Iguanas are fine reptiles and make amazing pets

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Photo provided by Alyssa Landau

With the much anticipated arrival of iguanas in my store, I’ve had many customers come up to me asking how to take care of these reptiles. They want to know their temperaments, how big they get and what they eat. So I figured, why not make my next article about iguanas?

Below you will find the answers to the above questions as well as bonus tips on helping your reptile thrive in its habitat.

Habitat: You may start with a small, around 20 gallons, long habitat with a secure cover (iguanas are notorious for escaping). A larger cage will be necessary as it grows. An iguana needs adequate space, ideally enough to turn around without hitting its tail against the glass.

It is essential to provide a habitat with a hiding area. These reptiles get spooked easily and often run towards the safety of branches or hideaways. Not only will this help with its stress, but also its safety. I’ve had many instances where I will open an iguana’s tank to clean it and the iguana will run haphazardly around the enclosure, slamming its body against the sides just to get away from my hand. Of course, if you were to handle your reptile enough, this behavior would improve.

It is imperative to have at least one hiding spot, such as a hollow log for them to run inside of or plants for them to hide behind. It is also important to mist the habitat every day as the humidity needs to stay around 70 to 90 percent.

Alyssa Landau
Columnist, The Friday Flyer

A light mist is all you need; you shouldn’t drench the substrate.

Substrate: You can use edible substrate or reptile-carpet to make sure the iguana does not eat the substrate. Ideally, I would stay away from wood chips, sand or dirt, in case of accidental ingestion.

Temperatures: It is ideal to purchase an incandescent light or ceramic heater as the reptile’s main source of heat. You should allow a UVB with full spectrum lighting to stay on for about 12 hours a day. Do not use heating pads, rocks or heat sources that come from the floor as the Iguana can severely burn its underbelly.

Fun Fact: An iguana can withstand up to a 50-foot drop!

Diet: You should always include vegetables for your reptile. This can consist of spinach, broccoli, romaine lettuce and, on rare occasions, fruit. Any leftover fruit or vegetables should be thrown away at every new feeding period (once a day). Always include a pellet formula as the bulk of your iguana’s diet. Make sure the water in the habitat is free from heavy metals or chlorine; bottled water is a far better choice than tap.

Fun Fact: An iguana can hold its breath under water for over 20 minutes!

Temperaments: Iguanas can be quite wild but eventually will become tame from daily handling. Most iguanas I come across are rarely handled and either run away or try to smack my hands with their tails. If you get a younger iguana and put in the time to handle it at least once a day, the chances are greater for it to become more comfortable with you. Please be mindful that excessive handling might cause unneeded stress to the reptile.

Fun Fact: Some iguana species can inflate themselves and float in water!

Size: Are you ready to find out just how big iguanas can get? Well, they can actually reach up to 7 feet long and weigh in at a whopping 20 pounds! This is why it is ideal, once they reach full size, to place them in an enclosure that is 12 feet long and 6 feet high. Why so tall, you ask? Because these reptiles are arboreal; which is a fancy way of saying they love to be up high in trees.

Lifespan: The iguana can live up to 20 years, so if you do decide to buy one, be aware that you will eventually need a large enclosure and are in for the long haul.

Fun Fact: Iguanas come in many colors such as green, blue and red.

Ultimately it is best to make sure you do adequate research as well as talking with experts about any animal or reptile you purchase. Always remember that it is a living creature and relies entirely on your care. Please understand that, although iguanas can be cute and spunky, you must be diligent with your care.

Overall, you will not be disappointed if you choose to bring one of these reptiles into your home. They are an amazing pet and a fine reptile.