AdvancedIguanaCare.com Blog

The green iguana or the ”Iguana Iguana” is the species of iguana that people refer to when they speak of getting a pet iguana. The green iguana is also the most common among the iguana family.

In recent years, it has become very popular among owners of pets in various locations such as Europe and the United States. It is found natively in Central America as well as in South America.

Its bright green color greatly helps it hide itself in the green forest vegetation and thus avoiding detection by its natural enemies. Its acute vision and rapid movements make it particularly hard to capture. Daytime is when the iguana is most active. The iguanas color changes from a bright green when young to a muted green as it ages.

A day in the life of an iguana consists of feeding, searching for sun bathed spots to lie upon and occasionally, evading predators.

However, this is different from the life of an iguana that is in captivity. Despite the absence of predators, an iguana needs to be taken care of well by its owner. Taking care of this popular pet is not an easy task.

When taking care of this animal, some of the following should be considered:
1. The iguana should be placed in an enclosed space, preferably a large one.

The length of an adult iguana could reach seven feet. Therefore, the iguana’s enclosure should be the owner’s main concern.

An iguana that is confined in a small space will become stressed and be restless. This often leads to sickness and may make the iguana vulnerable to diseases. This fact may not seem obvious as the iguana may seem at ease with a small enclosure, though this should not mislead you.

The length of the enclosure should be much longer than the length of the iguana either in width or in depth. Additionally, its height should be approximately twice its height or more as the iguana needs to climb and move about. The iguana should receive the freedom to roam inside the house after a while if the owner can ensure it won’t escape or eat important things.

2. the Pet’s enclosure should contain either synthetic structures or large branches.

The presence of these large branches, synthetic or real, will increase the visual appeal of the enclosure while also making it an improved dwelling for the iguana. The iguana’s psychological growth as well as its emotional one depends on two activities that it undertakes, these being basking and climbing. The large branches allow it to carry out these two activities.

Mulch may be used for the flooring of the interior of the pen. This is due to mulch’s composition which helps it prevent erosion of the earth, retain moisture and stop the growth of weeds. Alternatively newspaper sheets may be used for the floor.

3. The pen should be fitted with a high-quality device for heating.

An iguana that doesn’t receive adequate heat is unable to properly digest its food. Therefore, the installation of a heating device should not be overlooked.

UV light should be provided for the iguana. The temperature of the enclosure should not fall below 26°C. Additionally, a temperature reaching 36°C should be found in one part of the enclosure. This may be achieved by using a spotlight.

4. Darkness is as important as heating and lighting.
The iguana’s health is also dependent on it receiving darkness for at least six to ten hours every night. Shielding the enclosure from lights from appliances as well as street lights should be done at night.

5. Your pet iguana needs attention.

Owners should give their pet animal’s sufficient attention and care. The green iguana should receive care and love in a similar manner to that given to dogs and cats. Failure to give the iguana enough attention could result in the pet growing restless, ill and ultimately in its death.

The aforementioned tips are only some of the many that need consideration. However, a dependable veterinary doctor should be consulted for comprehensive tips and advice as this will ensure the long and healthy life of your green iguana.

A Guide To Lighting, Equipment, And Safety For Your Basking Area

Every iguana cage needs a basking area in order to be an ideal habitat for a healthy, relaxed iguana. Your iguana needs a place to comfortably bask in light and heat, and soak up the heat. Having access to a warm basking spot is crucial to your iguana’s ability to digest food, and is an important part of keeping your pet’s bones, liver, and kidneys healthy and strong. In nature, your iguana would simply head for a rock or branch in the sunshine and spend some time there. To make sure your pet gets enough sunshine on a daily basis, you could have an outdoor iguana cage that includes a sunny area, or you could arrange to let your pet visit a safe, supervised outdoor spot in the sun for at least half an hour a day. However, if an outdoor cage or outdoor visiting schedule isn’t practical, there’s another option. With a bit of planning and a few simple supplies, you can create a special basking area within the confines of an indoor iguana cage. Read on to learn what kind of light bulb you’ll need, where to place it, and what kind of ìfurnitureî your iguana will need to feel happy, and stay healthy, in its basking area.

Bulb Selection

For the basking area in your iguana cage, you won’t need any special lightbulbs. A simple, household lightbulb will do the job nicely so long as the placement is done correctly. No less than a 60 watt bulb can provide the temperature you’re looking for, and you may need as much as 100 watts. Any bulb within this range can be an ideal bulb to provide warm and light for an iguana cage basking area; the key is finding the bulb placement that creates the ideal temperature; you’re aiming for an area that’s heated to between ninety two and ninety six degrees Fahrenheit.

Bulb Placement

To ensure that your iguana gets enough heat in the basking area while staying safe, you’ll want place your UVB light bulb between eight and twelve inches away from the spot in the iguana cage where your pet will sit. The higher the wattage of the bulb, the farther you’ll want to hang it from the basking spot. Any closer, and you risk making your iguana uncomfortable with the intense heat. Any farther, and the warmth won’t be strong enough to aid your iguana’s digestion. To check that you’ve got correct bulb placement, leave a thermometer in the basking spot in your iguana cage, resting on the shelf or branch where your iguana will sit. Use the thermometer as a guide as you adjust the bulb to be closer or farther away as necessary until you achieve your desired result.

Basking Shelf

To make your iguana feel at home in the basking area, you’ll need to provide a shelf or branch for your iguana to rest on while enjoying the heat. This basking shelf should be at least twice as wide as your pet. Hanging a basking shelf or a basking branch in your iguana cage is one of the kindest things that you can do for your pet, but it isn’t always easy to do it right.

Basking Safety

When you set up the basking area in your iguana cage, make sure that you’re taking these necessary steps to protect your pet. When you hang your bulb, ensure that there’s no way your pet can manage to come into direct contact with the bulb; if your iguana touches the bulb by accident, or out of curiosity, a painful burn can result. To make sure that your basking area doesn’t overheat your pet, use a thermometer once a day for the first two weeks after you set up or move the basking area, and check that the spot where your iguana sits to bask in the cage is within the desired temperature range. In addition to monitoring the temperature, take notice if your iguana shows any signs of suffering in the heat. An iguana’s natural response to overheating is to pant, and to leave its mouth hanging open in a wide gape for no other obvious reason. If you see these behaviors in your iguana cage, try adjusting your basking area.