Caring for an Iguana
If you have an Iguana or are thinking of adopting one it is very important that you investigate what care they require and need. This will vary depending on the species, size, age or sex.
Iguanas are very beautiful exotic pets that, unlike other species, need a suitable habitat as well as food and temperature.... Keep reading this AnimalWised article to know everything about about caring for an iguana.
The iguana's terrarium
The ideal size for an iguana to feel comfortable in its terrarium will depend mainly on its age. If we are talking about a young specimen, a 80 x 50 x 100 cm terrarium will suffice. However, as it becomes an adult, considering that it can measure up to two meters long, you will have to adapt the terrarium to its size, providing it with a larger one if necessary.
What should I put in the terrarium?
- A glass or ceramic feeder
- A water dispenser
- A fluorescent tube to ensure that your iguana synthesizes vitamin D
- A bulb acting as a heater
- Artificial grass
- Rocks and decorative plants
Optionally you can also include a bathtub with water.
The temperature at which an iguana can develop in its terrarium in the best condition through the day is between 27ºC and 33ºC. At night, however, we must lower the temperature to 22 ° C or 25 ° C. You can control the temperature using a thermometer inside the terrarium.
Feeding the iguanas
The iguana is an animal that changes its feeding habits as it passes from youth to adulthood. During the first two years iguanas are insectivorous animals, and therefore you will have to feed it small insects.
When that period passes and it becomes an adult it is completely herbivorous, they stop liking insects and instead feed on leaves, flowers, vegetables and fresh fruits.
It is important to note that iguanas have to eat every day. Foods that it should never eat are those that are made up of animal protein, such as meat or dry feed. Nor they should eat citrus fruits such as orange and lemon.
Other care for the iguana
It is highly advisable that you spend time with your iguana as it is a wild animal and can become aggressive and above all it can really hurt you if it hits you with its tail. To avoid this you have to play with it daily from a young age so it gets used to you and gets to know you.
Among other measures of care it is also interesting to avoid your iguana being affected by drafts that can reduce its body temperature. If you see that it has ticks do not worry because this is normal, simply remove them with tweezers.
If you want to read similar articles to Caring for an Iguana, we recommend you visit our Basic care category.