A Rhode Island Non-Profit Organization
Iguana Care
www.RIRescue.org
Iguanas are tropical reptiles native throughout South America. They have
also been introduced and established colonies in Hawaii as well as Florida.
They can reach 5-7 feet in length depending on sex, with females being
smaller than males. Iguanas can live up to 20+ years in captivity with proper
care. They can be aggressive at times and not recommended for owners who
do not have the time and effort to put into taming their iguana.
Habitat & Substrate
Iguanas require large wooden enclosures that
are 1 ½ times their size in length and width as
well as at least 2-3x times their size in height.
Wooden enclosures can also be used. Large
tanks can be used for young iguanas, but they
will outgrow that quickly. They are generally not
very social creatures and are happy alone.
When housed with other iguanas they may fight
and one may become dominant. Your iguana
will also require something on the bottom of the
enclosure called substrate. You can use
anything from paper towels or newspaper to
EcoEarth or top soil. Using EcoEarth will help
hold humidity levels. Iguanas require ample
exercise so it is important to provide enough
space as well as climbing structures so they do
not get bored and can regulate their
temperatures properly.
Temperature & Lighting
You will also need a thermometer and humidity gauge to monitor temperatures and humidity levels.
Iguanas require a heat light (any kind of flood light can be used for heat) and a UVB light. Do not use
a heat rock as these tend to burn reptiles. Adult iguanas should have a basking area of 90°-100°.
The ambient temperature should stay around 85°-90° with a cool side of 80°. Heating is not required
at night unless your house temperature drops below 70°. In that case, you will need to use a ceramic
heat emitter to keep the enclosure around 70°. Iguanas can have a cooler period at night, so you do
not want the tank to be too warm. Do not use any kind of light bulb, colored or otherwise, for your
iguana. Lights at night will disrupt their day/night cycle and they will not be able to rest properly. They
also require bright, white light during the day to mimic the sun so you will want to avoid colored lights
altogether. Red lights in particular can cause eye irritation and have been proven to cause blindness
in iguanas and other lizards. Humidity should not drop below 50% and should ideally remain around
70%. Humidity can be maintained by enclosing one or two sides of the enclosure as well as using a
misting system or manually spraying the cage with a spray bottle 2-3x per day. The UVB light should
be a strip light (such as the Reptisun 5.0), not a coil bulb which can cause blindness in reptiles.
These need to be replaced every 6 months for optimal exposure and nutrient absorption.
Diet & Supplements
Iguanas are strictly herbivores, meaning they eat only plant matter. Various greens and vegetables can
be chopped into small pieces or shredded for easy eating. Juveniles should be fed twice per day while
adults may be fed once a day or every other day depending on their appetite. Iguanas can be soaked in a
warm bath for additional exercise as well as aid in shedding. Some iguanas may drink from standing
water so it is important for them to have access to a water dish at all times. Others may not drink from a
dish and will lick droplets off leaves in the enclosure, so it is important they are misted regularly.
Supplements are also a very important part of your iguana's diet to ensure they are receiving sufficient
vitamins and minerals. You should use calcium with d3 as well as a multivitamin and calcium without d3
to dust their salads. You should only use a small amount, just a pinch, to have a light dusting. You should
alternate supplements on a schedule to avoid giving too much calcium, skipping days in between
dustings.
Supply List
Enclosure: For hatchlings, large tank or wooden cage can be used. For juveniles and adults, a
custom wooden enclosure roughly 4'x4'x2' should be made
Substrate: Paper towels, newpaper, top soil, EcoEarth
UVB light and fixture: Reptisun and Arcadia are the top two brands. Avoid spiral coiled bulbs.
Flourescent tubes are best. Use tropical strength (Reptisun 5.0 or Arcadia 6%)
Basking light and fixture: Dome with dimmer attached. 100w basking bulb. Make sure fixture can
support bulb wattage.
Digital thermometer
Digital hydrometer
Supplements: Calcium with d3, calcium without d3, multivitamin
Accessories: Multiple branches and foliage, salad dish, water dish (optional), harness with leash
(optional), hammock (optional)