Iguanas can be fascinating pets for reptile enthusiasts, although they come with their fair share of challenges. If you’re thinking about adopting an iguana, you might have many questions concerning their care requirements, expenses involved in keeping them, and time needed for their proper maintenance.
In this article, we’ll discuss everything you should consider while keeping an iguana as a pet, ranging from their dietary needs to suitable enclosures and the cost of supplies. Additionally, we’ll explore different types of iguanas commonly kept as pets and the reasons behind their popularity.
What Iguanas Can Be Kept As Pets?
Out of approximately 40 iguana species within the Iguanidae suborder, only a select few are suitable as pets. Some of the popular pet iguana species include:
- Green iguanas (including red and blue variations)
- Rhinoceros iguanas
- Desert iguanas
- Spiny-tailed iguanas
- Chuckwallas
These species are preferred as pets because of their relatively calm temperament and ability to thrive in captivity when provided with proper care. However, it is important to remember that all iguanas are large lizards, often growing to several feet in length. For instance, adult green iguanas can weigh between 15 to 20 pounds.
Due to their considerable size, pet iguanas require ample space in captivity. Even the smallest species on the list, the desert iguana, usually grows to over 15 inches in length, excluding the tail. So, ensuring that these reptiles have sufficient space is essential for their well-being.
What Do You Need For A Pet Iguana?
If you’re considering adopting a pet iguana, it’s essential to know what they need to thrive in captivity. Keep in mind that iguanas are not ideal pets for beginners or young children. They start small but grow rapidly, making them challenging to manage and look after long-term. Let’s explore some basics that your new scaly friend will need:
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A very large enclosure: Iguanas can’t live in typical glass enclosures from pet shops. While a 20 to 60-gallon enclosure might work for baby iguanas, they’ll soon need a custom-built enclosure or a dedicated room in your home. An adult green iguana’s enclosure should be at least 12 feet long, 6 feet wide, and 6 feet tall.
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Lighting and heating elements: Iguanas are cold-blooded and depend on their environment for temperature regulation. They’ll require basking bulbs and UVB lighting in captivity. Keep in mind that these can be expensive over time.
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Cage decorations: To make the enclosure more comfortable and natural for your iguana, provide branches, hides, sturdy platforms or ledges, and plants (real or artificial, depending on the species). Iguanas enjoy climbing and need enrichment in their enclosures.
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Substrate or bedding: To protect your iguana’s feet, provide a safe walking surface. Avoid loose substrates with small, indigestible particles like wood chips or gravel. Instead, use inexpensive options like paper towels, tile, linoleum, or coconut fiber.
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Plenty of food: Most iguana species are herbivorous, requiring a diet of fresh greens, vegetables, and fruits. Some varieties, like the rhinoceros iguana, are omnivorous and need feeder insects, which can be purchased from reptile breeders or pet shops. Adult iguanas typically eat one or two large meals each day.
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At least two dual thermometer/hygrometers: You must closely monitor temperature and humidity in your iguana’s enclosure to keep them healthy. Use at least two or three thermometer/hygrometers designed for reptile enclosures and adjust as needed.
These are just the basics to provide a happy and comfortable life for your iguana. Bear in mind that additional necessities like veterinary care will also be essential.
What Should You Feed A Pet Iguana?
As most iguana species are herbivorous, it’s essential to provide your pet iguana with a diet that mainly consists of fresh greens, vegetables, and fruits on a daily basis. For omnivorous iguanas, you can also include live insects in their meals.
To keep your pet iguana healthy and happy, their diet should include various components such as:
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A mix of dark leafy greens: These nutritious greens should be the primary part of your iguana’s diet in captivity. Excellent choices include collard, turnip, and dandelion greens, which are packed with nutrients and make up an ideal base for your iguana’s daily salads.
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A variety of safe, fresh vegetables: Adding an assortment of nutritious vegetables into your iguana’s diet is both healthy and delicious for them. Choices like bell peppers, squash types, carrots, asparagus, and green beans provide essential nutrients and flavors that iguanas love.
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A small portion of fresh fruit: Fruit should account for only about 15% of an iguana’s diet, as they contain high levels of oxalic acid. This acid can interfere with an iguana’s absorption of calcium and other minerals. So, although most iguana species enjoy the sweet taste of fruit, moderation is key for maintaining a healthy pet.
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(Optional) Fresh feeder insects: If you have an omnivorous iguana, such as a spiny-tailed or rhinoceros iguana, you’ll need to include insects like superworms, dubia roaches, hornworms, and crickets in their diet. Make sure to buy these insects from a reputable seller that breeds them in captivity, as wild insects may contain harmful diseases, parasites, or toxins.
In addition to providing a balanced diet for your pet iguana, never forget to supply them with fresh water and a calcium supplement to ensure proper hydration and strong bones. Vitamin D is also vital for their wellbeing and can be acquired through their diet or exposure to sunlight or suitable UVB lighting.
How Much Does A Pet Iguana Cost?
To determine if owning a pet iguana is feasible within your budget, it’s essential to consider the various expenses involved. The primary cost is, of course, the iguana itself. However, it’s crucial to have their enclosure and necessary supplies set up before purchasing the animal. Acquiring a pet iguana from a reputable breeder is the most budget-friendly option.
The price of baby iguanas varies greatly depending on the species. For instance, a green iguana or desert iguana can cost as low as $25 to $40, while chuckwallas and rhinoceros iguanas may be priced at $300+. Keep in mind that this initial cost is only the beginning.
The expenses for an iguana include their enclosure setup and ongoing care. Here’s a quick breakdown of some potential costs:
- Enclosure: $100 – $500+
- Lighting: $50 – $200+
- Heating: $20 – $100+
- Substrate: $10 – $50+
- Food: $20 – $50/month
- Vet care: Variable
Please note that these values are approximate, and actual costs can vary based on species, enclosure size, and other factors.
How Much Do Iguana Supplies Cost?
When it comes to iguana care, creating a suitable environment and providing essentials for your pet can greatly impact their well-being. To start with, you’ll need to choose the right enclosure, which can either be a custom-made option costing between $300 to $1,000 or one you build yourself for approximately $100 to $500 in materials.
Heating elements for your iguana’s enclosure are essential. Expect an initial cost of $40 to $80+ for heat bulbs, fixtures, and UVB bulbs. Additionally, you’ll need to budget for monthly recurring costs, as bulbs need to be replaced, approximately $30 to $50.
Interior elements of the enclosure, such as branches, platforms, ladders, hammocks, food, and water dishes, as well as plants, can range from $50 to $150. Live plants may need replacements over time, and some items might need replacing if your iguana damages them. It’s important to note that costs may vary depending on the specific species of your iguana.
In terms of diet, maintaining proper nutrition for your iguana involves providing fresh food, including fruits, vegetables, and insects, depending on their species. This can cost you around $50 to $100 each month for your iguana’s food.
It’s essential to have routine veterinary care for your iguana, including annual check-ups and potential treatment for health issues. It’s wise to keep $500 on hand for vet visits and any additional medical care required throughout your pet’s life.
In summary, ensuring proper care for your iguana involves various costs for their housing, heating, food, and medical care. By keeping these factors in mind and creating a comfortable and supportive environment for your pet, you’ll contribute to their overall well-being and happiness.