By: Green Iguana Society

Introduction: One thing that you will hear, over and over again, as you research iguana care, is that "iguanas are not easy care pets". Why is that? After all, other popular pets, such as dogs, cats, and fish, aren't nearly so difficult. What is it about iguanas that makes caring for them such hard work? Well, the biggest factor is this: iguanas, like other reptiles and amphibians, are dependent upon their environment for a wide variety of things that easier care pets such as mammals can get from other sources. They get heat from their environment. Their bodies use certain wavelengths of light in the environment to aid in their metabolism and body chemistry. They are very well adapted to their natural environment (warm, fairly humid places), which is usually extremely different from the captive environment in which they find themselves. What this means is that, unless you can create an environment for them that provides these things that they need, they will suffer, become ill, and maybe even die. Understanding your iguana's needs before you create a habitat for it is very important. Having said that, just what are an iguana's basic habitat needs?

Size: It is important for new iguana owners to realize that a properly cared for adult iguana will be LARGE - up to 6 feet long! Contrary to the common misconception, they are not limited in size by the size of their enclosure. They will continue to grow throughout their lifetimes – quickly at first, and then slowly as they age. A young iguana will outgrow a 55 gallon aquarium in its first year. Before purchasing an iguana, you must be sure you have the resources and space for a large enclosure, or the ability to provide your iguana with free roaming space that still provides all the habitat necessities.

An iguana enclosure should be at least twice the length of the iguana and should be tall. Six feet is the minimum habitat height recommended. Iguanas are arboreal (tree climbing) and feel most comfortable up high. The width of the cage should be at least half your iguana's length. The bigger the cage, the better off your iguana will be. Not only does an inadequately sized enclosure stress an iguana out, but iguanas that are kept in too-small cages injure themselves fighting the cage. Nose wounds and broken claws indicate that the iguana has been scratching at the cage walls or door or rubbing its nose along the glass or screen, trying to find a way out. Cages that are too small also limit the iguana's movement and climbing ability. Weakness in the muscles often results from lack of climbing exercise. If you cannot devote a lot of space to a large cage, or provide a lot of free roam space, then you need to consider getting a smaller pet.

A baby or juvenile iguana does not need a huge enclosure. In fact, a large aquarium makes a fine habitat for small iguanas. Be aware, however, that iguanas grow very quickly, and they will outgrow a large aquarium by the end of their first year. So, it is important that you plan ahead and have a large enclosure ready. In the meantime, the aquarium must have all the same things as the large enclosure: proper lighting, heating and humidity devices, and climbing materials.