Animal Care
Associates, Inc
840 Oakwood Road
Charleston, WV 25314
304-344-2244
Iguana Environment
Visual Security
A hiding
place into which a captive iguana can retreat and be free from constant visual
scrutiny should be provided. Visual security can be provided by supplying
cardboard rolls (from toilet paper or paper towels) for small iguanas or
cardboard boxes for large iguanas. Optimal visual security can be provided,
however, by strategic placement of artificial plants. Because iguanas like to
climb and bask, some of the branches and artificial plants provided should be
arranged to allow this activity above the floor of the enclosure. Silk
artificial plants are visually pleasing and easy to clean and maintain, and also
withstand the use of disinfectants.
Heat Source
All reptiles require a warm environmental
temperature to raise their body temperature and increase their metabolic rate
and activity level. The optimal environmental temperature to provide for
captive iguanas in their enclosures is between 85 degrees and 103 degrees F.
In the wild, reptiles bask in direct sunlight. A source of heat should be provided for your pet. A heat lamp placed above the enclosure or a heating pad under an aquarium are two options. Any heat source should be well shielded. Care must be also be taken to ensure the appliance is functioning properly. Malfunctioning and un-shielded heat sources can cause serious burns.
Sunlight &
Artificial Sunlight
Captive reptiles rarely receive
adequate exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, especially when they are housed
indoors. Captive reptiles, especially iguanas, must receive direct sunlight to
benefit from its UV component. Ultraviolet light is necessary to properly absorb
dietary calcium.
Window glass and plastic filter UV light. Consequently,
reptiles must be housed in screened or wire enclosures during the time they are
to be exposed to direct sunlight. Also, a shaded area must be provided so the
iguana can avoid heat stroke from overexposure to sunlight.
An alternative to direct sunlight for reptiles housed indoors is an artificial UV light source, such as Vitalite. To approximate a natural photoperiod, it is best to supply 10-12 hours of light supplied in the spring and gradual decrease in the number of hours provided in the fall and winter months.
Water
Water can be made available to captive iguanas in a variety of ways. A
standing water source, such as a filled ceramic dish, can be available for
bathing and drinking. Spraying water on artificial plants and allowing the
iguana to lap up this moisture is another suitable strategy.
The bathtub is a wonderful and practical recreational area for a pet iguana. Swimming is great fun to observe and provides excellent exercise for the iguana. The tub is also a practical, relatively escape proof "holding area" for the iguana while its enclosure is being cleaned. The tub should be filled so that its shallowest portion allow for submersion of about 2/3 of the iguana's body. The water should be warm and of a temperature comfortable for a human bather. Iguanas may be allowed to occasionally swim in chlorinated swimming pools as long as the activity is closely supervised and the iguana is thoroughly rinsed off with fresh water afterwards.
Cage
Mates
A cage mate for an iguana is not advisable.
Iguanas are not particularly sociable animals and are quite territorial. The
addition of a cage mate invites unnecessary aggression and fighting.
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