The iguana is a lizard that can be kept as a pet.In the United States and other countries, iguanas are the only type of iguana you can keep as a pet, so check your local laws before buying one.Keeping an iguana is a long-term project with a lot of responsibility.It isn't a small task to feed, care for, and move a juvenile iguana that will grow into a large lizard.If you understand what you're in for in terms of care, you can make a great pet that stays with you for a long time.
Step 1: Check with local rescues to find a home for an iguana.
Rescues will take in unwanted iguanas from owners who can't care for them anymore.You can find rescues that specialize in lizards or iguanas.Some rescues will take all animals, including cats, dogs, and iguanas.If you can't find iguana rescues in your area, ask your vet if they know of any.
Step 2: Look for an exotic pet program to see if they re- home iguanas.
Some states have programs that allow owners to release iguanas into the wild if they don't want to care for them anymore.Anyone can surrender a pet, even if it's illegal, and it will be re- homed.If your state has a program, you can apply to be a designated home and get an iguana.Florida has a program where iguanas can be surrendered.Search your local government's website to find out if there is a program nearby.
Step 3: If you want a socialized iguana, consider a breeders.
Responsible breeders focus on providing the healthiest animals they can, and they tend to socialize them as much as possible before passing them onto you.A breeder is a good option if you can't re- home another iguana.If you search online, you can find a local breeder that has good reviews.Talk to your friends who own lizards to find out if they know of a good reptile breeder.
Step 4: It's a last resort to try a pet store.
If you can, try to rescue one of the iguanas that are relinquished each year.You can get one at your local pet store if that isn't an option.You can choose a store in your community.Pick a store that has good reviews and a reputation for having healthy animals first, then do your research.If you can find reviews for pet stores, check reptile forums.
Step 5: You can examine the lizard if you hold it.
Pick out a few you like and ask to hold them one at a time.To examine the lizard more closely, hold one in both hands.You can lift the limbs to make sure they are healthy.If the iguana seems strong, move the limbs.As you try to move the limbs, it should offer some resistance.It could be a calcium deficiency if it isn't.
Step 6: Look for eyes that aren't sunken.
The iguana's eyes could be a sign of sickness.Check for drainage and crustiness, which could be signs of a respiratory infection.A healthy iguana will look around and follow you if you move it nearby.
Step 7: Check for green skin.
The iguana has lost weight and may be sick.The iguana's skin should be bright green and taut.The back end of the lizard should be round.The swollen back legs could be a sign of a calcium deficiency.The iguana is not a green iguana.They can be green, brown, red, or blue.You want the skin to be healthy and bright.There are little red, black, or orange dots on the skin.
Step 8: The body can have burns and feces.
The iguana could have underlying infections if there is dried feces on the belly.If the iguana has burns, it's sitting on heat that comes from below, something you should never do for an iguana.It's belly may be sensitive if it has been burned.
Step 9: It has a bright pink mouth and tongue.
If you put your finger on the iguana's nose, it will open its mouth.The pink tongue should be visible along with clear saliva.Sickness could be indicated by a dull mouth and stringy mucus."Cottage cheese" is a type of fungus that can be green, yellow, or white.These signs should not be displayed by any iguana.Pull it open if it doesn't open its mouth.
Step 10: The lizard may be relaxed around you.
The iguana won't be startled by you if it has been socialized properly.It may attempt to climb up your hand or arm.People who haven't been socialized will try to avoid being caught.If the iguana is young and unsocialized, you still have time to socialize it.It is too weak or sick to respond if it is completely unresponsive.
Step 11: If you're not interested in breeding, pick a male over a female.
If you don't know what you're doing, ovulation in females can be difficult to deal with.If your iguana is in poor health, it can collapse if you don't eat in the 4 weeks leading up to ovulation.The female doesn't get enough calcium in its diet.
Step 12: You should expect to pay at least $10-$20 for an iguana.
An iguana can be found in a pet store for as little as $10USD.As they put more work into the animal, you may pay a little bit more.If you want a pet for a long time, you should consider getting another pet.Some iguanas live as long as 20 years, so they are quite a time commitment.
Step 13: If you buy a small cage, be prepared to upgrade.
The iguana is small in the pet store cage at 4 to 5 inches (10 to 13 cm), but can get quite large.If you get a baby, prepare for it to grow to 6 to 8 feet in length.The aquarium needs to be as large as 2 by 1 by 1.5 foot (0.61 by 0.30 by 0.46 m).You may need one that's as big as 12 by 6 feet by the time it gets full-size.You shouldn't start iguanas in a big cage.The smaller cage helps train the lizard not to see you as a predator, and they may not be able to find their food and water.
Step 14: Purchase heating equipment for the tank.
iguanas need heat lamps to keep them warm.1 lamp is enough for a small iguana.To make sure the iguana can maintain its body heat, you'll need as many as 6 bulbs.The iguana needs to be above the cage to regulate its heat.Your iguana should be kept at a temperature of 85 F.Your iguana can get warm if you keep one area at 120 F.Hot rocks and heating pads can provide heat from below.The iguana has a sensory organ called the parietal eye that tells it to start basking and regulate its heat.The iguana may not realize it is getting hot when the heat comes from below.If you're trying to cool the house down with the air conditioner, keep in mind that this heat output could increase your electricity bills in the summer.
Step 15: You will need ultraviolet lighting for your iguana.
This type of lighting is called UVA and UVB.The lighting gives your iguana the light it needs to thrive.To find the best lights for your iguana, speak to an associate at a store that sells reptile accessories.
Step 16: You should be prepared to feed it fresh greens and produce.
Fresh produce is in Iguanas' diet.You will need to give them at least 80% of their diet from leafy greens.About 10% or a little less should be canned reptile food or pellets.Keeping greens fresh can cost a lot.Squashes, sweet potatoes, carrots, cucumbers, and mushrooms can be eaten by iguanas.Try apples, peaches, melons, mangoes, pears, strawberries, apricots, figs, and bananas with the skin on.