Red Iguana Facts

There are many kinds of lizards but the one considered the largest is the Iguana family. Although green iguanas are the most common, there are some with bright colorful skin that are identified as the red iguana.

A popular iguana from this family is the Red sided skink. They are multicolored terrestrial and part water lizards that are quite native to the habitats of South and Eastern Africa open forests and rocky steppes.

It is quite common to have these iguanas as pets. They can be purchased in some pet shops and are now being seen in the gardens and sometimes in houses.

How to take care of and feed Your Red Iguana

Just like taking care of a cat, dog, bird and other animal, there are five things that are necessary for the reptiles grow big and strong.

- Proper Housing for Iguanas
One place an iguana, especially the red iguana, can reside in is an aquarium with up to 30 gallons of water. Although their habitats can have different shapes, sizes and styles, they can be made of glass or wood.

To clean the housing of the iguana, placing newspaper at the base is best. Other welcomed ideas to use are linoleum and artificial grass.

Do not let their spaces get near soil, sand or bark as this could lead to an obstruction in your lizard should they eat them.

Provide your lizard with container of food and water which should be disinfected entirely and regularly cleaned.  Add twigs, bark, limbs and rocks to the tank for climbing materials.

- Feeding Your Iguana
Did you know that Iguanas are not carnivores? They are, in fact, herbivores and need to be fed vegetables and fruit.

A big part of their diet needs to consist of green leafy vegetables including mustard greens, escarole, kale and spinach.

Offer them mixed vegetables such as green peppers, squash, frozen vegetables and green beans. Fruits are also good including bananas, mangoes and apples.

They should also have a scarce amount of protein.

They should, like other household pets, be fed everyday.

- Iguanas need for Water
Everyone knows water is the basic essential of life and iguanas are no different from the rest of the world. For this reason, they need to have it nearby. Typically, iguanas would get their water supply through plants they eat or lap it off wood. Placing them in the early morning environment can really stave off dehydration.

Iguanas who are given water dishes will train themselves to use them. For this reason, it is vital that these are cleaned on an every other day basis to keep the germs and bacteria at bay.

- Iguana and Grooming
Bathing is something your iguana should be used to. It is a way for the lizard to get water and get cleaned. It should be done using lukewarm water in a shallow container about three times a week. Keep in mind though that not all iguanas like water... some panic!

- How to Handle Iguanas
Iguanas need to be showed love and care and handle on a regular basis. At least be held two to three times a day, approximately 15 minutes each time. Gently stroke their back and neck. This gets them used to be handled and picked up.

Iguanas can be antagonistic so extreme caution should be taken when trying to handle your iguana.

Following the five points mentioned above, your red iguana can live a happy, long life. They should be taken great care of like a child would be.