10 Things You Need to Know Before Getting a Pet Green Iguana

Iguanas are one of the most popular lizards that people usually love to keep as pets. That’s because they inevitably fall in love with these green iguanas. Their striking colors and manageable size make them the most beloved pet. But keep in mind that they can grow up to 6 feet long and it will be unacceptable if you live in a small apartment.

After buying this cute animal from a pet store, the pet owners fall in an uneasy situation because they don’t have any idea about the exact resources needed for keeping a reptile as a pet. So before adopting a green iguana, you have to be aware of their habits, morphology, and necessities.

So without wasting much time, let’s check out some of their necessities and habits so that you can welcome this new family member wholeheartedly.

1. Do You Have a Big Space?

If the answer is yes, then you are ready to welcome an attractive green iguana. Adult iguanas need a lot of space, and you have to give them the freedom to roam freely like a boss in their territory. They are arboreal. So give them their desired height to satisfy their natural climbing urge. Just in a year, you will see a big lizard is roaming in your house. So try to keep them in a sunny room, which is at least 6 feet long. Sometimes a modified bathroom works well for these pets.

2. They Have a Long Life Span

People usually get scared to adopt a pet because of their emotional attachment. But a green Iguana lives for at least 12 to 20 years. It actually depends on the owner. So prepare yourself to spend some money for your new friend. Along with maintaining an excellent diet chart, you have to replace the bulbs in six months. In short, you have to be financially sound to keep green iguana as a pet.

3. Don’t Expect Them to Entertain You

Do you remember those action heroes from 1970? Adult iguanas are just like them, while baby governors will entertain you thoroughly. But gradually they become lazy and dull. Mostly they spend time under sunlight. They even love to sleep all the time. Don’t expect them to play games or dance with you. Their behavior also changes gradually. This change is quite normal. In short, they are kind of boring creatures.

4. They Are the Creatures of Tropical Climate

Usually, in a pet store, you find South American green iguanas. Abundant humidity and heat help them to live long. So in captivity, they try to find a similar environment. So as an owner, try to keep in mind that the humidity should be between 80 degrees to 90 degrees, especially in the daytime. At night it can be around 75 degrees. The humidity should be controlled as the hydration is retained by them through their skin. Heated lamps really work well for them as these lamps protect them from calcium deficiency.

5. Iguanas Are Not Cuddly Pets

Most of the iguanas never scream for cutesy snuggling. However, variation is also there. It doesn’t mean you cannot contact them at all. You have to pick it up for regular works. But try to hold them properly. It’s an art which you will learn gradually.

Along with that, they have to be comfortable with this unnatural contact. It will also take some time. Climbing is in their blood. So sometimes they treat their owners as a tree and try to climb up. But you have to keep yourself safe from their sharp claws.

6. They Are the Strongest

Don’t get scared, but green Iguanas have the power to do severe damage with their tails. So try to secure yourself from getting wrecked by its tail because you need time to recover. Sometimes its tail breaks the bone of any human. Therefore try to keep it away from your children.

Along with the stiff tail, their sharp teeth can do huge damage as well. But you have to do something extreme to get it back from this pet. Otherwise, they are good until you treat them well.

7. Are Green Iguanas Vegetarians?

Yes, green iguanas are strict vegetarians. They love to eat fruits and leafy greens. Your mother will surely love this pet as they eat everything she wants, including mustard greens, green beans, kale, turnip greens, salads, and so on. On the other hand, they will never ask you for anything if you give them a banana. Never let them eat any cat food or meat. Kidney failure is quite common among these green iguanas. So always feed them with green salads and vegetables. Keep in mind that your lovable new friend needs lots of phosphorus and calcium. Therefore try to feed them accordingly so that they can have healthy bones and live for a long time.

8. What Happens In the Extreme Threat?

If they feel extreme stress or treat their tail automatically falls off. So if they ever have to confront a large animal, their tail will be enough to combat. So whenever their tell falls off, you have to be a bit vigilant until it grows back once again. It looks terrific when it comes back once again.

9. Don’t Misinterpret Them With Dinosaurs

Green iguanas can be huge, up to 6 feet. Its weight can be 20 lbs. But it will never become a dinosaur no matter how well you take care of it. They used to live over 65 million years ago. Green iguanas are listed among the common lizard category. If you are an adventurous person and looking for a pet like a dinosaur, then you can choose a bird instead of a green iguana as birds have more similarities than iguanas with Dinosaurs.

10. Don’t Forget to Research Before Buying

Keeping a green iguana needs a lot of care and knowledge. So try to do a lot of research before welcoming your new friend to your family. This article will give you all the information about this particular pet. If you are passionate and ready to take this responsibility, then start your new exciting journey with extreme happiness, love, and knowledge.