Building the perfect habitat for an Iguana

Well, you must admit that keeping an Iguana as a pet is quite a challenging task.
However, despite its size and the fact that iguana care is quite
demanding, this reptile is one of the most popular lizards that can be found at any home. So, if you happen to be one of those people who want to bring this cute pet to their home, this is the perfect place to get informed. Stick with us, and you’ll learn all the essential things about iguana cages, including iguana cage setup.

Setting up an iguana habitat

Since iguanas can grow (very quickly) up to 1.5 meters (around five ft.) in length (including the size of their tail) and can weigh around 20 pounds (9.1 kg), this reptile is not for everyone’s home. However, if you do want to keep this amazing reptile as your pet, there are some things to consider when setting up the perfect iguana habitat.

• Iguana tank

First, where will your pet live? Obviously, a baby iguana will live in an iguana terrarium, but it will soon outgrow it and you will have to make a new iguana enclosure for him (a BIG enclosure). This part will require a lot of planning, as having a two-meter reptile at your home isn’t a common thing.

There is a number of iguana cage ideas that can give you inspiration for making a home for your pet. You noticed we used the term “home”? Well, that’s because an iguana will occupy a large area in your house or apartment. So, this is something to think about when you’re considering getting this reptile as a pet. Is your home big enough? Do you have enough money to provide this reptile with all iguana supplies it will need?

• Vertical space

Since iguanas spend much time on trees, building a vertical living space is a must, if you want your pet to be happy and lazy as it would be in the wild. So, lots of branches, logs, and basking shelves on various heights are required. Even though this part looks pretty hard, don’t worry, there are many iguana cage plans that you can use. Some people used PVC for building a large iguana cage, while others used plywood and metal construction.

Ideally, your pet should occupy enough space (a small room if possible) so that he can move freely and feel safe and comfortable. Also, keep in mind that these reptiles are very curious and love to observe the world around them, so you have to provide them that.

• Lighting

We all know that these reptiles are lazy and they spend a better part of their life basking in the sunlight. Therefore, you want to build their habitat somewhere where there will be a plenty of natural light. Plus, you will need to buy a lot of UVB fluorescent bulbs, providing necessary heat and vitamin D3 for your pet (so that its organs can function properly).

The best option is to buy large bulbs and a heat emitter. The temperature in iguana enclosures should be 85 degrees F, so you probably want to buy thermostats as well. This will prevent the area from being cold or being too hot.

However, do keep in mind that you shouldn’t place iguana tank near air conditioners, or windows, or other similar places where the temperature and humidity can be drastically changed.

The space where your pet iguana will live should have shade area and basking area, so that he can easily regulate the temperature of his body.

• A hiding place

Iguanas are fun to watch and they make great pets. But, like every other living being on the planet, they also need some time to chill and be on their own. This means that you should make a hiding area for your pet. That way, your pet feel have a place where he will feel secure and where he can enjoy privacy.

• Substrate

Whether you use a tank or custom enclosure, you must place some substrate. You can use eco-earth reptile carpet, newspapers, or paper towels to make an adequate bottom for your pet. Just to point out that eco-earth carpets that you can get from the pet store are designed to look very natural. Plus it’s pretty easy to clean.

• Humidity

Don’t forget about keeping humidity at an optimal level, otherwise, your pet’s health might be at risk. The way to do this is to add a water bowl in a cage or enclosure. But, this still won’t be enough. So, you will also have to add a plastic tub of water in order to provide additional humidity.

Wanna find the best iguana cage out there?

With a variety of tanks, enclosures, and terrariums, it is no wonder that you don’t can’t bring yourself to choose a one without being afraid of making a mistake. Luckily for you, we are willing to help you out. So, you can thank us later on. Below you’ll find the best iguana cage for sale, so let us see which one is your perfect match.

Now on to the best iguana enclosures money can buy.

1. Zoo Med Reptibreeze Screen Cage

First, we have the Zoo Med Reptibreeze screen cage. If you think good iguana care is important, then this is a must.

