How to Build Basking Platforms for an Iguana Cage

Owning an iguana can be a fun experience for the pet's owner, but it can be challenging as well. One of the most important tasks for iguana owners is to make sure their pets receive a sufficient amount of heat, since reptiles are cold-blooded and cannot generate their own body heat. Unless you do not mind your iguana running loose in the backyard, the best way to accomplish this is to build a basking platform for it. Due to their immense size, building a basking platform for an iguana is not the same as building one for other reptiles.

Things You'll Need

  • Used bookcase
  • Heating pad
  • Drywall screws
  • Screw gun
  • Vitalite light bulb
  • (2) 1x1s
  • L-Brackets
  • Woodscrews
  • Rope
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Instructions

  1. How to Build a Basking Platform for Iguanas

    • 1

      Install a 4 to 6 foot shelf. The best thing to use for this is a used bookcase. One reason for having a basking platform of this height is that iguanas like the ability to view their surroundings, and this provides them with a better vantage point. Another reason is that heat rises in a room, so it is better if the iguana is at a higher elevation.

    • 2

      Lay a heating pad on the shelf. This will provide warmth for the iguana's underside. This is especially helpful on winter days when the room temperature can be abnormally cold.

    • 3

      Create a vertical staircase. Iguanas have the ability to climb up and down vertically, which means you will not have to build a staircase in order for your iguana to access the basking platform (saving you an immense amount of time). Simply attach 2 1x1 boards to the shelf using L-brackets or wood screws, and then connect the the 1x1 boards with rope. Rope is better than wood, since you do not want your iguana to be pierced by wood splinters.

    • 4

      Attach the lighting fixture to the wall or ceiling. Make sure that the Vitalite is between 12 to 18 inches from where the iguana will rest. Not only do you want to avoid overheating the iguana, but you do not want to risk it knocking over the fixture and breaking the bulb. The iguana should be basking in the temperature range of 110 degrees.