm and consistent in color. Regular shedding is also a sign of good health. Any deviation from these norms may indicate a need for veterinary attention.

Providing a large enclosure with branches, shelves, and other structures for climbing is essential for an iguana's physical activity. Encouraging your iguana to explore outside its habitat under supervision can also offer additional exercise opportunities. Some iguana owners even train their pets to walk on a leash for outdoor adventures, which can be both stimulating and beneficial for their health.

Common health issues in iguanas include metabolic bone disease due to insufficient UVB light or dietary imbalances, respiratory infections from poor humidity control, and parasitic infections. Prevent these by maintaining proper habitat conditions, offering a balanced diet with appropriate supplements, and practicing good hygiene. Regular veterinary check-ups can help detect and treat issues early on.