Does anyone have any info about caging and heating an iguana. We are kinda new at this and want whats best.?

Question

We are tyring to get the best for our little guy and want to know any information possible. We are looking into building a cage and having that for him. So if anyone has any feedback please let us know. Also, I am wondering if there are any alternative light bulbs to buy. The one that we have just isnt warming much. We have a black light for at night and that is warming him better. Please let us know. Thanks.

Answer 1

Try www.anapsid.org (or .com) which has a lot of info about green iguana

or

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/babyiguana

Answer 2

To properly digest food, iguanas must have their stomachs and hindgut properly warmed.  This is why in the wild you see them basking in the sun on rocks and branches.  In captivity, you need to provide heating pads and basking lights.  The iguana needs a basking spot with an ambient temperature between 80 and 90 degrees, but also needs areas he can go to get out of the heat.  Strong plant lights from Wal Mart are cheap, warm and are pretty much the same as the junk they sell you at the pet-store for 10 bucks more.  Avoid heat rocks as these are known to malfunction and burn the animals.  You will also need a bulb that produces UVB rays, which the iguana needs in order to process calcium - I recommend Repti-Glo bulbs which is what I use.  Also keep in mind that iguanas need ambient humidity as they get a lot of their water from the humid jungle air.  As a new owner, I would STRONGLY advise that you head to http://www.greenigsociety.org/ and read everything you can.  Good luck with your iggy!