The screen comes in 4 different sizes, depending on your needs. You can get the largest enclosure that is 24 inches wide, 24 inches long and 48 inches tall.

You won’t have to worry about your lizard escaping as all the sides are covered with a sturdy metal mesh, except the bottom, so you also don’t have to worry about your iguana getting hurt.

Another plus is that the height of this screen cage allows you to customize it whichever way you want, keeping it looking cool and beautiful, while at the same time giving your iguana all that it needs to stay happy and healthy. Unlike smaller models, you can put vines and other things for the chameleon to climb on, without it getting bored or stuck.

This screen, for your iguana cage, is very easy to access and to clean, and all you need to assemble it is a screwdriver.

A small problem could be the bottom of the cage which is a simple plastic sheet, but, this can be cheaply and easily fixed.

Pros:

• Spacious
• Sturdy mesh
• Easy to set up

Cons:

• Plastic sheet for bed

2.  Zoo Med Reptibreeze IguanArium

Another of Reptibreeze’s fine products. Iguana care has never been so simple. This iguana cage is 36 inches long, 18 inches wide and 48 inches tall, allowing your pet iguana ample room to move around. The assembly is also very easy, it probably won’t take you more than 30 minutes, to an hour.

This has a number of positive characteristics that you will definitely find useful. First of all, you won’t have to worry about your pet iguana rubbing its nose and hurting itself on the sides of this iguana tank, as the wire mesh on its sides is coated in PVC plastic.  Another great point is that the tray found at the bottom is removable, making it very easy to clean.

Natural sunlight is one of the best things you can give your iguana. That’s important to note, as this iguana tank has 4 wheels to help you move it outside, and a removable basking shelf. Trust us, your lizard will be very grateful while basking for hours in the sunlight.

However, if you have an aggressive and energetic iguana, it can damage this iguana tank, because it’s not that sturdy.

Pros:

• Protective plastic coating
• Easy to clean
• Easy to move outside
• Spacious
• Removable tray

Cons:

• Not very sturdy
• Not a good choice for an aggressive reptile

3. Exo Terra Allglass Terrarium

This beautiful glass iguana tank weighs a hefty 52 pounds and is 18 inches long, 18 inches wide and 24 inches high. The manufacturers focused, predominantly, on safety being a big part of iguana care.

This glass iguana cage has a special lock designed to stop your iguana from getting out, or any other animal (or small child) nagging the poor lizard. Its dual doors help you with a number of issues, mainly maintenance of the cage, but also make feeding easier, and more fun. These doors also help retain heat and humidity.

The patented front window is also easily removable, giving you the same benefits as the above mentioned dual doors. It also allows for UVB and infrared penetration, helping your iguana stay healthy. Thanks to the top, your iguana will have a plenty of air and light, so that it can bask in the sunlight and be happy.

The mock-rock background is a nice touch, as it looks real. Not only will it give some more space and one more dimension for climbing, but also has room for cord and tubing for accessories that can help keep your lizard healthier. Handy closable inlets that come with a tank make easy work of organizing cords and tubes.

The base at the bottom of this iguana cage is waterproof, and the manufacturer guarantees that all cages are tested for leaks. Also, the bottom glass panel is made in such a way that it allows for an easy installation of substrate heaters or any other useful accessory. This helps keep the bottom panel ventilated, and leaves room for optimal temperatures to suit the needs of your pet iguana.

A slight problem could be the corrosion of the wire mesh when exposed to too much humidity.

Pros:

• Dual doors
• Waterproof base
• The lock
• Front window provides light and air circulation
• Closable inlets

Cons:

• Corrosion of metal mesh

4. Zoo Med Reptibreeze Screen Cage

This iguana cage is a smaller version of Zoo med reptibreeze screen cage. This is perfect for old world chameleons, various types of anoles and geckos, and of course for baby iguanas. Weighing 11 pounds, this iguana cage is relatively light, and so is easy to move around your house.

You will love this cage because of its quality materials and great setup. Like the larger model, this one too, is quite easy to set up. All you need is a good quality screwdriver and some patience. Should you have any problem with the setup, feel free to contact the seller, or look up for online videos.

