Introduction
Iguanas are big animals reaching up to 6´as an adult size. They can live up to 20 years. They live in the open margins of rain forests in Central & South America or slightly drier areas along rivers & streams.
Diet
Exclusively Herbivorous. No meat or animal protein, it will kill them
Housing
Iguanas are big so they require a large enclosure. The normal size of an adult is from 5-6´ so the enclosure should be minimum 4 x 4 x 6´ or approx 120 x 120 x 180cms. They require tall cages because they are arboreal (Tree dwelling) & prefer to spend the majority of their time as high off the ground as they can. Branches just wider than the animal’s diameter must be provided for climbing; these can be purchased or collected but if collected they must be sterilised with a dilute bleach solution before use (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) & then washed with clean water. Young iguanas can be kept in smaller enclosures but the smallest size would be a 55 gallon aquarium
Heating
Provided by spot lamps, typically 60-100 watts & heat mats placed under the substrate. Specialised Infra Red ceramic heaters can also be used. Both lamps & heaters produce intense local heat so care must be taken to shield heat sources from the Iguana to prevent burns. The following temperature gradients should be maintained constantly:
Daytime ambient temperatures of 75-85°F (23-28°C) with additional daytime basking area 88-95°F (31-35°C)
Night time ambient temperature gradient of 73-85°F (23-28°C)
Invest in good thermometers & thermostat to accurately control temperatures.
Lighting
Dark incandescent spot lamp, deep red lamps are best as they produce light which does not upset the iguana’s sleep cycle therefore it can be left on all the time to help heat the enclosure.
A Bright white spot lamp will encourage the iguana to bask under it & use it to gain most of its body heat essential for digestion & survival
Fluorescent UV tube lamp
There are several UVB producing lamps on the market often marked Full Spectrum, the best is Zoo Med’s Iguana 5.0 but as these can be hard to get an alternative is Hagen Life Glow lamp
