subject: Proper Care For Your Pet Iguana [print this page] Think before you act, is act! This is especially true when it comes to wanting to buy a baby green iguana. Although they might look like a small animal very easy to take care off, realize that can adult iguana can grow up to six feet in length and that caring for an adult iguana is a whole different ballgame than looking after that cute looking baby iguana you purchased at the local pet store.
If you are really interested in keeping an iguana as a pet, you should start by selecting a baby iguana that looks healthy, active and alert. Another thing to look for is for any kind of scars, abrasions or open sores. You should also carefully examine its habitat, as an unclean cage can mean the presence of harmful bacteria which is of course not beneficial to the iguana's health.
You will need to build or buy a spacious cage or enclosure where your pet iguana can roam freely like in the wild. The cage should be adapted to the iguana's size. A baby iguana might try to escape through holes you might have in an enclosure suited for a full-grown iguana.
Iguanas naturally live in trees which is why you should set up some branches, artificial or not for your pet to climb on. One of their main activities in the wild is basking in the sun and that is another reason why a branch in the cage is essential. Not only will it give the cage a nicer overall look it will also contribute to the general health of your pet iguana.
Proper lighting and humidity levels also very important to your pet's health. For most people this will mean purchasing a humidifier as well as special lights. Beware to carefully hide all electrical wiring so your iguana cannot reach them.
Keep in mind that all green iguana are herbivores and you should therefore never feed them animal proteins or junk food. Although they may eat this kind of unhealthy food, there is a very big chance that this will subject them to various diseases like kidney failure. You can get commercial iguana food at your local pet store. Their diet should consist of mainly vegetables rich in Calcium and low in phosphorous.
