The Iguana Cage

Iguanas are usually small in size. But sometimes they are so huge in size that they would require more space to roam about. Thus you need to learn to build a proper cage.

The aspect to be given importance is the size. The cage must be very spacious because they are reptiles who originally belong to the wild life.

There are people who believe that the growth of Iguana can be restricted to the size of the cage. This concept seems silly and is definitely untrue. The growth of Iguanas is faster in the first quarter and slows down gradually.

So it is better to make sure that proper space and resources are available before you buy an Iguana. Consider this; a newly born Iguana can fill a 60 gallon spaced aquarium in just a year's healthy growth.

A small and tiny cage is sufficient for an Iguana from its birth to a period of six months. A tiny aquarium is enough but you should be mentally ready to invest for the second time because after 6 months of age Iguana grows at a faster pace.

The humidity and temperature of the cage must also be considered before you build one. Iguanas are generally cold blooded so it must be ensured that the cage is warm enough and at the same time not too hot.

The installation of a basking point with temperature varying from 89 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit must not be forgotten and air temperature must be around 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Different parts of the cage should have different temperatures for the regulation of air and for the stability of body temperature.

Fluorescent tubes or mercury vapor lamps can be used to provide such conditions. The usage of hot rocks is also suggested. This idea is definitely against vegetarians. If they burn Iguana then it might culminate to severe bruises and infection or even death.

The cage should be assisted with proper humidity. A humidity range of 65 to 70 will do for an appropriate Iguana cage. A humidifier can do the job of providing necessary level of humidity. If not affordable, spraying water at regular intervals would be just fine.

The humidity can also be controlled by placing a big bowl of water in the cage.

The digestion process is assisted by certain lighting conditions in the cage. This helps in their survival. Sunrays contain ultra violet light that assists the growth of the Iguana. They perform several functions given below.

UVB and UVA lights are required in large amounts for their survival. The UVB helps in producing the vitamin D3 that is an important component required for the digestion process. The UVA promotes their natural behavior.

The most accessible and cheap way to provide UV rays is by letting sunlight into the cage. By providing windows the can be exposed to sunlight. These are certain aspects to note.

It is tough to create such a cage like that of a biodiversity at home but if these help in their healthy survival, they can as well be provided happily.

In case you decide to have a giant Iguana as a pet then one has to be mentally prepared for the arrangements he or she has to make. They are already on the verge of becoming extinct and hence buying them and not treating them well will not be fair on our part. So decide well before you are sure to have an Iguana as a pet.

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Iguana Nests

Several controversies have arisen due to the propagation of iguanas in captivity. The demand for iguanas is said to be thereby reduced by this activity. However, they are nevertheless being imported from Central American and South America which house several iguana farms. Iguana nests should be provided to the iguanas by their owners. This factor facilitates the breeding of the iguanas. However, many pet owners have discovered the smart side of this issue. The iguana nests are a money making venture for the pet owners. Baby iguanas are sold while the adults keep reproducing. These iguanas are today sold at very low prices thereby creating the notion that iguanas as pets are disposable.

Having Iguana nests and their subsequent breeding comes with their respective advantages and disadvantages. Firstly, breeding iguanas is an enjoyable experience. The mother iguana searches for a suitable place onto which it will lay its eggs. This requires ingenuity from it since such locations are not as readily available and adequate as those it would find in the wild. It then waits for them to hatch. The mother iguana will settle its young ones within the artificial or natural nests. A larger amount of space is required to keep them as the iguana keeps multiplying. This constitutes a disadvantage to breeding by pet owners. Controlling and maneuvering them is difficult if there are a large number. Only the ones that receive adequate nutrition and care are healthy and survive. The others are malnourished and they become unhealthy and prone to disease.

Preparation of a Nest for the Iguana
To ensure the seamless process of breeding, iguanas of different sex should be placed together in a nest. This should be particularly ensured during the season for breeding. Grouping them according to size and ratio should be carried out. Each male should have one or more females in a nest. Female iguanas are typically larger than male ones so as to prevent the death of the male while mating.

Different materials can be used for constructing the iguana nests. For instance, potting soil can be used. It allows for the burying of the mothers eggs. Alternatively, a mix of potting soil and play sand, or even pure play sand makes it much simpler to dig and burry eggs. This reduces the mothers work and facilitates the construction of a good hole. The nest must also be safe for the iguanas to dwell in. They should not be prone to suffer from cuts, scratches, abrasions or other wounds.

The nest should be capable of holding up to two hundred pounds of soil. This soil will be placed in the nest. A tray planter can be placed in the nest however with one side cut off. This will create a tunnel in which the iguana can play in. A plastic ash tray or a wooden box offers a cheaper alternative. The reptiles should however not be prone to injury due to this structures and their safety is very important.

The laying of the eggs should be monitored. Occasionally, some eggs are not laid by the mother. This usually results in problems for the female iguana. The female iguanas should not be interrupted when protecting their nests. This is merely the mother’s instinct.

Additionally, iguana nests should be kept clean to avoid the breeding of harmful organisms. These can infect the iguana with disease and cause them to fall ill. Death may be an eventual result of this.

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Proper Iguana Care Tips

Many people have cats, dogs, even birds or fish as pets. We care for these members by doing things that are expected: feeding, bathing, watering, giving them attention and cleaning out their environment.

Yet, some people have snakes or even ferrets that must do the same things. Yet, there is another exotic animal that is being kept as a pet. This is the iguana. They are seen as wonderful and out of the ordinary pets for people have all ages. Most pet shops sell them for a reasonable price.

