The iguana as a pet is becoming more and more popular. However, before adopting it, we must know all its morphology and type of life. Some buyers buy it because of the striking green color of the young animals and their size close to 50 cm.
Iguana Morphology
The iguana is an arboreal reptile When young it has a very attractive bright green color, which turns from a dull gray to as he becomes an adult. She always lives near water and when she sees herself in danger she doesn't hesitate to jump into it, as she is a very good swimmer.
Like lizards and other reptiles, the iguana has the ability to produce autonomy, that is, it is capable of detaching its tail if it feels grabbed by this appendage. Later the tail regenerates and grows back; however, it will never be as big and beautiful as the original. Also, if you lose it again, it won't grow any more.
The iguana lives from both Mexican coasts to the south of the South American continent. Lives approximately 13 years.
Domestic Iguana
To acclimatize the iguana in your home you will mainly have to recreate all the conditions of temperature and humidity suitable for the survival of the animal. Bearing in mind that the 50 cm that the iguana will have when we adopt it as a pet, it will transform much faster than we think into a colossus of 1.80 meters.
Before purchasing the precious little iguanita, let's consider whether she and our family will have enough space to live together. Your children will also grow, and they will need more space when they get older. Evaluate it before the acquisition.
The terrarium for your Iguana
The minimum dimensions of the terrarium for your adult iguanas will be at least 150x160x75 cm. Taking into account that the height is more important than the length of the terrarium, since inside you must place a trunk with branches for the animal to climb.
The temperature inside the terrarium will range between 28ºC and 32ºC. During the night when the animal is inactive you can lower the temperature to 25º.
At the bottom of the terrarium you will put a layer of gravel of about 11-15 cm, under which all the cables will run: the heater, the fluorescent with UBV 0.5 light, so that the iguana synthesizes vitamin D correctly.
The humidity must range between 70-85% and apart from the drinker, whose water must be changed daily, it is advisable to have of a shallow, wide basin for bathing.
Apart from the trunk mentioned above, some flat stones without edges and some non-toxic plants should adorn the terrarium.
Domestic Iguana Feeding
When the iguana is young it eats more frequently than when it becomes an adult. Apart from insects it eats fruits, vegetables, leaves and plants.
The frequency with which we should feed it is 3 times a week, preferably in the evening or in the morning. When he reaches adulthood he eats less frequently. Adult iguanas are herbivores. Your veterinarian will provide you with the appropriate feeding guidelines.
The he alth of the domestic iguana
Your iguana must be controlled by your veterinarian. In the event of a change in color, that the brightness of its skin fades, or any other change, you should consult your veterinarian without delay so that they can assess the alteration.
Occasionally vitamin supplements should be administered, always prescribed by the veterinarian. The professional should also periodically cut the nails so that the claws do not grow crooked.
You must avoid drafts and sudden drops in temperature, the iguana can suffer respiratory infections due to pathogens.
You will watch that there are no small white dots on its skin, a sign that the mites are colonizing the dermis of your iguana. You should bathe your iguana in warm water and then thoroughly clean the terrarium.
Iguanas can suffer from the presence of ticks. These should be removed with tweezers.
Training your domestic iguana
To train your iguana correctly, the first thing to do is learn to hold it correctly. You will never grab your iguana by the tail, it comes off extraordinarily easily.
You must take it gently by the belly at the level of the front legs. Watch the attitude of the iguana, if it tries to hit you using its tail like a whip or opens its jaws aggressively, it will be a sign that it does not want to be disturbed.
To train it (which is quite difficult) you must let your iguana run around outside the terrarium for an hour a day, always under your supervision. It's time to try interacting with her. After three years, if you apply yourself, you will get some results.
