How Big of a Cage Does a Full Grown Iguana Need?

Green iguanas have become popular in the pet trade and while the lizard itself is fairly inexpensive, the care and housing requirements add up quickly. That 8" lizard at the pet store may one day reach more than 5 feet in length from snout to tail.

  1. Features

    • Choose an enclosure large enough to house the needed accessories. An iguana will need a water source large enough to soak in, a food dish, light fixtures, heating fixtures, and places to hide and climb.

    Height

    • Make the enclosure at least 5 feet tall as iguanas enjoy climbing and perching on branches and ledges.

    Length

    • An iguana cage should be roughly double the length of the lizard, so plan on a cage length of around 10 feet.

    Depth

    • The depth (distance from front to back) of an iguana cage needs to be around 5 feet.

    Function

    • These dimensions may seem excessive but iguanas regulate their body temperature by moving from warmer to cooler areas of the cage. This means they need an enclosure large enough to allow them access to a hot basking area and a cooler area.