How To Care For Iguana
A useful aid for anyone who is going to raise a new iguana, it provides useful information on food, cages, and care for these reptiles
Are you tired of cats and dogs? Maybe a more exotic pet is what you need. Although they won't cuddle or purr, an iguana will provide unlimited entertainment if raised well. It is like owning your own miniature dinosaur. Hopefully, if you decide to take the scaly road these simple steps will allow your new green friend to live a long healthy life.
First of all you need a cage for you new reptile. Naturally the store bought cages are convenient, however they can be expensive. I suggest the do it yourself method. All you will need is wood, screening, lighting, and some creativity. The greatest consideration will be the size of your cage because within three years your iguana will reach its full-grown size. This can be as long as six feet, so the cage must be roomy. You will also want to make the bottom easily accessible so food and water can be changed frequently. Most important is that you include UV lighting, which provides fake sunlight for your pet. Without this light the iguana is unable to digest food and will never become full-grown. You can buy these lights at your local pet stores, but everything else will be at a hardware store.
You will also want to buy a heating source for the cage; this can be a heat rock or a red heat lamp. If you decide to use a lamp make sure the iguana does not come within a foot of it, iguanas are very attracted to heat and if they stay to close to the lamp they will be burned. For a final touch you should fill the cage with some sticks. These you don't need to buy, your local forest has a large supply. Make sure you wash each stick before placing it in the cage though.
For a food supply you should use a variety of greens found at your grocery store. Never use iceberg lettuce, the iguanas find it very delicious but it has very little nutrients. Romaine lettuce provides a great start for an iguana diet. Other than this mix in a variety of fruits and vegetables. However, avoid acidic fruits such as oranges; these will harm your pet. Water must always be present in the cage and it must be cleaned frequently because iguanas tend to dirty their water a lot. You may even want to put some mulch or fake grass on the bottom of the cage to make it seem more like the tropics.
Congratulations you have set up an excellent iguana care facility. Remember when you get your new pet leave them alone for a week or so to adjust to the cage and feeding times. Soon after you can begin handling your pet. Don't be discouraged if they bite at first, you must remember to stay strong so the iguana can see who is in charge. On top of all of this you must not forget like any pet, your iguana may need special care and you have to locate a veterinarian that can handle reptiles. It is also a good idea to get yearly check ups. Soon, with proper care and love you will be taking your new iguana for walks outside to show off all of your hard work and dedication.