Iguana Care Guide

Iguanas are large, impressive reptiles that can make fascinating companions for dedicated, experienced keepers. However, they are among the most challenging reptile pets, requiring extensive space, specialized care, and long-term commitment. Adult iguanas are powerful animals that demand respect and expert husbandry.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about iguana care and should not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult with a qualified reptile veterinarian for specific health concerns or medical guidance. Check local and state laws regarding iguana ownership as they may be restricted in some areas and require permits.

About Pet Iguanas

The Green Iguana (Iguana iguana) is the most common pet iguana species. Native to Central and South America, these large herbivorous lizards are impressive but demanding pets that require expert-level care and significant resources.

Key Characteristics

• Size: 4-6 feet total length, 10-20+ pounds
• Lifespan: 15-20+ years with proper care
• Activity: Diurnal, highly active during the day
• Behavior: Can be territorial and defensive, especially males
• Growth: Rapid growth in first few years, continue growing throughout life
• Strength: Powerful tail, strong claws, can inflict serious injuries

Natural Behaviors

Territorial nature:

• Dominance displays: Head bobbing, dewlap extension, color changes
• Territorial marking: Scent marking and aggressive posturing
• Breeding season aggression: Increased aggression during breeding season
• Hierarchy establishment: Natural dominance behaviors

Physical capabilities:

• Excellent swimmers: Strong swimmers, often found near water
• Climbing abilities: Powerful climbers with sharp claws
• Tail whipping: Use tail as defensive weapon
• Color changes: Can change color based on temperature and mood

Housing Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum enclosure sizes:

• Adults: 12’ x 6’ x 6’ minimum (custom enclosures usually required)
• Juveniles: 75-125 gallon tanks, but rapid upgrades needed
• Outdoor enclosures: Often preferred in suitable climates
• Room conversion: Many keepers dedicate entire rooms to adult iguanas

Essential features:

• Climbing structures: Strong branches, platforms at various heights
• Basking areas: Multiple basking spots with different temperatures
• Swimming area: Large water feature for swimming and soaking
• Secure barriers: Escape-proof with consideration for iguana strength

Environmental Controls

Temperature requirements:

• Basking spot: 95-100°F surface temperature
• Ambient warm side: 85-90°F
• Cool side: 75-80°F
• Nighttime: 70-75°F drop

UVB lighting (absolutely critical):

• UVB strength: 10.0-12.0 high-output UVB bulbs
• Coverage: UVB should cover large portion of enclosure
• Distance: 12-24 inches from basking spots
• Duration: 12-14 hours daily
• Replacement: Every 6-12 months regardless of appearance

Humidity management:

• Humidity levels: 60-80% relative humidity
• Water features: Large water areas help maintain humidity
• Ventilation: Good airflow prevents mold and bacteria
• Monitoring: Multiple hygrometers throughout enclosure

Substrate and Safety

Appropriate substrates:

• Newspaper: Safe, easy to clean, economical
• Reptile carpet: Reusable, provides good traction
• Cypress mulch: Natural option, good humidity retention
• Soil/sand mix: For naturalistic outdoor enclosures

Safety considerations:

• Structural strength: Enclosure must withstand iguana strength
• No small particles: Avoid substrates that could cause impaction
• Electrical safety: Protect all electrical equipment from water
• Sharp edges: Remove any potential injury hazards

Feeding and Nutrition

Herbivorous Diet Requirements

Strict herbivore:

• No animal protein: Iguanas cannot properly digest meat
• Plant-based only: Vegetables, fruits, and appropriate plants
• Calcium focus: High-calcium foods essential for bone health
• Variety important: Diverse plant diet provides complete nutrition

Daily Diet Composition

Primary foods (80-90% of diet):

• Dark leafy greens: Collard greens, mustard greens, dandelion greens
• Squash varieties: Butternut, acorn, yellow squash
• Green vegetables: Green beans, peas, broccoli (limited)
• Calcium-rich vegetables: Turnip greens, bok choy

Occasional foods (10-20% of diet):

• Fruits: Papaya, mango, berries, melon (small amounts)
• Flowers: Hibiscus, dandelion, squash blossoms
• Other vegetables: Bell peppers, carrots, sweet potato

Foods to Avoid

❌ Never feed these foods:

• Any animal protein (meat, insects, eggs)
• Avocado (toxic)
• Rhubarb (toxic)
• Iceberg lettuce (no nutritional value)
• Spinach (binds calcium)
• High-oxalate foods in large quantities

Feeding Guidelines

Feeding schedule:

• Daily feeding: Adults should be fed daily
• Morning feeding: Best fed in morning when alert
• Fresh food: Remove uneaten food after 4-6 hours
• Variety rotation: Offer different foods daily

Supplementation:

• Calcium powder: Dust food with calcium 3-4 times weekly
• Vitamin D3: Once weekly if UVB lighting is adequate
• Multivitamin: Weekly supplementation
• Proper UVB: Reduces need for D3 supplementation

Health and Veterinary Care

Finding Qualified Care

Reptile specialists required:

• Large reptile experience: Specific iguana knowledge essential
• Emergency capabilities: Ability to handle large, potentially aggressive reptiles
• Surgical facilities: Equipped for major procedures on large reptiles
• Anesthesia expertise: Experience with large reptile anesthesia

Common Health Issues

Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD):

