Iguana Reptile for a Pet!
The green iguana is one of the most popular pet lizards in the country today. Over a half million hatchling green iguanas are imported into this country every year. Before purchasing an iguana for a pet, this decision should be well thought out. These lizards grow rapidly during the first two years of life and eventually attain a length of up to five to seven feet in length. As a result, most people do realize this and end up turning them loose when they get too big to manage and out grow their cage. This is dangerous for an animal that has been raised in captivity. A hatchling iguana should be purchased from a reputable pet retailer or breeder.
When choosing a hatchling or juvenile iguana, watch them in their cage for a while first. Choose one that is plump, without wrinkled skin and a vibrant green color. The iguana should not be a dull brown or yellow color or have black spots, ticks, cuts or scrapes on him. Make sure that all toes are present and examine the tail, which should be long and straight. Be sure to choose an iguana that does not race away when you try to pick it up. The green iguana can live for over 15 years, so you must understand that it is a commitment to take one of these animals into your family. Mature males can be aggressive and have been known to attack their male owners. Female are not usually as aggressive as the males except during breeding season.
Once you have chosen your iguana, it is important to provide adequate housing. A hatchling can be adequately housed in a 20-gallon aquarium, but since it is going to grow very rapidly during the first year it is better to start out with the largest age that is possible to provide – a sixty-gallon tank is better. The bottom of the cage should be lined in newspaper or butcher paper or even indoor/outdoor carpet. Anything ingestible should not be used. Some baby iguanas will nibble at carpet so if you see your iguana doing this it will be important to remove the carpet from the cage and replace it with something else. Non-toxic plants may be planted in the cage along with natural branches and rocks. The cage should have a shelf of some sort positioned high in the cage for basking. A water receptacle can be placed in the cage for daily soaks. Any cage should have a secured lid or door.
There should be a source of light for basking in the heat. The light should be kept enough away that the iguana couldn’t burn itself while basking. An iguana should receive an hour of natural sunlight per week, at minimum. Be sure not to heat the cage excessively. It is important to use a good thermometer to accurately measure the temperature and humidity in the enclosure.
Iguanas are vegetarians. Specifically, they are called folivores. This means that they consume primarily leaves in their natural environment. Feeding an iguana anything other than vegetable matter or commercially prepared iguana food is dangerous. A high percentage of the diet should consist of dark green, leafy vegetables. Canned or commercial iguana foods can be used, but the iguana prefers that they be mixed with the fresh greens and mixed vegetables.
Iguanas can be carriers of Salmonella bacteria. It is a good idea to have your pet tested even if he appears to be healthy. They have been implicated many times in the spread of this bacterium to humans. It is important to keep your hands clean and always wash after handling your iguana. A good relationship with a veterinarian who specializes in reptiles is essential and can keep your iguana from carrying bacteria and /or other illnesses.
As the owner of a green iguana you will become very attached to your pet. Some owners carry their iguanas in a harness on their shoulder like a parrot. Your iguana will love to spend time with you and will seek out your attention. Some iguanas like to be scratched or stroked on the head. Iguanas can be allowed to run free in the house or apartment with supervision. They usually urinate and defecate in the water so they an often be house trained simply by soaking them in water daily. This will also keep the cage clean. The green iguana can recognize familiar people and do have preferences concerning certain people but will usually tolerate attention from anyone.