The green iguana, a reptile well-known to many, attracts attention with its majestic appearance and fully plant-based diet.
This article will guide you on how to care for this fascinating and rather sizable lizard at home. Green iguanas are the largest members of their family, with a total length (including the tail) reaching 1.5-2 meters and an average weight of 1.5-4 kg.
Appearance and Habitat
The coloration of iguanas largely depends on their age and habitat. In pet stores, you may find iguanas in shades of blue, red, green, and even yellow.
Green iguanas are native to Central and South America, with their natural range spanning from Mexico to Brazil and Paraguay, as well as the Caribbean islands. They inhabit diverse ecosystems, including dense, humid, and semi-humid tropical forests, dry mangroves, and open coastal areas.
Active during daylight hours, iguanas spend their time basking in the sun on tree branches. They are excellent climbers and adept swimmers, propelling themselves through water with serpentine movements of their tails.
Housing Requirements
Green iguanas, like any reptile, require a terrarium. For a young or juvenile iguana, a vertical terrarium measuring at least 45 x 45 x 90 cm is suitable. For adults, a much larger terrarium (3-4 times bigger) is necessary.
Equip the terrarium with heating lamps. Position a heat lamp above a branch or perch where the iguana will bask, maintaining a temperature of 35-38°C (95-100°F) at the warmest spot. The coolest corner should not drop below 24°C (75°F). Ensure lamps are installed outside the terrarium to prevent burns. Use a thermometer to monitor temperatures. At night, additional heating is not required if temperatures remain above 18°C (64°F).
Substrate and Decorations
A wood-based substrate works well for maintaining humidity and allows the iguana to dig. Furnish the space with sturdy branches, vines, and live or artificial plants for climbing and hiding.
Lighting
Provide full-spectrum lighting, including daylight and ultraviolet (UV) lamps. UV light is critical for the production of vitamin D and calcium absorption, preventing diseases. Lights should operate 12-14 hours a day, with optional dim night lighting to reduce stress caused by abrupt darkness.
Humidity and Watering
Maintain terrarium humidity at 70-90% by misting several times daily with distilled or osmotic water to avoid mineral deposits on surfaces. Automated misting systems are a convenient alternative. Provide a spacious water dish for bathing, and ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. A hygrometer is essential for humidity control.
Diet and Feeding
Green iguanas are strictly herbivorous. Adult iguanas eat once a day, while juveniles require multiple feedings. Their diet should consist primarily of salads and greens such as dandelions, clover, alfalfa, spinach, sprouts, and leafy tops of beets, radishes, or pumpkins. Complement their diet with finely chopped or grated vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or carrots.
Offer fruits and berries (e.g., apples, pears, peaches, strawberries, currants) several times a week. For young iguanas, provide protein-rich plant foods like green beans or pea pods. Add specialized reptile supplements, vitamins, and calcium to their meals.
Serve food during the day, ensuring the iguana has time to bask and digest. Remove uneaten food within an hour to prevent spoilage. Food should be at room temperature—never cold or frozen.
Introduce new foods gradually, as iguanas can be picky eaters. Consistently offer variety to encourage them to try unfamiliar items.
Reproduction
Green iguanas reach sexual maturity at 3-4 years old. Mating season begins in January or February. During courtship, males exhibit aggression toward rivals and gently nip the necks of females. Pregnancy lasts about 65 days, during which females experience reduced appetite. Pregnant iguanas require extra minerals and nutrients for healthy egg development.
In the final week before laying eggs, females become restless, digging and searching for cool, dark, moist spots. Provide a thick layer of loose substrate in the terrarium for them to create a nest. Egg-laying may take up to a week. The eggs should then be transferred to an incubator with a specialized substrate to maintain moisture and prevent mold. Incubation lasts approximately 70 days.
Health and Lifespan
In the wild, green iguanas live around 8 years, while in captivity, they can live 15-20 years with proper care. Iguanas are typically housed alone due to their territorial nature and potential for aggression.
Common Health Issues
Iguanas are generally healthy if kept in optimal conditions. However, they may encounter issues such as:
- Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD): Caused by insufficient UV lighting or dietary calcium.
- Dehydration: Prevented by maintaining humidity and access to water.
- Burns: Avoided by positioning heat lamps outside the terrarium.
By creating the ideal environment, providing a balanced diet, and maintaining cleanliness, your iguana will thrive and become a fascinating companion for years to come.