Did You Know?
The Green Iguana is a South American species of
lizard that reaches an adult size of 4 to 6 feet in
length and can live for over 15 years. Iguanas kept
in small cages will still grow large. They do not
stay small (like a goldfish in a bowl). Anyone who
obtains an iguana should be prepared to take care of
a large powerful lizard.
Did You Know?
When
juvenile iguanas become sexually mature, their
temperament changes. Adult Iguanas usually become
territorial and aggressive. During certain times of
the year they attack anyone who approaches them, even
their owners. It does not matter how much you have
handled the lizard previously. Adults have razor
sharp claws, sandpaper rough skin, sharp numerous
teeth, powerful crushing jaws, and a muscular
whip-like tail. They can be quite formidable and
inflict injuries requiring medical attention.
Did You Know?
Iguanas
should be housed separately. They don’t get
“lonely” and need a buddy. In the wild they
fight and intimidate each other constantly to stake
territory. Multiple iguanas in the same cage will
eventually result in an injury to one of the animals.
In the wild the loser can escape. In a cage he or she
cannot.
Did You Know?
Iguanas
should not roam loose in a house or apartment (No
reptile should)! This is not healthy for the lizard
or the owner. Iguanas require high ambient air
temperatures (85 to 100 degrees F) and high humidity
for proper health. A hot rock on the floor, or a
window sill facing the sun is not enough to meet
their needs. Your house is not a rainforest. Often,
they will eat various indigestible items around the
house. Intestinal blockage from carpet fibers can
cause death for iguanas that are kept loose in a
house.
Did You Know?
A
cage for an adult iguana should be at least 6 ft tall
by 6 ft wide by 4 ft deep with climbing branches or
shelves. You will need special lighting and heating
built into the design. An aquarium just won’t
cut it (the aquariums sold as “Lizard
Lounge’s” are unsuitable for iguanas). So
get ready to spend some money custom building a cage.
Did You Know?
The
diet of an iguana is herbivorous and very complex.
Commercial iguana diets can be a supplement but
should not feed exclusively. Fresh leafy greens and
vegetables should be the staple. They eat large
quantities and defecate large quantities every day.
If not fed a proper diet they have costly health
problems.
Did You Know?
Because
of the above difficulties the Green Iguana usually
only survive a few years as a pet. Those which live
longer are often discarded once they become
aggressive, need a larger cage, or require expensive
veterinary care. The KCHS Reptile Adoption Program
receives weekly calls from people who want to get rid
of iguanas. Most never get new homes.
Be
Responsible.
The Green Iguana is a truly spectacular
and interesting lizard. They also are a demanding,
difficult, and expensive animal to keep. Do not buy
them as a child’s pet. If you are positively
prepared to handle all of the above eventualities
then you might consider adopting an iguana. Otherwise
pick a species that is much easier to care for such
as a Bearded Dragon, Crested Gecko or a Leopard
Gecko.
