Green Iguana Care (Lizards)
Lizard
Housing
Normally, adult Iguanas can grow to 5-6 feet and thus should be
housed in a larger cage. Tall cages or optimal for this type of
lizard as they are tree-dwelling and consequently would prefer
to be as high from the ground as possible. It is very important
to sterilize all branches that will be placed in the enclosure
with a mild bleach solution. The relative humidity level of the
enclosure should be kept at approximately 70-75%, and this can
be obtained by misting the enclosure a couple times daily.
Although many people feel that their Iguana could safely roam
around the house, the opposite is generally true. Not only do
you run the risk of your lizard knocking
over it's heat lamp and starting a fire, it is also common for
large amounts of damage to be done to furniture, carpet, wiring,
etc.
Green Iguana
Heating
Reptiles in general are Ectothermic which means that they do not
produce their own body heat. Thus, reptiles must be given a
combination of both warmer and cooler areas in their enclosure.
This will allow them to choose their own temperature. Proper
heating is vital to a lizards survival, as it allows for a
healthy immune system and proper digestion.
Lizard
Lighting
"Full Spectrum Lighting" is vital to a lizards survival.
When selecting a light source ensure that it provides ample UVB
rays. For Iguanas this is particularly necessary. The most
optimal lightingconditions would provide natural sunlight to the
Iguanas.
This however is normally not practical as even a standard window
can filter out the beneficial UVB rays.