Green Iguana

Green Iguanas (Iguana iguana), also known as common iguanas, are massive tropical lizards native to South, Central, and southern North America. Fully grown they range between 5 and 7 feet in total length and can weigh just over 20 pounds — males are considerably larger than females. In captivity this species typically lives 15 to 20 years. Although extremely common in the pet trade, iguanas are rarely cared for properly and do poorly as pets when neglected. Owning an iguana is not a small undertaking and requires a great deal of work, space, time, and patience.

Handling an iguana is difficult and requires a great amount of time and patience. At first iguanas are nervous, darty, and tend to squirm. As they get older this attitude worsens unless the animal is worked with regularly. Consistent handling from a young age is absolutely necessary for keeping an iguana docile and tame. With proper work and time commitment, iguanas can grow to enjoy being handled and pet. Do not rush this process — be patient.

Change the water dish at least once daily (iguanas often defecate in their water — disinfect immediately if this occurs). Dust greens with calcium supplement 3x/week. Offer fresh food daily. Monitor temperature, humidity, and UVB lighting. Evaluate nails every 8 weeks.

Iguanas are primarily herbivorous and eat only plant matter in captivity. A balanced diet consists of: • 60% Greens — kale, collard greens, mustard greens, dandelion greens, okra, bok choy, and more • 30% Vegetables — carrots, broccoli, asparagus, squash, green beans, snap peas, and more • 10% Fruit — bananas, apples, melons, papayas, mangoes, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and more All fruits and vegetables should be cut into pieces small enough to be swallowed whole. Greens may be chopped as well but it is not necessary in most cases. Supplements: • Calcium WITHOUT D3 — at least 3 times per week, dusted on greens • Multivitamin WITH D3 — once every other week, dusted on greens Iguanas love water and should have access to a large heavy dish big enough to soak in at all times.

Enclosure size by age: • Hatchling (0–6 months / 6–18 inches): 20-gallon tank • Juvenile (6–18 months / 18–30 inches): 40-gallon tank • Sub-Adult (18 months–3 years / 30–45 inches): 75-gallon or larger • Adult (3+ years / 45–84 inches): 6'x4'x6' minimum — most adult enclosures must be custom built Required enclosure items: • Large heavy food dish and water dish (large enough to soak in) • Cave / hollow log / hide box • Large branches for climbing and basking • Hammock Appropriate substrates: Reptile Carpet, Newspaper, Paper Towel, Cypress Mulch, Coconut husk chunks, Coconut fiber, Repti-Soil, or mixed substrates.

Basking spot: 95–100°F. Warm side: 80–85°F. Cool side: 70–75°F. Nighttime drop: ~70°F overall. Never drop below 65°F. Lighting: Full spectrum UVA/UVB and basking heat required. UVA/UVB lighting must be on 12 hours a day, every day. Humidity: 60–70% (tropical species).

NJ Exotic Pets recommends Paws, Wings & Scales — Christopher F. Stancel, DVM. 125 Paterson Ave, Suite 1, Little Falls, NJ 07424. Phone: (973) 638-1180. Email: pwsanimalhospital@gmail.com. Annual check-ups are highly recommended. Nail trimming should be evaluated every 8 weeks.

Green iguanas can live 15–20 years and grow to 5–7 feet, requiring a massive custom enclosure as adults. They demand consistent daily care, proper lighting, humidity, and a varied herbivore diet with supplements. Taming them requires months of patient, regular handling. This is NOT a beginner animal. Be fully prepared for the long-term commitment before purchasing.