Iguana Habitat

Iguana is a very difficult pet to keep since you need to maintain a good habitat for its survival. Iguana habitat includes the size of the habitat, Temperature of habitat, Lighting in habitat and the humidity level in habitat.

Factors to consider for an Iguana Habitat :

1. Size of the habitat for iguana-
   1. For beginners it is always suggested to have a bigger cage for an iguana. Iguana grows very quickly and an iguana’s size will become around 6 feet long. If the size of their enclosure is small, then the growth of the reptile also slows down.
   2. A 55 gallon aquarium will be required for a young iguana. Before purchasing an iguana you should ensure the space requirement in the habitat. Iguana requires free roaming space in the aquarium.
   3. An enclosure of an iguana should be twice the length of an iguana.
   4. Iguanas like to climb a tree and also feel more comfortable at the top of the tree. The size of the cage plays a very vital role in the growth of the iguana.
   5. If the iguana is kept in a small cage it affects the growth and they injure themselves while hitting the cage. They get injuries like nose wounds and broken claws.
   6. Smaller size of cage restricts the movement and climbing ability of iguana. Weakness in the muscles of iguana occurs due to lack of climbing on trees.
   7. Keeping the baby iguana in a big cage will result in its quick growth.
2. Temperature of habitat for iguana-
   1. The iguanas are basically from tropical region, they need enclosures with a warm temperature.
   2. Basking spot required by an iguana is around 90-95 °F. the air temperature in the enclosure should be around 80 °F during day time.
   3. Inadequate amount of warm temperature in the habitat prevents iguana from digesting the food properly and absorbing nutrients. Growth of iguana also remains constant in warm temperature.
   4. In the enclosure there should be a proper placement of cooler and warmer areas. This proper range of temperature will help the iguana to maintain body temperature properly according to its requirement.
   5. If the environment in habitat is too cool, it will make iguana uncomfortable and also inactive.
   6. In the night, heat should be provided to iguana without using light.
3. Lighting in Habitat for iguana-
   1. Iguana habitat must include a UVA and UVB light. UVA light helps an iguana to maintain its natural behavior. UVB light is important since it helps to manufacture vitamin D3 in iguana body and metabolize the calcium level.
   2. Iguanas which do not get proper UVB light suffer from metabolic bone disease. MBD weakens the bones and also results in death.
   3. The best way of UV light is sun. Iguana should be allowed to bask in sunlight for large amount of natural UV light.
4. Humidity level in habitat for iguana-
   1. Humidity level in iguana habitat should be around 60-75%. Iguana requires a high amount of humidity in their habitat.
   2. In the artificial habitat they lack the desire of drink which results in mild dehydration. The Usual dehydration to iguana may lead to kidney failure at a young age.

The above information contains the highlights on iguana habitat. Iguana habitat plays very vital role in the life of iguana.