Like any pet an owner has, iguanas need care and attention too. Many people assume since iguanas stay in cages, they are rather easy to care for. This is simply untrue.

When you take on the responsibility of an iguana you have to consider the iguana's needs. Searching the Internet for tips along with photos makes the topic a bit more interesting and clear to readers.

There are five things to look at when debating whether to become an iguana owner or not. They are:

- Cage
Iguanas need a cage to call home unless you plan to let roam around the house freely. The cage should be big enough to house an iguana that will grow to six feet long. It should have an ample water supply as well as climbing material and a place to hide. Since iguanas love to climb, the cage should be twice the iguana's size. It would be best to get a bigger cage now to house the iguana as it grows along with its climbing gear.

- Food
The first thing an owner needs to understand is that iguanas are not carnivores but rather herbivores. This means they eat vegetables and fruit but not meat. Their diet can be contain tofu, perhaps two times a week. Other food they can and will eat: lettuce, blackberries, blueberries, broccoli and even oranges.

Remember fresh water and fresh food are essential to an iguana's health and well-being just like any other pet and human being. Unclean water and spoiled food causes health problems for an iguana. This is why it is vital for you to choose the "right" food for your reptilian pet. It is a good thing to feed your pet in the morning since this is the time food is properly digested.

- Temperature
Your iguana is a lot like you. It likes to have reasonable temperatures to live with. They should have reasonable heating whether it is by a light or heat pad. Hot rocks are unnecessary for the iguana since these can kill or burn your lizard.

Your pet's cage temperature should be between 80 degrees and 92 degrees. If the iguana is not heating properly, this could lead to food indigestion.

- Lighting
Many people would not think so but lighting is essential in an iguana's well-being. While lap light is good, sunlight is vital to its health. If the lizard is deprived of sunlight or UV lighting, it can become ill. This disease is known as MBD or rather Metabolic Bone Disease.

Your iguana should be able to laze about in the sunlight while the cage is equipped with fluorescent lights that can be purchased at the pet store.

- Sanitation
Your iguana should be cleaned as well as its environment and habitat in the cage. They both need to be cleaned on a regular basis so the iguana will not get sick. Iguanas have been known to carry the Salmonella bacteria. To keep them and you safe, keep your iguana clean at all times.

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Maintaining The Habits Humidity

Now that you have your habitat built and set up with the right amounts of heat and light, the next part of the three part equation for your iguana is that of humidity.

Humidity is the amount of moisture that is in the air.  Since iguanas come from areas that are generally very high in humidity all the time, you’ll need to mimic that here in your habitat.  But, how in the world do you create the right amount of humidity?

The right level of humidity for your iguana will be between 65 percent and 75 percent, which are fairly humid conditions.  There are several ways for you to get this high of a humidity level within your habitat.

First, there are the simple methods to doing this.  You can just spray the habitat down with water throughout the day.  Don’t spray less than an hour before the lights go out for the night though.  You can also place large containers of water in the habitat, which will help to make for the right amount of humidity within the habitat, too.

In the later chapters, you’ll learn about how you need to bath and mist your iguana, but for now, realize that is a good way to gain the benefits of added moisture, too.

If you built your iguana’s habitat correctly, the heat and humidity levels will remain high enough with these methods as you’ll have a pretty decent way of keeping it in (Plexiglas is a great option for this.)  But, it may not be enough.

What You Need To Go Into Your Iguanas Habitat

You’ve designed an amazing habitat, but there are still a few things you’ll need to take into consideration beyond just the construction and the environmental issues.

What will you put into your habitat?  You should pay some attention to the details of this area of your habitat.  We well provided for iguana that has all he needs in a clean and organized habitat is a long living, healthy and happy pet.  Now, here are several things that you’ll build or add to your habitat.

Flooring Covering

Now, when it comes to your habitat’s flooring, take this consideration closely.  You want to have something that is easy to replace or at least to clean.  But, you don’t want to have anything that your iguana can pick up with his tongue or even worse get wrapped around his toes.

You’ll find many materials available in the pet stores but don’t waste your time on them. Instead consider other easier to afford materials.  Here are some options you have.

Floors of:

• Newspaper, ensure that it does not have any type of toxic ink on it.
• Paper towels work just fine, too.
• Plain papers without any type of toxins in them.
• Indoor/outdoor carpeting.

The carpeting is a great choice but if you purchase it, make sure it has nothing that can get caught on your iguana’s toes.  You’ll want to wrap it around the edges and tape them underneath to keep them from being torn up or getting caught on his tongue.

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Heating And Lighting For Your Iguana

Now, its time to think about the heating and lighting within your iguana’s habitat.  Even if you purchase a pre made habitat, you’ll still need to find ways to keep him warm enough and to keep him getting the necessary light he needs.

Heating

The heating in your iguana’s habitat is quite important to the well being of your iguana.  There are many considerations to think about here, though.  The good news is that this chapter will tell you all you need to know about the heat sources and needs of your iguana.

Why They Need Heat

The first consideration that you have is just why the iguana needs heat and what that level is. We’ve already mentioned that providing heat to your iguana is required to maintain its health.

Within your habitat, you’ll need to provide a location that can provide basking heat to your iguana.  Generally, this area should be able to get to the middle 90’s in temperature.  (All temperatures in this e-book are listed in Fahrenheit.)  The rest of the air within the habitat should be maintained no less than 75 degrees, but better if it is closer to 80. The final need is to offer a range of temperatures within the habitat to allow him to move around as he feels comfortable.

Now, to accomplish this, there are several things you should and shouldn’t do.

First, purchase several attachment thermometers.  Place these in various area of the habitat so that they can be easily read by you from outside the enclosure.

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