How to Care for a Green Iguana Hatchling

Before you even think on getting a Green Iguana as a pet, you need to consider that even if it looks all cute and small, it wont be like that forever. The males can grow up to 3'0 feet (sometimes even more) and females up to 2'9 feet. They need big spaces to live on, with climbing stops such as trees. And a warm and humid environment. Food almost twice a week.

[edit] Steps

  1. Get appropriate housing. It is recommended to have a large aquarium, at least 2'4 feet long, 1'5 feet tall and 1'2 feet width. As they get larger your cage sizes should change accordingly. Your iguana will continue to grow reguardless of its cage size. Remember that height is most important but dont get a telephone booth shaped cage. Your iguana should be able to lay flat without being cramped.
  2. Provide water. Iguanas are a tropical reptile and therefore require a high humidity in order to shed properly and be over all more healthy. The Habba Automatic Misting Machine is a great mister than you can use from hatchling to adult! Dont forget the water dish!
  3. Make sure they have enough places to hide and climb, iguanas on they natural environment like to rest on big tree branch.
  4. Remember you will need to provide enough heat in order for them to digest the food. They are cold blooded reptiles and can not properly digest their food. They should always have a basking spot which should be kept in the mid 90's. Heat rocks are NOT acceptable as the heat can not be regulated and may cause burns on the underside of your iguana. Without the proper heat source, your iguana WILL die.


[edit] Tips

  • Before you ever consider getting a pet iguana, make sure you can comply with their needs.
  • Keep in mind that the amount of food will change, and it will depend on the size of the animal.
  • It is always recommended to keep food on the fridge or fresh vegetables to feed them.
  • They will need food with a lot of calcium on it. Like carrots or vitamin supplements that do not contain B12, as this may be harmful to your iguana.
  • Read, read, read!! As credible as wikiHow can be, you need to pick up books and have as much information as possible. Iguanas are not the easiest animal to maintain and not sources will say the same thing. Decide what is best for your new pet.


[edit] Warnings

  • Keep the iguanas away from other animals, such as cats and dogs, barking dogs will scare the iguanas and they will act crazy and hyper.
  • Make sure all of the food you gave to them, does not contain toxic chemicals like insecticides.
  • Your iguana should have a regular yearly vet visit to insure that it is healthy and to spot any problems before they become too serious.
  • If you live on a really cold weather it will be to hard to maintain this species, check the annual temperature in your area.
  • Without the proper amount of calcium, a healthy diet of greens, and proper UVB lamp; your iguana can develop MBD (Metibolic Bone Disorder) which can and will kill your iguana.
  • Light through a window is NOT a source of UVB.
  • Green iguanas are vegetarians and should not be given meat. More experienced owners do not give meat to their green iguanas at any stage of their life.


[edit]Main Diet

  • Collard Greens
  • Dandelion Greens
  • Turnip Greens
  • Kale
  • Watercress
  • Thinly sliced cucumber


[edit]Random mixture Addins

  • Arugula
  • Green Beans
  • Watermelon
  • Melon
  • Carrots
  • Zuccini
  • Berries


Meats and insects should NEVER be a part of your iguanas diet as they have been proven to cause aggression. Green iguanas are happier as vegetarians.

Nearly all iguanas require calcium, or they'll have weak jaws. Try to find a calcium powder in a reptile shop.


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