Have you recently become interested in possibly owning an iguana as a pet? Iguanas can make wonderful and rewarding lifelong pets if you are capable of providing the care they need. Our Greeley vets discuss the things you should know about keeping a pet iguana and some pros and cons of caring for these incredible creatures.
One of the most popular pet lizards is the iguana. However, they require a significant time investment and a high level of care. They have severe feeding and housing requirements and can grow to be fairly large and are extremely powerful. They can also be tough to tame and may grow hostile if not handled on a regular basis. Thus, here are some things you should be aware of if you decide to get an Iguana as a pet.
The Behavior of Pet Iguanas
Pet iguanas must be picked up and held on a regular basis in order for them to learn to trust you and feel at ease in their surroundings. This can be difficult because they frequently find human interaction odd and may oppose it. As a result, you must handle your iguana with caution and compassion.
Some iguanas prefer to climb on their humans, so if your pet iguana enjoys this pastime, wear protective gear. The tail of an adult iguana is strong enough to break a human bone. When handling them, pay alert to any struggling or hostility, especially if youngsters or other pets are present.
Some of the Most Common Health Problems with Pet Iguanas
Iguanas, like most pet reptiles, carry salmonella, which can be found in the iguana's digestive tract. Before and after spending time with your pet, wash your hands well and avoid touching your face. Take particular measures if you have young children, seniors, pregnant women, or immunocompromised persons in your house.
Iguanas can be tamed with adequate daily care, but they have a strong self-defense drive and will bite, scratch, and whip their tails if challenged.
Kidney disease, which is commonly caused by dehydration, is a common health issue for iguanas. If your iguana is lethargic, has swelling on its body, and is drinking or urinating regularly, take it to a veterinarian right away.
What to Feed Your Pet Iguana
Fresh food is essential for an iguana's health, and a high-protein diet can lead to health problems such as kidney failure. Iguanas in the wild are strict herbivores who avoid ingesting animal protein, even insects.
In addition to a high-quality pelleted commercial meal, give your iguana some fruit and a calcium supplement. Furthermore, iguanas require constant access to fresh water. Follow your veterinarian's feeding recommendations to keep your pet at a healthy weight for his or her size.
Because iguanas ingest their food whole without chewing, everything you serve must be diced or shredded into tiny pieces.
The Type of Habitat You Will Need To Provide Your Pet Iguana
Iguanas can grow to be up to 7 feet long when their tail is included, and they typically weigh around 20 pounds. As a result, an aquarium or a tiny reptile enclosure is a very short-term residence for a baby iguana. This size often astounds individuals who begin with a small baby iguana as a pet.
Most commercially available cages are inadequate for this tree-dwelling species. A suitable enclosure for a single pet iguana measures around 12 feet in length, 6 feet wide, and 8 feet tall. Many iguana owners prefer custom-built enclosures with ramps, shelves, and climbable branches. Many people may even transform a full room or a large closet into an iguana's habitat.
To digest its meal, the iguana requires a temperature of roughly 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat lamps normally placed less than a foot away from basking ledges, can be used to achieve an ideal temperature. The iguana likes to bask at 95 degrees Fahrenheit, and its habitat should not be colder than 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Use UVB reptile lights to offer adequate light exposure for 10 to 12 hours every day. Mercury vapor bulbs are appropriate for big enclosures or rooms. Your pet iguana will be able to bask in these lights thanks to the large branches and shelves in the enclosure.
Iguanas require at least 70% humidity in their surroundings. You can make your iguana's habitat more humid by adding a pool of water to the enclosure or using a mister. Misting your pet iguana twice a day is generally recommended to enhance humidity and preserve healthy skin.
What Are Some of The Pros and Cons of Having a Pet Iguana?
Here, we'll list some of the pros and cons you should consider before keeping an Iguana as a pet.
Pro: They Have a Very Long Lifespan
If cared for properly, Iguanas can easily live for more than 20 years. With commitment, there is no reason your iguana cannot live this long.
Con: Their Care Can be Quite Costly Over Time
Iguanas require exact living conditions in order to live a long and healthy life. They will require a terrarium that is large enough to accommodate their final size, as well as appropriate lighting, humidity, and temperature conditions. Not to mention the costly appointments to a vet who specializes in exotic animals. If you believe you will struggle to keep an iguana for the next 20 years, you should consider a different pet.
Pro: Their Diet Can Be Simple to Follow
Iguanas eat leaves, fruits, flowers, and vegetables in the wild, and this entirely herbivorous diet must be mimicked in captivity. Iguanas do not drink much water in the wild because the greens they eat and the humidity in their surroundings keep them hydrated. We recommend consulting with your veterinarian for a more specific nutrition regimen for your pet iguana.
Con: Pet Iguanas Are Incredibly Difficult to Train
If your pet iguana is exceptionally resistant, training them could take years at the very least. If you don't have the patience to wait so long, there are many more docile lizards available. Giving them food with your hand is also a possibility; this way, they will understand that you mean no harm and it may allow the training process to go a little smoother.
Pro: Iguana are Diurnal and Enjoy Being Awake During the Day
If you enjoy observing iguanas, it's preferable if they're awake at the same time as you. Iguanas are diurnal species, meaning they wake up with the sun. In the wild, they can be found basking in the sun on a tree branch.
Con: Pet Iguanas Are Not a Good Idea if You Have Children
Iguanas have powerful jaws and will bite if they feel threatened. Rapid or unexpected movements can shock an iguana, and toddlers can be fidgety. If an iguana feels threatened and decides to strike, its powerful tail can cause significant harm. So, if you have especially young children, you might want to hold off on the pet iguana for now.