Species:  Iguana iguana

Natural Distribution:  Central and South America

Length:  60in (150cm) average in captivity

Description

Iguanas are very large lizards and should not be taken on unless you are prepared to look after it when it reaches full size which can be up to 72in (180cm).   They are also long lived and could be with you for a long time.  I f you are determined to get an iguana, buy them as babies as with proper care they should grow into healthy friendly adults, if however they are neglected they could encounter dietary deficiencies such as metabolic bone disease and have a wild temperament.  

Their diet is crucial and must be calcium rich and high in fibre and it should be as varied as possible.  

Mature males are much larger than female, this especially shows in their head, crest, jowls, subtympanic scale and thicker tail base.

Vivarium Setup

Size:  A room or part of a room for adult pair, or outdoor enclosure in suitable climate

Design:  Arboreal                         Type:  Tropical woodland 

Substrate:  Moss or Loam for humidity or newspaper for easy cleaning

Habitat:  Firmly fixed branches for climbing and basking; hiding places for young. Clean water must be available at all times

Temperature: 29.5-32°C (85-90°F) at cool end

Photoperiod:  14 hours

Winter Cooling: Normal day time temperatures, reduce night temperature to 20°C (68°F) for g weeks

Photoperiod: 10 hours

Light:  Full spectrum (UVB) light and basking lamp  

Humidity:  60-75%

Feeding 

Herbivorous - Vegetables, Fruits, edible flowers diet must consist of 5% protein, 80% vegetables, 15% fruit and flowers (for adults) - Juveniles (up to two years) 15% vegetable protein and 85% plant material, of which 70% should be vegetables.  No animal protein of bananas