Iguanas are an interesting species, and although they’re not widely domesticated, some varieties can be excellent pets. Green iguanas grow several feet long and weigh 15 to 20 pounds, and the desert iguana grows to 15 inches or more on average.
Because of their size, iguanas require plenty of space. They’re also curious lickers and eaters, so they need plenty of space as pets.
iguanas are docile
Iguanas are considered a perfect pet for people with small children and are known for their tame nature. Although they are not aggressive or ferocious, they do require a certain amount of space to thrive.
For this reason, most owners buy them from local pet stores. However, it is best to purchase a captive-raised animal that is still young, as older imported animals are more difficult to tame and may have internal parasites.
Be sure to avoid purchasing sick-looking animals, as these may have been bred under extreme conditions.
They are diurnal
The best way to keep an iguana as a pet is to give it lots of sunlight, which it naturally does during the day. This will help keep its skin moist and will prevent it from suffocating in the dark.
An iguana’s diurnal schedule is ideal for most people, as they spend a significant portion of their day outside, basking in the sun. However, be aware that iguanas are not very social and can become irritable when they are young.
If you want to take your iguana for a long walk in the park, don’t get one that will like it.
They need space
Iguanas are very intelligent and make excellent pets but they require a lot of space. Because they are lizards, they need to live in a large enclosure. Most people can’t afford this space.
Some people choose to purchase baby green iguanas, which are small at birth but can quickly grow to be six feet long and up to fifteen pounds.
These lizards are often returned to pet stores or given to rescue organizations or released into the wild.
They are curious lickers/eaters
Iguanas make great pets because they are curious lickers/ eaters. They will lick an object in order to get more information, and once they have enough, they will move on to another object in their line of sight.
This makes them great pets because they are curious lickers/eaters, and can be trained. If you want to know more about this amazing reptile, read on.
They need a temperature gradient
To keep iguanas healthy and happy, they need the proper temperature range. Their body heat varies depending on where they spend most of their time, so creating a temperature gradient in their cage will allow them to regulate their temperature.
An ideal temperature range is 90-95 degrees F during the day and 70-85 degrees F during the night. To achieve this, you can purchase a heating pad or use an incandescent bulb for daytime basking.
Use a digital thermometer – not a dial thermometer, as they are inaccurate.
They are large
Iguanas are great pets for people who enjoy the outdoors and want a lizard that will never get bored. The best part about having an iguana as a pet is its size! You can also keep one in your home to keep a company or as a decoration.
Green iguanas are arboreal and fast on land and water. Their diet consists of fresh fruits and vegetables. Their favorite foods include asparagus, bananas, and green beans.
They are not short-term pets
Iguanas are not short-time pets. Their rapid growth and quick reflexes make them highly entertaining to watch. However, over time, they become docile. Adult iguanas will usually spend their time basking in the sun or sleeping on a tree branch.
They will not dance or play with you. If you plan to keep an iguana as a pet for less than three years, be prepared for a difficult time.
They are legal to own
The first question many people ask about iguanas is whether they are legal to own. In Florida, iguanas are illegal to own in most areas. That is, they are not native to the state. However, the state of Florida has recently enacted a law that restricts the ownership of these reptiles.
The law prevents people from owning iguanas as pets and does not allow them to be transported live unless a certified wildlife trapper is involved.
