Iguana pets are so entertaining and interesting to own. They are terrific companions if properly trained and if you socialize with them on a regular basis. Iguana care is a bit more complicated than with some other types of pets, but not so much that it should prevent you from having an iguana if you want one.
The key is to be prepared upfront and know what will be required of you to properly care for your iguana pets.
What to know before you get an iguana?
Iguanas are tropical animals and require a tropical climate. How this affects you as an iguana owner depends partly on where you live.
In colder climates, a bit more care must be taken when building your iguana’s enclosure, or cage, so that you can maintain the proper temperature at all times. This can be controlled with heat, light, and components of the iguana structure itself.
Iguana diet is something else you will need to learn about. Many people just automatically assume that iguanas eat meat. They are not carnivorous lizards; iguanas are herbivores and eat greens, vegetables, and fruit. Do not assume that means they eat ANY green, vegetable, or fruit.
You will need to study up on what your iguana should and should not be fed. Just a bit of initial knowledge on proper iguana diet, and you’ll have iguana nutrition down pat.
If you have other pets, there are some other things you need to consider. Don’t assume that you can add just any animal into your iguana’s enclosure to share living space. Just because you have another reptile does not mean you can automatically put any two reptiles together.
Different reptiles have different requirements. Some animals are predators of iguanas, so be sure to consider everything before assuming you can combine your other pets in the same enclosure with your pet iguana.
Things to Look for When Choosing an Iguana
Iguana’s Health
When choosing your iguana, look for signs of a healthy animal. Look for an alert, attentive iguana. Evaluate his surroundings: is his enclosure clean? Does he have adequate food and water? Does it appear that the proper tropical conditions are being met? Just do some simple visual assessment of the conditions the iguana is currently, and most likely has been, living in.
Physical Appearance
Next, give the iguanas a really good onceover. Are they dirty? Do they have cuts or sores? Do they have mites? Are their eyes clear and alert? While you can treat and or cure some less than desirable conditions, as a new iguana owner you will have a far improved experience if you start out with a healthy iguana.
As you are judging the living conditions of the iguana at the pet store, think really hard about the commitment you are making. You will need to provide clean and proper living conditions yourself once you take the animal home. You will have to clean the cage or enclosure regularly, not just when you feel like it.
Conclusion
Iguana pets are very enjoyable to watch and study. If you are fully prepared and committed to giving an iguana a humane, properly maintained, and safe place to live, then by all means consider an iguana as a pet. Iguana ownership can be a very rewarding experience if you do it right.
