Keeping an iguana healthy and happy takes careful thought and planning. Creating an environment that most closely replicates its natural habitat will ensure the growth and health of these fascinating animals.
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Size Matters
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The habitat for the iguana should grow as the animal grows. Contrary to popular myth, iguanas will not stop growing if kept in a small environment. Instead, their development will be stunted and their health and lifespan will decrease. While a 55-gallon aquarium will accommodate a young reptile, as the animal grows, so will its need for space. Iguanas need habitats that are longer and taller than they are.
The habitat should have a firmly closing mesh top unless the iguana will be allowed to roam throughout the house.
Design and Decorate the Tank
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Iguanas are climbers so branches are a vital addition to their environment. Avoid gravel or wood chip bedding, as these can cause injuries or infection. The safest medium is paper toweling, newspaper or linoleum. These are not only safer but easier to clean.
Iguanas spend most of their time climbing in the canopy of tropical rainforests so sturdy, securely fastened branches for climbing are an absolute must. Be ready to increase the size of the branches as the iguana grows.
While iguanas obtain most of their water through the foods they eat, they do enjoy bathing and lounging in water. If possible, provide a wading area, but always allow between 30 to 40 percent of the space in the tank for the iguana to move around.
Heating and Feeding
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Green, leafy vegetables are a must. Reptiles are cold-blooded and require an external heat source, though direct sunlight, especially in an enclosed aquarium, can quickly make the habitat too hot. Lighting and heating fixtures must be shielded or out of the animal's reach because they will climb onto them if they can reach them.
Iguanas are herbivores and while commercial pet food is available and acceptable, supplement this with green, leafy vegetables, fruits and romaine lettuce (because of its high water content and nutritive value). Calcium supplements are a must.
Be Ready to Expand!
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An adult iguana can be over 6 feet long. They require a great deal of space. Advance planning is very important, as the tiny, adorable baby iguana will grow to over six feet in length in just a few years. As soon as it settles into its carefully decorated 55-gallon tank, plans should begin for its next, larger habitat.
Some owners move their growing iguana into a wire cage. While this provides more room, it is more difficult to keep warm, and additional preparation should be made to control temperature.
Some iguana enthusiasts create a habitat inside a closet, installing several climbing branches to accommodate the animal's length. Others dedicate an entire room to the animal, or set aside areas in the home with branches and wading ponds and allow the iguana to roam throughout the house.
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