“Between tastes and colors the authors have not written” what may seem ugly or unpleasant to one person, may be a source of delight and fascination for another. Much of this will depend on the upbringing we have received and the environment in which we have developed and developed.
For example, a plant, a flower or an animal may seem beautiful or interesting to us, if we have never seen it before. Its shape and its colors seem beautiful to us. That is the charm of what is different.
The same could be said for pets. Of course, the most common are dogs and cats. Still others decide to buy fish, birds or hamsters. But, there is a small group of people who like exotic pets.
Among these types of pets are spiders, snakes, chameleons, Vietnamese pigs, lemurs, iguanas, among others. Each of these species has a unique beauty, which can only be seen by nature lovers, those who do not discriminate in any way.
Now, if you are attracted to the idea of having one of these pets, you need to keep in mind that it requires certain special care. Such is the case of iguanas. Many of them reach a large size and their resemblance to dragons makes them the favorite of many.
But have you ever wondered what they eat? What diseases or conditions can they develop? What care do you need? What is your ideal habitat? What things should someone who decides to have an iguana as a pet take into account?
In this short article you will find the answers to these questions. In fact, you will be able to find out everything there is to know about caring for iguanas as pets. Let’s see it right now.
Instructions for having pet iguanas
Iguanas are similar to small dragons or dinosaurs, they are bright green when they are young, but as they grow, their color fades and they turn grayish. They weigh about 8 kilos and measure up to more than two meters in length. Their life expectancy is about 13 years.
They move between the branches of the trees and always live near where there is water. If they feel attacked, they can drop their tail, but it grows back. However, if they lose it again, it will not grow back. Therefore, they only get rid of it when it is necessary to flee from a predator.
Their behavior is erratic and territorial, so it is not recommended that you have two, unless they are male and female. Before deciding to have one, you should ask yourself if you have the possibilities to recreate the climatic conditions and give them the space they need when they become adults.
To properly care for an iguana you must:
- Watch the temperature very well. This is one of the most important aspects of your care. Since they are cold-blooded animals, they need a heat source that can keep them between 26 and 30 degrees Celsius. Therefore, it is recommended that you place a heat stone in the terrarium or a light.
- Be careful with descaling. Calcium is very important for the development of iguanas, but also for their reproduction. You can supply it sprinkled on salads or add it to water in liquid form. You can get either form at specialty pet care stores.
- Provide them with a suitable home. The iguana needs a large enough space to move comfortably. Also, as time passes, the iguanas will increase in size and their tail will become very long. Therefore, you should get a large terrarium. Include in it other elements such as stones, plants, climbing objects, a hiding place and an area with access to light and heat.
- Keep your space clean. Most of the diseases of iguanas have their origin in a bad hygiene system. Therefore, it is important that you thoroughly clean your terrarium at least every 6 months. Ask about specialized products that you can use for this task.
- Take care of your diet. This is another important point so that you are always healthy. Iguanas consume fruits and vegetables. His diet should also include some citrus, but in smaller amounts, as well as crickets and other preferred insects.
- You will make her docile if you get her used to physical contact from a very young age. Take it out of the terrarium every day, at least for a while. This will prevent you from developing aggressive and wild behavior.
If the iguana is not educated from a young age, it will be much more difficult to do it when it is an adult. Therefore, if you plan to have an iguana as a pet, it is best that you acquire one that you can raise from a young age.
Now, what do you need to give quality of life to an iguana as a pet? We will be looking at it below.
What do you need to have pet iguanas?
Among the most important things you will need is a terrarium, how can you put one together? Some of the features it must have are as follows:
- It must be well shaped. Since they don’t enjoy confinement, you want to make sure you take preventative measures to prevent them from escaping.
- It must have large dimensions; it may be convenient to have one of approximately 3 meters.
- You need to have humidity and temperature control, which can never be below 25 degrees Celsius.
- Sufficient ventilation is important.
- Place solid branches inside it so that it can climb and exercise at the same time, supporting its whole body, without danger of falling.
- Your lighting should be ultraviolet.
- It must have stones, since it will use them as a cave to hide or take shelter. Another alternative may be tree bark. But, regardless of the option you choose, try to locate it in the cold area of the terrarium, so that it can use it to cool off and get out of the sun.
- Your floor must not be bare. Use gravel, paper, or chips to cover the bottom. Sand is not a good option, as it can contain certain chemicals that can damage it.
In view of the large size of the terrarium they need, before telling you to have an iguana as a pet, it is important that you get this space inside your house, so that it can be comfortable. Now, what other tips should you keep in mind?
Tips for having pet iguanas
In relation to your diet, you should have a diet that has twice as much calcium as phosphorus, as well as the appropriate amounts of vitamins and proteins. Among their favorite foods are leaves and flowers, rose petals, thistle, dandelion, vegetables such as turnips, alfalfa, watercress, etc.
They also really like clovers and don’t forget to give them figs, papayas and oranges in small amounts from time to time. In addition to crickets and other insects that are of your choice.
However, these insects must be from hatcheries. Do not feed it with those you find in your house, on the street or in the gardens. These insects may be contaminated or have some poison residue, which can be very detrimental to the health of the iguanas.
Contrary to popular belief, it is not recommended that you feed them vegetables that have their green leaves, such as lettuce, cabbage and spinach.
Whenever you are going to feed him, you must make sure that there is a shallow and wide dish on the drinker, with water at room temperature. That is, if cold or hot and, of course, it must be clean.
Change the water daily. The container should be large enough for her to immerse herself in and cool off if she wants to.
On the other hand, it is important that they have a good veterinary control. If you notice unusual skin color or mood swings, your best course of action is to see a reptile-specialized veterinarian. Also, pay attention to their nails so they don’t grow too long.
How to handle them correctly
Although it is true that an iguana will never be a dog, it is possible to educate and tame it, as well as create a bond with it, as long as you set your mind to it and learn the correct way to treat it.
Never grab it by the tail, and less from the tip. This action causes her to feel threatened and can even get rid of her. When you grab it, do it by the belly, just behind the front legs.
Every time you go to interact with her, pay close attention to how she reacts. If you see that she tries to run away or whips her tail, this means that she is not comfortable with the situation. The best thing you can do is leave her alone for now. It is not good that you force her.
On the contrary, if when caressing her she closes her eyes, it is because she likes it and is enjoying it. However, the interaction should last a short time, so that it does not get tired, but constant. Since the lack of contact and not taking it out of the terrarium can cause it to develop wild and aggressive behavior.
Like any pet, iguanas also need affection. Therefore, treat her with great patience and always be kind. In this way you will get her to trust you and she will be a unique and incredible companion.
Despite the fact that iguanas demand a lot of care, more and more people decide to have one as a pet, and this is no coincidence, it will be a faithful friend, as long as you learn to meet its needs and manage to tame it. Cheer up to have an exotic pet. Dare to have an iguana at home.
