Last Updated on March 14, 2024 by Aftab Tariq
Pet iguanas are among the favorite choices for keeping as pets. They come from Central and South America. But having a pet iguana is a big responsibility because they need care. Dr Rani Maria Thomas says,
“A pet iguana may not be your typical cuddly companion, but their unique charm and prehistoric allure make them a fascinating addition to any reptile enthusiast’s home.”
They have specific guidelines for what they consume and where they reside, and they can grow too large and powerful. It is also possible that they will only be particularly friendly if you spend little time with them regularly.
If you want to keep an iguana as a pet, you should be prepared to provide it with great attention and care.
Iguana Behavior And Temperament
Pet iguanas are not like cats or dogs that easily get used to living with people. They might want to run away from their cages or your house sometimes. It would help if you held them regularly to make them friendlier and less scared. But it can be hard because they’re not used to being touched by humans and might not like it at first. So, you must be gentle and patient when handling your pet iguana.
Housing The Iguana
Iguanas can grow to 7 feet long with their tails and 20 pounds, making housing difficult. Beginners handling baby iguanas may be surprised. Eventually, more than a tiny tank or reptile enclosure will be required.
Most retail cages are too tiny for iguanas. Many iguana owners design bespoke cages with ramps, shelves, and climbing branches. The ideal cage for an iguana is 12 feet long, 6 feet wide, and 8 feet tall. Some keep their iguanas in a room or large closet.
Daily clean your iguana’s cage of uneaten food, waste, shredded skin, and other debris. Also, wash food and water dishes daily. Put your iguana in a cage while you clean its house weekly. Discard soiled bedding and scrub everything like pebbles with a pet-safe cleanser. Before returning your iguana to its cage, dry everything.
Heat For Iguana
Iguanas love warmth because they’re from the tropics. They like to sunbathe at about 95 degrees Fahrenheit, and their home should never get colder than 75 degrees Fahrenheit. To digest their food well, they need around 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
It’s important to watch this, especially if you’re setting up a whole room for them. Heat lights placed less than a foot from where they sunbathe can keep them warm.
Light For Iguana
Having a big space for your iguana means you’ll need plenty of light. Use special UVB bulbs made for reptiles to give your iguana the right amount of light for 10 to 12 hours daily. This helps them make vitamin D like they would from the sun.
You can use mercury vapor bulbs if you have a big enclosure or room. For smaller spaces, compact fluorescent lights or tubes are good. Provide your iguana with plenty of climbing surfaces, such as branches and shelves, so it can relax and enjoy the lights.
Iguana Humidity
Maintaining a relative humidity of 70% or above is ideal for iguanas. Adding a water feature to their cage or spraying them with a mister might increase the humidity. A light misting twice daily will keep your iguana’s skin moist and comfortable.
Substrate For Iguana
For iguanas, using a wood substrate or bedding is usually good enough. This bedding works well for them since they spend much time climbing and not digging.
Pet Iguana Lifespan
The time iguanas live can change depending on whether they live in the wild or with people. When they’re pets, they usually live from 15 to 20 years, but in the wild, they often only live up to eight years. If you decide to have an iguana as a pet, you must be ready for a long-term responsibility.
Food And Water For Iguana
Keeping your iguana healthy starts with fresh food. In the wild, iguanas only eat plants, not meat or bugs. Too much protein, like from insects, can make them sick and even cause kidney problems.
Along with good-quality pellet food, give your iguana dark green veggies, some fruit, and a calcium supplement. And always make sure there’s fresh water for them.
Your vet will tell you how much to feed your iguana so they stay a healthy weight. Since iguanas don’t chew their food, you need to chop or shred it into small pieces for them. If they have yet to eat something within a day, take it out and throw it away.
Common Health And Behavior Problems Of Pet Iguana
Here is the list of common health and behavior problems of pet iguana
1: Salmonella Concerns:
Pet iguanas, like many other reptiles, carry bacteria known as salmonella. While harmless to the iguana, it can cause illness in humans if they come into contact with it or its surroundings. Before and after handling your pet iguana, wash your hands and avoid touching your face to reduce risk.
Extra caution should be taken if there are vulnerable individuals in your household, such as infants, elderly individuals, pregnant women, or those with weakened immune systems. Consider whether an iguana is suitable for your family if such circumstances exist.
2: Kidney Disease:
Kidney illness, which frequently results from insufficient water consumption, is a major concern for pet iguanas. If you notice signs such as fatigue, swelling, frequent drinking, or urination in your iguana, it’s crucial to seek veterinary care promptly.
3: Metabolic Bone Disease:
Iguanas are prone to developing weak bones due to insufficient calcium and vitamin D intake. Providing them with calcium supplements and exposure to UVB lighting is essential for their bone health.
4: Respiratory Problems:
Cold habitats can lead to respiratory illnesses in iguanas. Ensure their environment is adequately heated to prevent such issues.
