Facts About Iguanas can help you to make the best choice for a lizard as a pet . Everything you need to know about them is contained in this article.

Facts About Iguanas - Facts

1. Description:

   Iguanas are large reptiles, weighing 10-15 pounds maximum, and growing from 4-6 feet in length. The tail makes up over half of its length.

2. Varieties:

   The most commonly known iguana is the green iguana. Another type is the spiny-tail iguana.

3. History:

   Wild iguanas are generally found in Mexico, Central American, and South America.

4. Physical Traits:

   Iguanas are covered with scales with spines that run from the neck to the end of the tail.

5. Other Defining Characteristics:

   Iguanas have a tail that is over half the length of the body, which can be dropped if it is attacked. The tail does re-grow. The iguana also has a flap of skin under its chin, along with having eyelids.

6. Habitat:

   Iguanas are ideally kept as a solitary animal. They need, at the minimum, a 5' x 5' x 3' home for a full-grown iguana. Iguanas like to climb and need a hiding place where they can go when feeling threatened.

Facts About Iguanas - Concerns

1. Benefits:

   Iguanas are easily tamed and can live up to 20 years.

2. Liabilities:

   Iguanas are, by nature, aggressive and territorial, and can easily cause injury until they are tamed.

3. Health Issues:

   Iguanas are prone to parasites, respiratory diseases, and vitamin deficiencies. They can also spread salmonella to humans.

4. Specific Care Needs:

   Iguanas need exposure to sunlight for at least 5-10 hours per week. They eat fruits and vegetables. They need water to survive. Their food and water dishes need to be cleaned and disinfected regularly.

5. Reaction to Children and other Pets:

   Children should be supervised around iguanas since iguanas may bite or whip its tail. Cats and dogs being curious animals should not be allowed near an iguana since the iguana may try to attack them defensively.

6. Special Household Needs:

   Household pets should have limited access to an iguana's cage.

Facts About Iguanas - How to Choose

1. What to Look for:

   An iguana's eyes should be clear and bright. The animal should be alert and active, with no mites or wounds on the skin.

2. Supplies:

   Iguanas should have items to climb on, such as branches or rocks. You need an ultraviolet fluorescent bulb for proper digestion, since the heat helps them to digest their food.

3. Expense:

   In addition to the initial purchase price of the iguana, other expenses that can be incurred by owning an iguana includes its housing, diet, annual vet visits, and grooming needs.