• Symptoms: Soft bones, fractures, paralysis, twitching
• Causes: Inadequate UVB, calcium deficiency, poor diet
• Treatment: Immediate veterinary care, improved husbandry
• Prevention: Proper UVB lighting and calcium supplementation

Kidney disease:

• Symptoms: Weight loss, dehydration, increased drinking
• Causes: Poor diet, inadequate water, genetic factors
• Treatment: Supportive care, diet modification, medications
• Prevention: Proper hydration, appropriate diet

Reproductive issues:

• Egg binding: Females can develop serious egg retention
• Breeding aggression: Males become extremely aggressive during breeding season
• Ovarian cysts: Common in older females
• Spaying consideration: Preventive spaying often recommended

Injuries:

• Thermal burns: From improper heating equipment
• Traumatic injuries: Falls, cage injuries, bite wounds
• Tail injuries: Tail tip necrosis, traumatic amputations
• Bite wounds: From inadequate handling or territorial disputes

Signs of Health

✅ Healthy iguanas display:

• Alert, bright eyes
• Good appetite and regular feeding
• Strong, coordinated movement
• Regular defecation and urination
• Active basking behavior
• Proper color and skin condition

Warning Signs

🚨 Seek veterinary care for:

• Lethargy or lack of response
• Loss of appetite for more than a few days
• Difficulty breathing or mouth breathing
• Swelling or lumps anywhere on body
• Difficulty moving or paralysis
• Abnormal coloration or skin changes

Handling and Behavior Management

Safe Handling Techniques

Proper restraint:

• Support body weight: Use both arms to support body
• Control head: Gently control head to prevent biting
• Secure tail: Support and control powerful tail
• Confident approach: Nervous handling increases iguana stress

Safety considerations:

• Protective equipment: Consider gloves and long sleeves
• Multiple people: Large adults may require two handlers
• Escape prevention: Ensure secure doors and barriers
• First aid preparation: Know how to treat scratches and bites

Understanding Iguana Behavior

Defensive behaviors:

• Head bobbing: Territorial or dominance display
• Dewlap extension: Threat display
• Tail whipping: Powerful defensive weapon
• Biting: Can inflict serious wounds with powerful jaws

Stress indicators:

• Dark coloration: Stress-related color changes
• Hiding: Excessive hiding or withdrawal
• Aggressive posturing: Constant defensive positioning
• Loss of appetite: Stress-induced eating problems

Building Positive Relationships

Trust development:

• Consistent routine: Regular feeding and care schedules
• Respect boundaries: Learn individual iguana’s preferences
• Positive associations: Associate handling with pleasant experiences
• Patience: Trust building takes time with adult iguanas

Breeding Considerations

Advanced Keeper Activity Only

Prerequisites:

• Years of experience: Should have extensive iguana keeping experience
• Exceptional facilities: Large, specialized breeding setups required
• Veterinary support: Access to reproductive specialists
• Market planning: Very limited market for baby iguanas

Breeding Challenges

Complex requirements:

• Seasonal cycling: Temperature and lighting manipulation required
• Aggression management: Dangerous breeding season behaviors
• Egg incubation: 60-90 day incubation periods
• Neonatal care: Intensive care for baby iguanas

Serious risks:

• Female mortality: Egg binding and reproductive complications
• Injury risk: Aggressive males can seriously injure females
• Offspring management: 20-40 babies requiring individual care
• Long-term commitment: Finding homes for large numbers of iguanas

Long-term Commitment Considerations

Lifespan and Growth

15-20+ year commitment:

• Rapid initial growth: From babies to 4+ feet in 3-4 years
• Adult size maintenance: Large adults require permanent large setups
• Behavioral changes: Personality and aggression can change with age
• Increasing care needs: Older iguanas may need more intensive care

Lifestyle Impact

Daily requirements:

• Feeding preparation: Daily fresh food preparation
• Large cleanup: Significant cleaning requirements
• Environmental maintenance: Multiple systems to monitor and maintain
• Safety considerations: Household safety with large reptile

Long-term costs:

• Facility construction: Custom enclosures often cost thousands
• Utility costs: Heating and lighting large enclosures
• Veterinary expenses: Specialized care is expensive
• Food costs: Large quantities of fresh vegetables daily

Alternative Considerations

Before getting an iguana:

• Visit iguana rescues: Understand the reality of adult iguana care
• Consider other reptiles: Many reptiles easier to manage long-term
• Evaluate resources: Honestly assess ability to provide proper care
• Plan for worst case: What happens if you can no longer care for iguana?

Iguana Rescue and Adoption

Adoption Considerations

Benefits of adoption:

• Save a life: Many iguanas need new homes
• Known personality: Adult iguanas have established temperaments
• Support available: Rescue organizations provide ongoing support
• Realistic expectations: See actual size and care requirements

Adoption preparation:

• Facility ready: Complete setup before bringing iguana home
• Veterinary plan: Establish care with qualified veterinarian
• Long-term planning: Ensure ability to provide lifetime care
• Family agreement: All household members must agree to iguana presence

Remember: Iguanas are among the most challenging reptile pets, requiring expert-level care, significant resources, and long-term commitment. They are not suitable for beginner reptile keepers and should only be considered by those with extensive reptile experience and the ability to provide proper facilities throughout the iguana’s potentially 20+ year lifespan. While they can be impressive and rewarding companions for the right keeper, they demand respect, proper facilities, and expert husbandry to thrive in captivity.