Choosing Iguana Cages and Enclosures
In making a decision to get an Iguana as a pet, you should realize that an Iguana is a cold blooded reptile that’s used to a tropical climate, and grows quite big. Although most Iguanas grow to about 5 feet in length (from head to tail), some adult Iguanas have been measured at over six and a half feet in length. If you’re buying a baby Green Iguana, then you won’t have an immediate requirement for a large iguana cage or iguana enclosure, but you will need to bear in mind that your pet will grow quite big one day and that you will need quite a large cage or enclosure to house him.
What sort of cage will I need for my Iguana?
One of the most important considerations when choosing a cage or enclosure for your pet Iguana is space and freedom of movement. Iguanas are natural climbers in their natural habitats, and you need to try and simulate its natural habitat as closely as possible if you want your pet to be healthy and happy. In the wild Iguanas, being cold blooded, spend a lot of time sitting on a rock and basking in the sun. You should try and include a “basking rock” for your pet Iguana if possible (together with an artificial source of sunlight - more on this later). Another must-have for an Iguana cage or enclosure is a branch of a tree, or ideally several branches. This will give your Iguana more options for play, and help to keep him active and healthy.
Why do I need to have a source of heat and light in my Iguana cage?
In the wild, Iguanas depend on energy from the sun to stay healthy and alive. They absorb heat from the sun to help regulate their body temperature and also depend on UVA and UVB light from the sun to be able to produce Vitamin D, which is again, vital for their well being. If your Iguana does not get enough heat, it will not be able to properly digest its food, so you need to ensure that the temperature in you Iguana enclosure remains relatively constant, even in winter. With regards to UVA and UVB, you need to ensure that your pet gets plenty of sunlight. If it is difficult to take your pet out for regular basking, the next best thing is to fit a heat lamp in its enclosure. Make sure you fit a proper heat lamp (such as a vitalite) and not just a regular bulb.
What about Humidity?
Another thing that Iguanas, being tropical creatures, need is relatively high levels of humidity. If fitting a humidifier is not an option, install a ‘soaking tray’ in the Iguana enclosure which should allow your Iguana to get some of the moisture it needs to survive. A shallow tray or pan, full of water and big enough for your pet to get into and have a dip, should do the trick.