Note the word "giant," as these iguanas will grow! Many would-be iguana owners are surprised at the size that these reptiles can turn into in their adult years. You may buy a little pet along with some cute accessories only to find out later on that those things are not appropriate for your pet any more. They may be small initially, but they can grow to their maximum size if you know how to care for them properly.

Now, how do you do that?

You can start off by choosing the healthiest iguana you can find. Observe if the iguana seems active and alert. Check out their heads, bodies and limbs. They should be round and without any signs of scratches, bumps or lumps.

The difference between a healthy and a not-so-healthy iguana can be seen by their movements. A healthy one does not sit around nor remain in one place. You will find them moving around in their cages as if curious about what is happening around them. Their eyes will appear round. Their tongues should also flick in and out while moving about. You should not make the mistake of selecting one that appears to be calm because you think that it can be more easily taken care of. Another mistake is choosing one that appears sickly because you pity the reptile. These are sure signs that the iguana is not really healthy at all. You might end up regretting your decision later on.

The next step is giving it a suitable and comfortable home. The aquarium that you need to buy will depend upon how small or grown up your pet is already. Smaller iguanas require 10 to 20 gallon aquariums.

The best thing to do is have a custom-made cage built. It will prevent you from shifting to one cage after another once the iguana starts growing. It does not matter if you think that the cage is too large for your pet now. Eventually, it will grow bigger and will need more room to move around.

The kind of diet that you give your iguana will determine how healthy or unhealthy it will be. Iguanas in their juvenile years should be fed every day, while those in their mature years can be fed every two days. Even though iguanas are carnivorous, the best foods to give them are green leafy vegetables. These will ensure that they maintain a healthy and balanced diet. You would do well to pay attention to the kind of diet you give your pet so that it will not turn out fat, obese and lazy.

Female iguanas have a tendency not to eat the food you give them. This may be because they are in their egg-development stage. Once this stage has passed, they will get their appetite back. Just be patient in free feeding them so they do not become thin and unenergetic.

Having a healthy iguana is just a matter of taking the necessary steps. If you want your giant green iguana to live for years, take the time to consider every aspect needed in their growth.