What is an Iguana Cage?

An iguana cage is a habitat for a pet iguana that is designed to hold the iguana as it grows and to provide a place for the animal to eat, sleep and climb. An iguana cage will shelter the pet iguana from other household pets that could harm him. An iguana cage also will help the pet become acclimated to its new environment and reduce the stress typically associated with the animal's transportation to its permanent home.

Thirty-gallon (.11-kl) aquariums are good choices for baby iguanas. The aquarium should not be filled with water or contain other reptiles such as lizards or snakes. The ideal cage for a baby iguana has a source of heat such as fluorescent lighting or a heating pad on the cage floor. The cage also should have leaves sprinkled along the bottom, a dish for drinking water and materials such as a tree branch in a corner of the cage for climbing. The lid of the cage should fit tightly and have air holes for ventilation. This size of cage will be only a temporary house for a pet iguana because it will need lots of room to roam as it grows.

An adult iguana cage ideally is 10 feet (3.05m) long and 8 feet (2.44m) high and is constructed of thick glass. These cages are available at pet supply stores or online retailers. Like the baby iguana cage, the adult home will have fluorescent lighting, ideally in each corner of the cage for maintaining a constant and even temperature inside the cage. The adult iguana cage might have a plastic container filled with cool water in one corner. This container will be big enough to hold the pet iguana and give him a place to defecate. It also serves to keep the cage clean and reduce maintenance.

The adult iguana cage will have a larger drinking bowl and sturdier climbing materials. Tree branches often are used for climbing materials in adult iguana cages. This cage also will contain a thicker layer of leaves or bedding material. An adult iguana cage might be placed on a sturdy stand or on a level surface away from vents and drafts.

The iguana cage is designed to give your pet a safe habitat that simulates its natural environment as closely as possible. Having the proper iguana cage is an essential part of owning a pet iguana. A sales associate at a pet store that deals with reptiles will be able to show a prospective owner the different cages available and explain the features of each model so that he or she can choose the cage that is right for his or her circumstances and budget.

An iguana cage is a specialized enclosure designed to provide a safe and comfortable living space for iguanas, which are large, arboreal lizards. It's important because iguanas have specific habitat needs, such as appropriate temperature, humidity, and space to climb, that must be met to ensure their health and well-being. A well-designed cage simulates their natural environment, promoting natural behaviors and reducing stress.

Adult iguanas require spacious enclosures due to their size, which can reach up to 6 feet in length. The cage should be at least twice the length of the iguana and tall enough to allow for vertical climbing. According to reptile experts, a minimum size for an adult iguana cage is 12 feet long, 6 feet wide, and 8 feet tall to provide adequate space for exercise and exploration.

The best materials for an iguana cage are those that can withstand high humidity and are non-toxic to the animal. Glass, PVC, or coated wire mesh are commonly used. Glass is excellent for maintaining humidity, while PVC is durable and easy to clean. Coated wire mesh provides good ventilation but may need additional insulation to maintain proper temperatures.

An iguana cage should include features such as sturdy branches or shelves for climbing, a basking area with appropriate heating elements, UVB lighting to simulate sunlight for vitamin D3 synthesis, and a water dish large enough for the iguana to soak in. Proper ventilation is also crucial to prevent respiratory issues, and the cage should be easy to clean to maintain hygiene.

Maintaining the right temperature and humidity in an iguana cage involves using heating lamps or pads to create a temperature gradient from 85 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit for basking, with cooler areas in the low 80s. Humidity levels should be kept between 65% and 75%. This can be achieved with regular misting, a humidifier, or live plants within the enclosure.

Iguanas are generally solitary creatures and may become stressed or aggressive if housed with other pets, including other iguanas. It's recommended to keep them in their own enclosure to avoid potential conflicts. If other pets are present in the home, ensure they cannot access the iguana's cage to prevent stress or injury to either animal.