Important Iguana Facts

Iguanas are among the most popular pets nowadays. More and more people are actually buying and raising iguanas. However, before you decide to get an iguana for a pet, make sure that you understand vital iguana facts. Learning about this animal would surely help you know its characteristics and needs. Thus, you will be able to provide its necessities.

Iguanas are cold-blooded reptiles that normally grow from four feet to seven feet long. They are diurnal creatures, meaning they are active during daytime but asleep during nighttime. They are also herbivores; so if ever you get one for a pet, you should only give it fruits and vegetables. You can feed it apricots, turnips, clovers, carrots, peas, melons, bananas, apples, peaches, tomatoes, and dates; but you may also give it vitamin and mineral supplements.

Although there are some people who claim that iguanas are omnivores, it is still best not to feed them meat products. The proteins coming from animal meat are too multifaceted for iguanas and cannot be properly absorbed by their bodies. So, if you feed them meat and the proteins are not absorbed, these proteins will turn into uric acids; and if these uric acids build up, the iguanas will develop gouts.

Also, iguanas experience difficulty in processing proteins coming from animal meat. As their digestive systems try to get rid of these proteins, pressure builds up on their kidneys; thus, leading to complications and endangering their lives. Iguana facts like these are very important to remember. You should know what products your pet can and cannot eat if you want it to live a long and happy life.

Contrary to popular belief, iguanas are not dumb and can actually be trained. You can teach them to do things such as defecate in a certain area or find their way home. In fact, training them to defecate in a container or corner can make cleaning up faster and easier for you. You can place a bowl inside its cage or terrarium to serve as its defecating area.

Moreover, you should build a huge shelter for your pet iguana. Since they can grow for up to seven feet long, its cage or terrarium should be roomy enough. There should be enough space for water bowls and logs, as well. Iguanas like to climb, so it is only appropriate to include climbing areas such as branches and logs. Because these animals are cold-blooded, it is also necessary to put a basking light inside the cage or terrarium.

Of course, you should know how to properly hold iguanas. They have sharp nails and strong tails, so you have to be careful when holding them. When they get sick, you should bring them to a reptile veterinarian and have them examined. You should always make sure that your pet is healthy. Unlike other common pets such as cats and dogs, iguanas are exotic and not easy to care for. Hence, you should be aware of significant iguana facts before you get one for a pet.