Green Iguana Iguana Iguana Your Very Own Dinosaur!(Kinda) The Green Iguana or Iguana Iguana is probably the most widely known and kept lizard pet around. Originating from Central and South America, Iguanas prefer hot humid areas, with lots of branches and trees to climb. Commonly bought on impulse many fail to realize the adult size of an Iguana. They merely see a 6"-12" green lizard looking up at them, with a price tag of $5-$20. Iguanas require a cage in upwards of 6' or more, with expensive lighting and a lot of fresh vegetables. A cheap little lizard has turned into a time consuming, and expensive hobby, often taking up too much time and space for the owner to handle. On the other hand if you have the time, space, and money this may be the perfect choice for you. Almost like you have your very own dinosaur. Green Iguana-Iguana Iguana Origin-Central and South America Size-Up to 6' Temperment/Handling-Varies amongst individuals.  Hardiness-Pay attention to needs.  Many fail to realize at the time of purchase, the large cage and special lighting for iguanas.   Can live up to 15yrs. Housing-Baby Iguanas to even young iguanas may be kept in aquarium type enclosures, but as they grow, large, custom built cages will be necessary.  A good cage for an adult would be 6'x6'x4'. It is much cheaper to build your own cage, but they can be purchased as well.  I recommend a well ventilated, yet high humidity cage of some sort. Iguanas love to climb, so large branches should be provided for that and basking.  Newspaper or mulch is a good substrate.  Newspaper is cheap and easy to clean, but mulch looks much nicer. House iguanas seperately.  Enclosure maintenance-Papers should be changed as often as possible, removing fecal matter daily.  Mulch substrates can be changed once a month making sure to remove fecal (poop) matter daily every couple of days.  All cage items should be cleaned with a dilution of 1part bleach to 30parts water every few months making sure to thoroughly rinse.  Water should be changed daily.  Check all electrical devices as often as possible to help prevent fire hazards.  Lighting-Green Iguanas are diurnal, day lovers, that enjoy basking much of the day. Lights should be left on 13hrs a day in the summer months and 10hrs a day in the winter. A good basking light is essential to the health and well being of this species. Keep in mind the lizard should never be allowed to touch the bulb. This may cause severe burns and possibly death. Many brands are available, research for yourself to find out which one is best for you. Natural sunlight is best for Iguanas, but outdoor enclosures are not practical in most parts of the U.S.  So iggy's  kept indoors should have full spectrum lighting such as the ReptiSun5.0 , Iguana5.0 or ESU7%.  Both put off the best levels of UVA and UVB trying to mimic natural sunlight.  UVB produces vitiman/D3 which is important in the metabolizing of calcium and phosporous. It is also believed to help reverse the effects of Metabolic Bone Disease, a condition in which bones become weak and brittle making it difficult for the animal to eat and perform normal functions.  UVA helps Iguanas to act natural as in eating habits and mating. The bulb should be within 12" of the basking spot for the lizard to get the full effect.  Remember glass filters out the beneficial beams of the bulb. These bulbs loose effectiveness after about 6 months and should be replaced. Light is still produced, but the beneficial rays are reduced if not non-existant.  All lights should be on a timer so the lizard gets the same day/night cycle every day. Heat/Temp-The basking temp should be 95F. A good daytime temp should be about 75-85F.  Night time temps should be 72-75F. Temps should be slightly cooler in the winter time. Never allow the lizard to touch the bulb. Always allow a cooler end to help with thermo-regulation. A reptiles surroundings determine it's body temp, so they move from end to end as needed. Heating options include, under tank heaters covering about 1/2 to 1/3 the length of the tank, heat tape, or a basking bulb in a ceramic fixture over head. Never use hot rocks, they often concentrate extreme heat causing severe burns. Humidity/Water-Iguanas require very high humidity. Misting about 1-2 times a day. For larger cages a humidifier may be necessary.  A large water dish should available at all times, as well as a drip system. Iguanas get a lot of there liquids from the veggies they eat. Diet/Food-Iguanas are 100% vegetarians.  Many veggies are suitable for Iguanas.  Some of the best include dandelions (probably the best), collard, mustard, and turnip greens, kale, and other dark greens.  Many different types of veggies should be offered to help maintain a balanced diet.  Vegetables should be offered daily being sure not to cause obesity. It may be a good idea to leave veggies hanging from the top of the cage.  It allows the Iggy to get it's food more naturally, kind of like being in a tree. Sexing-Difficult to sex.  Other-Think before you buy! Disclaimer-Everything on this page is a matter of my personal opinion.  This care sheet is merely meant to help get you started.  Always do lots of other research and do what is in the best interest of you and your pet. Last Updated-01/20/03 Aaron Downing            ReptileAaron@aol.com  https://www.angelfire.com/me4/pets