There are a lot of people who seem to adore iguanas who end up buying baby iguanas based on a spur-of-the- moment decision. But then when these iguanas grow larger than what they had expected at first, don't know what to do with them or who to give them to. It's important to realize that if iguanas are given the utmost care, they are likely to grow really large, in fact, even larger than their containers. So if you do intend to keep an iguana as a pet, it is essential to know the basics of iguana care.

Selection of an Iguana

If you intend to pick an iguana to be your pet, it is important to get an iguana that looks active and alert. But make sure that your choice will also be calm, especially when you try sticking your hand into its tank. The iguana of your choice must possess bright and clear eyes, must be free from any sort of abrasion, sores, scratches and any form of marks, and should be in good health. Ensure also that the iguana that you buy is not covered with feces that signify a dirty environment which means the presence of bacteria and the possible outbreak of a disease that can harm the health of the iguana.

Housing Your Iguana

Depending on the size of your new pet, to start with, an iguana can be kept in a tank that measures from about 30 to 50 gallons. But it will be necessary to get a custom-built cage. It is important that the cage should have high sides since iguanas love to jump around. The cage bottom cover is also another important consideration. The cover can be orchid bark, indoor or outdoor carpeting, artificial turf, newspaper or alfalfa pellets. Remember that wood chips or barks are unadvisable, as they tend to attract insects and termites, while cedar chips can be toxic.

It is best to set up some branches to allow your iguanas to climb. Note that they are tree-dwelling lizards. The branches must be able to hold the size of your pet iguana.

Heating Techniques

Iguanas should be kept warm so that proper digestion of their food is promoted. This will also save them from diseases. A good thermometer must be placed inside the tank to monitor its temperature. There should be a basking spot that has a temperature of between 95-100F degrees. One of the best heat sources that you can opt for is a spotlight. Other options include under-tank heaters, heat tape or ceramic lights. Some recovering iguanas will need warmer temperatures especially at night. Hot rocks are not recommended as a substitute for tank heating.

The Feeding Scheme

It is important to be very careful with the food that you feed your iguanas. Green iguanas are plant-eaters. Any kind of animal protein should not be fed to them… they may like pizza and junk food treats, but these foods will do them no good and will subject them to kidney failure. Vegetables must be given to them in small quantities, but spinach is a no-no!.

The right diet for iguanas includes foods that contain a high content of calcium, vitamin D3 and are low in phosphorous. Commercial iguana food can also be made part of their diet.