Now, let’s talk about the looks. The screen cage is made from black, anodized, corrosion-resistant aluminum. Meaning, this iguana tank will look amazing, once you add all the decoration items and set it up completely. No doubt that your pet will be thrilled to live in this tank, as it will have enough room to move wherever he wants, and also to bask in the sun. As mentioned, this tank isn’t heavy, so you can move it to your yard, and make your iguana happy and relaxed.

Thanks to its smart design, the tank is simple to clean. The tank offers great ventilation, as it is made of screen, so your iguana will enjoy fresh air all day and night.

As for the downside, this cage is too small for an adult iguana.

Pros:

• Sturdy mesh
• Easy to set up
• Easy to clean
• Lightweight
• Ventilation
• Provides enough natural light

Cons:

• Not for big adult iguanas
• Small

5. Exo Terra glass Terrarium

Last but not least. Here we have one pretty heavy glass iguana cage, coming at a great price. This is a large and wide model, ideal for young iguanas.

Like the previous all-glass model on our list, this one also comes with a lot of great features. This iguana cage is sturdy, easy to clean, easy to install, and spacious. In other words, this cage has everything a pet iguana could ask for, so no doubt that your “little” pet will have a happy life in this glass terrarium. You don’t have to worry about your pet getting out, since the tank comes with remarkable dual doors and a lock that will make escape impossible.

Moreover, on top of the tank is a window that also for optimal ventilation and constant air flow, so that your pet doesn’t get sick.

Waterproof bottom, closable inlets, and raised bottom frame make this terrarium a smart purchase, and easy to clean.

Pros:

• Durable
• Looks great
• Provides constant air flow
• Easy to install
• Easy to clean

 Cons:

• Heavy

Taking care of a pet iguana isn’t that simple – there is still much you need to know, for example…

What temperature does a green iguana need?

As mentioned, the space where your pet will live in should be around 85 degrees F. So, get the correct UVB bulbs. The iguana lighting needs are specific too since the high heat means that its best you get some guards over your light fixtures, and ceramic bulbs. This will ensure that your iguana won’t get hurt. Also, iguanas need full spectrum lighting. This is why they need UVB lights, as the help create natural vitamin D3. If they don’t have this, they can develop a bone disease, that results from a lack of calcium (which they can’t absorb without vitamin D3)

The bedding, or the substrate, is also important. While you may think that the advice we already gave, i.e. using newspaper, sounds silly and cheap, it’s actually the best option. Sand, crushed walnut shells or wood shaving are a bad idea, as the iguana can actually swallow some of these materials. This can lead to it getting, obviously, sick or hurt.

How long do iguanas live?

After looking at iguana care facts, we found out that these beautiful reptiles can live up to 20 years, which means that you’re going to spend quite a time taking care of this pet. This means that if you don’t want to be responsible and take a proper and long care of this one-of-a-kind pet, then why even bother with buying an Iguana?

But, in case you are serious and are ready to sacrifice your time and invest a bunch of money, you should know that both baby iguanas and adult iguanas require special care right from the start.

How to take care of an iguana?

With excellent iguana cage accessories, such as substrate, lighting, heat emitters, logs, etc. taking care of an iguana will be a whole lot easier. Of course, this doesn’t mean that you won’t have to put a lot of effort in taking a proper care of your pet, because you will, but after reading some books and guides, you will be able to cope with all these requirements.

The most important part of a proper care is food, so you’ll have to feed your reptile with vitamins and numerous veggies in order to keep him healthy. Iguanas are herbivores, so be prepared to buy fruits (strawberries, bananas, apples, blueberries…) and veggies (collard, dandelion greens, kale, peas, green beans, squash, bell peppers…).  Many people think that they eat bugs or any kind of meat, but they actually don’t even process protein efficiently. This can actually cause them to develop gout, and to basically keep them from living very long.

As for the vitamins, calcium, vitamin D3 and multivitamin supplements are crucial for your pet’s health.