green iguana care - Noah's Ark Pets
Common Name: El Salvador Green-Blue lguana. Green lguana
Scientific Name: lguana iguana
Adult Size: 4' -5'
Distribution: Central and South America
Most iguanas will become tame with handling. You should separate males to avoid territorial
disputes.
Housing: Select the largest enclosure you can for your new pet. A good rule of thumb to
determine minimum housing size is at least 2 times the length of the animal. Remember that
green iguanas can grow over 5 feet in length! Suitable substrates for you iguana's home include
reptile carpet, reptile bark or shredded coconut husks. Iguanas are arboreal, so they should be
provided with climbing branches.
Temperature: Iguanas are indigenous to tropical climates; therefore, it's crucial that they be
provided a temperature range of 80-90°F during the day and in the mid 70's°F at night and a
basking spot of 95-100°F. This is necessary for the iguana's metabolism and immune system to
function properly. There are several methods for establishing the proper temperature range for
your reptile. You can use an incandescent light bulb with reflectors to heat the aquarium during
the day and an under tank heat mat to help regulate the temperature 24 hours a day. Never place
lights inside the enclosure where your reptile could come in contact with them and get burned.
When using spotlights for 24 hour heat use red, night bulbs or a ceramic heating element to
maintain day / night light cycle. Always use a thermometer to ensure proper temperature range is
maintained.
Food: Iguanas are vegetarians. Provide your iguana with a balanced diet that includes
commercial iguana diet, vegetables and fruits. Fruits should not constitute more than 15% of the
diet. Always offer a diverse selection of greens, including romaine lettuce, mustard and
collared greens, parsley and other leafy greens. NOTE: AVOID FEEDING YOU IGUANA ICEBERG LETTUCE!
It has little or no nutritional value. DO NOT FEED SPINICH, CABBAGE, OR KALE! These greens
block the absorption of calcium.
Water: Always provide your iguana with fresh, clean water. The water should be no deeper than
1/2 the height of the animal. This will help prevent accidental drowning. Also, iguanas will
often use their water bowls as a bathroom. Check their water bowl daily and change it when
necessary. They should also be kept at moderate to high levels of humidity.
Lighting: Full-Spectrum lighting that emits UVB is a must for captive reptiles. Reptiles depend
on ultra-violet light to synthesize vitamin D3, which regulates calcium absorption in the
intestine. The light should be positioned less than 18" from your pet for maximum effect. Glass
blocks ultraviolet light and should never be used as an enclosure top. A 12- hour day/ night
lighting cycle is a good start for your pet reptile. Using a timer is the best way to ensure that
the proper amount of light is received.
NOTE: This care sheet is a general guide, to learn more about your pet consult a book about it.