5: Behavioral Patterns:
With consistent daily handling, most pet iguanas can become accustomed to human interaction. Establishing a routine helps them feel secure. However, if they feel threatened, they may exhibit defensive behaviors such as biting, scratching, or tail-whipping.
Are Iguanas Active Pets?
Baby iguanas are fast and move a lot. But as they grow up, adult iguanas become lazy and calm, especially when they’re not scared. Some iguanas like climbing on their owners when out of their cage. Be careful; their claws are sharp. If your pet iguana likes climbing, wear protective clothes.
Remember, an iguana’s tail can be dangerous. Though rare, an adult iguana’s tail can break a bone. Even though they’re usually calm, iguanas are strong animals. So, be careful when handling them, especially around kids or other pets.
Keeping a Pet Iguana
Having a pet iguana might seem fun, but it takes work. Even though they look cute when small, iguanas can grow big, up to 1.5 meters long and 15 pounds heavy. Caring for them is tough, especially if you’re not used to reptiles.
Many people get baby iguanas without realizing they’ll become huge and need a lot of care, similar to a dog. Sadly, many pet iguanas die young because they don’t get the right care or become aggressive when growing up, which can be risky.
In some places, like certain states, iguanas are not supposed to be there, which makes having one even harder. You might need permission to keep a pet iguana. Check your local laws to see if having an iguana as a pet where you live is okay.
Can you touch pet iguanas?
When you are required to handle an iguana, it is imperative that you do so while wearing protective gloves and thoroughly washing your hands afterward. When you have cleaned your hands, you should refrain from touching your face, particularly your mouth and eyes. In general, avoiding direct contact with wild iguanas is recommended.
Do pet iguanas like to cuddle?
Some pet iguanas enjoy cuddling, but it depends on the individual. Watching their body language and respecting their boundaries is important for a good cuddling experience.
Tips For Successful Iguana Cuddling:
Start Slow: Let your iguana get used to you before trying to cuddle. Gentle interactions over time help build trust.
Read Their Body Language: Iguanas use body language to communicate. Pay attention to signs of discomfort or relaxation to ensure a positive cuddle session.
Iguana Pet For Sale
Check out selection of exotic iguanas available for purchase. These reptiles are visually stunning and can become quite friendly with human interaction. They mostly eat fruits and veggies, making them easy to care for. Plus, when you buy an iguana from us, we guarantee it will arrive alive.
Rhinoceros Iguana: Some rare Rhinoceros Iguanas are available at unbeatable prices. These majestic creatures have a very ancient look and are omnivores, meaning they eat plants and animals. They can be very tame when kept in captivity, making them a fantastic addition to your collection.
Species: Cyclura cornuta Captive bred
Price: $499.99
Desert Iguana: Amazing Desert Iguanas for sale at incredibly low prices. These reptiles are visually stunning and rare in the pet trade. When you buy from us, you can be sure your iguana will arrive safely.
Species: Dipsosaurus dorsalis
Price: $49.99
Clubtail Iguana: Get your hands on Clubtail Iguanas at great prices. These lizards, also known as spiny-tail iguanas, are native to Central America. They reach a moderate size and eat insects and plants. When you buy from us, your new pet will arrive healthy and alive.
Species: Ctenosaura quinquecarinata
Price: $39.99
Why Iguanas Are Bad Pets?
Iguanas can be challenging pets due to their demanding needs for food and housing and their potential to grow large and powerful. Taming them can be difficult, and they may become aggressive if handled sparingly. These factors make them less suitable as pets for many people. If you’re considering getting an iguana, it’s important to be aware of these challenges and be prepared to provide the necessary care and attention they require.
Iguana Pet Price
Iguanas are available in pet stores, breeders, and rescue facilities. Because their owners neglect them, some iguanas are rescued. A purchase or adoption of $20–$50 is typical.
Don’t believe pet stores that say small iguanas stay small. Check for an active iguana with clear eyes, healthy skin, and normal waste. Low weight, sticky nose or mouth, lumps or lesions on the skin or fatigue are warning symptoms. Lastly, check if having a pet iguana where you live is legal. Also, make sure there’s a vet nearby who can help if your iguana gets sick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Okay To Sleep Next To My Iguana?
No, it’s not a good idea. Iguanas are cold-blooded and don’t need your warmth at night.
What Is Iguana Pet Price?
Iguana pet price is $20–$50.
Does Iguanas Make Good Pets?
Iguanas can be difficult pets to care for, especially if you’re not experienced in reptile husbandry.
Are Iguanas Friendly Towards Their Owners?
Yes, to some extent. While they may not have emotions like humans, iguanas can learn to recognize and enjoy being with their owners. For example, my cousin in Southern CA had an iguana that occasionally wandered off for weeks but always returned home.
Source
Iguana as a Pet: What You Should Know
Iguana as a Pet: What You Should Know
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