How to Take Care of an Iguana: Expert Tips for a Healthy Pet
- mktpromeal
- Sep 7, 2025
- 5 min read
Iguanas are among the most captivating reptiles kept as pets, admired for their dragon-like appearance, climbing behavior, and intelligence. However, they are not beginner-friendly pets. Unlike smaller lizards, iguanas grow quite large, need specialized enclosures, and require a strictly vegetarian diet. Without proper care, they can develop serious health issues. This blog will guide you through all the essential aspects of iguana care, including their habitat setup, diet, behavior, and health, with expert tips to make sure your iguana thrives in captivity.
Iguanas That Eat Insects
1. Desert Iguana (Dipsosaurus dorsalis)
Found in the deserts of the southwestern U.S. and Mexico.
Primarily herbivorous but may eat insects occasionally, especially when young.
2. Spiny-tailed Iguanas (Genus: Ctenosaura)
Native to Central America.
Known as omnivores, eating leaves, fruits, flowers, and insects.
Opportunistic feeders and may also consume small animals if available.
3. Marine Iguana (Amblyrhynchus cristatus)
Native to the Galápagos Islands.
Mostly herbivorous, feeding on seaweed and algae, but sometimes they eat small invertebrates and crustaceans.
4. Juvenile Iguanas (some species)
Young iguanas (such as hatchling Green Iguanas) may nibble on insects in the wild while exploring food, but this is not a natural or recommended diet in captivity.
Habitat and Enclosure Setup
An iguana’s enclosure is the most important part of its care because it directly affects its health and well-being. Since adult iguanas can grow up to 6 feet in length, they need a spacious and vertically designed enclosure. A good starting size is at least 6 feet tall, 6 feet long, and 3 feet wide. Many keepers even dedicate a full room for their iguana once it reaches adulthood. Inside the enclosure, you should provide strong climbing branches, platforms, and shelves, as iguanas love to climb.
The temperature inside the enclosure must be carefully maintained. Iguanas need a warm basking spot between 35–38°C (95–100°F) and a cooler side at around 26–29°C (78–85°F). At night, the temperature should not drop below 23°C (73°F). Lighting is equally important, as iguanas depend on UVB light to absorb calcium and prevent metabolic bone disease. A strong UVB tube light should cover most of the enclosure and be replaced every 6–12 months.
Humidity plays a big role in keeping an iguana healthy. You should maintain humidity between 65–80%, which can be achieved through daily misting, large water bowls, and live non-toxic plants like pothos. A well-balanced enclosure with heat, light, climbing opportunities, and humidity will create a safe and natural home for your iguana.
Diet and Feeding
Unlike many reptiles, iguanas are strict herbivores and should never be fed insects, meat, or animal protein. Their diet should mainly consist of leafy greens such as collard greens, mustard greens, dandelion leaves, and hibiscus leaves. These make up about 70% of their food intake. Along with this, around 20% of the diet can include vegetables like squash, green beans, okra, and bell peppers. Fruits can be offered occasionally, making up about 10% of the diet. Options like papaya, mango, and berries are healthy but should be given in moderation.
It is equally important to know what foods to avoid. Spinach and kale should not be fed regularly because they bind calcium, iceberg lettuce has no nutritional value, and dog or cat food is extremely harmful to iguanas due to its high protein content. Supplements also play a role in iguana nutrition. Dusting food with calcium and Vitamin D3 two to three times a week helps prevent bone-related problems, and a reptile multivitamin once a week provides additional support.
Young iguanas under two years old should be fed twice daily in small portions, while adults can be fed once a day with a large salad. Always wash the vegetables and fruits thoroughly, and chop them finely for juveniles to make eating easier. A fresh and balanced diet ensures healthy growth and a long life.
Behavior and Handling
Iguanas are intelligent reptiles, but they can be territorial and aggressive if not socialized properly. Understanding their body language is essential for safe handling. For example, slow head bobbing often indicates recognition, while rapid head bobs and flaring of the dewlap usually signal aggression. Tail whipping is another common warning sign when they feel threatened.
When handling an iguana, it is important to support both the front and back of its body. Never grab the iguana by its tail, as they can drop it (a process called autotomy) when stressed. Start handling sessions slowly, a few minutes at a time, and gradually increase as your iguana becomes more comfortable. Iguanas are easier to handle after a meal when they are calmer.
Providing enrichment is another way to keep an iguana mentally and physically healthy. Adding climbing ropes, shelves, and even allowing supervised outdoor time in a secure enclosure provides stimulation. A well-handled iguana can become surprisingly tame, though patience and consistency are required to build trust.
Health and Veterinary Care
Health is one of the biggest challenges in iguana care because many conditions are linked to improper diet, lighting, or habitat. One of the most common problems is metabolic bone disease, caused by a lack of UVB lighting or calcium. This disease leads to weak bones, swollen jaws, and spinal deformities. Another frequent issue is respiratory infections, usually caused by low temperatures or humidity, with symptoms like wheezing and nasal discharge.
Iguanas can also suffer from parasites, which lead to weight loss and diarrhea, and mouth rot, where bacterial infections cause swelling and pus in the gums. Kidney disease is another risk, especially if iguanas are fed animal protein, which their bodies cannot process. Preventive care is the best solution: maintain correct temperatures and lighting, keep the enclosure clean, and feed a proper vegetarian diet.
Annual checkups with a reptile veterinarian are recommended to catch issues early. Daily observation is equally important—changes in appetite, behavior, or droppings are often the first signs of illness. With attentive care, many of these conditions can be avoided.
Iguanas are fascinating reptiles that can live for 15–20 years in captivity, but they require commitment and responsibility. Their large size, specialized diet, and strict environmental needs make them challenging pets, especially for beginners. However, for experienced reptile keepers who are willing to provide space, time, and dedication, iguanas can be rewarding companions.
Before bringing an iguana home, make sure you are fully prepared for the long-term care they demand. With the right setup, nutrition, and attention, your iguana can thrive and become a truly impressive part of your family.
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