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"Iguanas are very trendy these days. You see
them in cigar bars with movie stars."
- Paul Lieberstein in Pretty,
Pretty Dresses
PLEASE NOTE: Captive iguanas are highly stressed often because they are not provided with the proper
environments. PBC does not recommend iguanas as pets but rather suggests that they be left to remain the wild where
they can attend to their own needs. If you decide to have an iguana, adopt one who already finds him/her self in dire
circumstances and provide him/her with an appropriate home.
LIFE SPAN:
25 years maximum; average captive life span 7 years.
ACTIVITY LEVEL: Iguanas spend much of their time lounging
but they also like to climb, dig, hide, and topple things over. Iguanas can walk at a casual stroll, with
a focused goal in mind, or run fast.
SOCIAL PATTERNS: In the wild, iguanas
are found in groups. However, they are not social animals in the same way that cats and dogs are social animals.
They get together only at certain times and for specific reasons, to breed, establish territory, and in the case of smaller
iguanas, seek safety in numbers.
To tame and socialize an iguana, you will need to work with him/her daily
for about one year. To remain tame, your iguana will need regular reinforcement.
NORMAL PHYSIOLOGICAL & BEHAVIORAL CHARACTERISTICS:
The maximum total length of the adult iguana is 5-6 feet. They weigh between 15-18 pounds. They reach sexual maturity
between 2-4 years of age. Diet, water, and humidity, gradients of warm temperatures, and access to high quality ultra-violet-B
light are the most important factors in keeping an iguana healthy.
Iguanas are herbivores.
About 60-80% of their diet should consist of calcium rich greens; 10-20% of other vegetables; a fiber source such as chopped
alfalfa hay; about 10% fruit; occasional treats. Mature iguanas are fed every day or every other day. Younger
iguanas and hatchlings are fed more frequently. All food should be washed, chopped into bite sized pieces and served
at room temperature or slightly warmer.
To stay healthy, iguanas need
a large shallow bowl of water for swimming and drinking. Some iguanas defecate only in water so the water must
be changed daily and after each defecation. They also need exposure to ultraviolet B light or a dietary
source of vitamin D3. Temperatures of less than 75° F and greater than 105° F are to be avoided. Temperature gradients
of 85-90 F and a hot spot of 95°-105° F in one corner should be provided during the daytime and a gradient of 75°-80°
F during the night.
Mostly all iguanas are infected
with salmonella bacteria so they require good hand washing and infection control procedures. They are unsuitable pets
for young children and anyone with a compromised immune system.
Iguanas are tropical arboreal
(they live in trees) lizards. They like to be up high and bask in temperatures of 88-95 degrees F for prolonged periods
of the day. Adult iguanas vary in temperament. They may not mix well with other pets and have been known to attack
and intimate animals much larger than themselves, including humans.
SPAY/NEUTER INFO: not applicable.
MOST COMMON PROBLEMS: Seasonal aggression
after they reach maturity at around three feet. Both males and females can become dangerous because of biting, scratching,
and tail lashing. They are very high maintenance and generate costly vet bills.
VET CARE: Iguanas need to be seen by a veterinarian specializing in reptiles (a "herp"
vet). Besides being seen for routine annual examinations, they should be seen as needed for medical problems that crop
up between scheduled appointments.
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