Iguana cage

Question
I just bought a cage that formerly was used for a ball python. I want to use the cage for an iguana. Is there anything special I should do before I put the iguana in the cage?

Answer
Hi Rachel,

It is always a safe precaution to give a previously enjoyed cage a cleaning before putting another animal in it even if the previous tenant appeared healthy. Your iguana will likely be a bit stressed after moving into a new environment and that can lower his/her immune system response. Viruses between snakes and lizards are not likely to transfer but some parasites and bacteria can. You didn't happen to mention whether this is a glass enclosure which is much easier to clean then wood. With either, start by removing any signs of old faeces or discarded skin. Any cage furnishings such as bowls or branches can be removed and cleaned separately.
If the cage is glass then simply washing it down with a hot dish soap and water solution is a good start followed by a spray or wash down with a weak bleach solution. Thoroughly rinse, dry and air out any remaining bleach smell and you are good to go.
Wood enclosures are a bit more difficult. If they have been water sealed then they can also be washed down with a soap solution as a start but the disenfecting solution should be something less toxic like Nolvasan which is one brand name for chlorhexidine. It is commonly used in vet practice and you should be able to purchase just a small amount from them for your purposes. It can be diluted and sprayed onto cage surfaces. It is also available as a skin disenfectant at some drug stores.

This is Melissa Kaplan's article on cleaning cages: http://www.anapsid.org/cleaning.html