Iguanas as Pets: Complete Care Guide, Habitat Setup, and Feeding Tips
Bringing an iguana into your home is like welcoming a little piece of the jungle 🌿. These magnificent lizards, with their bright green scales, long tails, and calm personalities, are among the most popular reptile pets around the world. But while iguanas are fascinating companions, they are not low-maintenance pets. They require special care, space, and dedication to stay healthy and happy.
In this post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about keeping iguanas as pets—from setting up their habitat to feeding, handling, and long-term care.
🦎 Why Choose an Iguana as a Pet?
Iguanas are admired for their:
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Unique appearance – their prehistoric look and bright coloration make them stand out.
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Longevity – with proper care, iguanas can live 10–20 years or even longer.
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Bonding potential – while not as cuddly as dogs or cats, iguanas can recognize their owners and may become tame with gentle handling.
However, they are best suited for dedicated pet owners who are ready to invest in their care.
🏡 Iguana Habitat & Enclosure Setup
Iguanas are arboreal reptiles (tree climbers) and need a lot of space to move, climb, and bask.
✅ Enclosure Size
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Baby iguanas can live in a smaller terrarium, but adults grow up to 5–7 feet long!
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An adult iguana enclosure should be at least 6 feet tall, 6 feet long, and 3 feet wide.
✅ Lighting & Heating
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Iguanas are cold-blooded reptiles, so they rely on external heat.
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Provide a basking spot of 95–100°F.
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Maintain overall enclosure temperature between 80–90°F in the daytime and no lower than 75°F at night.
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Use UVB lighting (10–12 hours daily) to help them produce vitamin D3, which is essential for calcium absorption.
✅ Substrate & Decoration
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Use reptile carpet, newspaper, or tiles—avoid loose substrates like sand that can cause impaction.
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Add sturdy branches, climbing shelves, and basking spots.
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Provide hiding areas to make them feel secure.
🥗 Iguana Diet and Nutrition
Iguanas are strict herbivores—feeding them animal protein (like insects or meat) can harm their health.
✅ Foods Iguanas Love
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Leafy greens: Collard greens, mustard greens, dandelion leaves, kale, turnip greens.
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Vegetables: Squash, bell peppers, green beans, carrots (in moderation).
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Fruits: Mango, papaya, strawberries, blueberries (as treats, not daily).
❌ Foods to Avoid
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Animal protein (meat, dog food, insects).
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Spinach, iceberg lettuce, and rhubarb (can be harmful).
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Citrus fruits (too acidic).
💧 Always provide fresh, clean water for drinking and soaking.
🤲 Handling and Taming Iguanas
At first, iguanas can be shy and defensive. With patience, you can build trust:
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Handle them gently and regularly from a young age.
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Move slowly and avoid sudden gestures.
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Support their body fully while holding.
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Respect their space when they show signs of stress (tail whipping, hissing).
Over time, many iguanas become calmer and may even enjoy spending time outside their enclosure.
🏥 Common Health Concerns
Like all pets, iguanas can face health issues if not cared for properly.
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Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD): Caused by lack of UVB light or calcium.
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Respiratory infections: From cold or damp conditions.
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Parasites: Internal or external parasites can affect them.
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Mouth rot & abscesses: Due to poor diet or injury.
👉 Regular vet checkups with a reptile specialist are essential.
❤️ Are Iguanas the Right Pet for You?
Iguanas are beautiful, intelligent, and fascinating creatures. But they are not easy pets. They require:
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A very large enclosure
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Special heating and lighting
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A strict vegetarian diet
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Time, patience, and long-term commitment
If you’re ready for the responsibility, an iguana can become a rewarding companion and a living link to the prehistoric world.
🌿 Final Thoughts
Owning an iguana is a journey full of challenges and rewards. With proper care, these majestic reptiles can thrive in your home for many years, offering you a unique bond unlike any other pet.
So, before bringing an iguana into your life, make sure you’re prepared to give them the space, love, and commitment they truly deserve.
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