| An iguana has very specific needs when it comes to | | | | per year. An iguana needs room to move around in |
| his or her habitat. Iguana cages, or enclosures, have | | | | the enclosure. He needs places to hide, roost, climb, |
| very precise specifications. Many think the pet store | | | | eat, drink, bask, and exercise. |
| is the best place to shop for iguana cages or | | | | Many iguana owners choose to build an enclosure |
| enclosures. It's a pet store, right? Who would know | | | | that will accommodate their iguana for a year or |
| more about pets? Think again. | | | | more. That requires thinking ahead and allowing for |
| If you are seeking a problem free, well designed, | | | | the iguana's growth. Gallon tanks are available at pet |
| safe, and functional structure to house your pet | | | | stores in 10-30 gallon sizes, but your hatchling iguana |
| iguana, the pet store is not the place to find it. A | | | | will outgrow these quickly, and they do not allow for |
| more functional enclosure or cage can be built at | | | | proper thermal conditioning. What do you gain by |
| home and is usually more economical. You can easily | | | | purchasing a 10 gallon tank in the beginning anyway |
| provide everything your iguana needs in a well | | | | when it will need replacing in a few short months? |
| organized area that will provide years of comfort for | | | | Safety is another concern when it comes to choosing |
| your pet. | | | | iguana cages or enclosures. Some materials are |
| First of all, the size of the structure is important. | | | | dangerous in the iguana living environment. Certain |
| Your iguana is not the only item that has to | | | | types of wire can slice off toes. Climbers and shelves |
| adequately fit into the enclosure. There must also be | | | | must be properly secured to avoid injury, so that too |
| room for: | | | | must be considered when building the iguana cage or |
| * food and water dishes | | | | enclosure. Carpet is sometimes used in iguana |
| * lighting and heating equipment | | | | structures, but you must diligently check the iguana's |
| * proper basking area | | | | toes to make sure carpet fibers do not get wrapped |
| * roosts or perches | | | | around them and cause constriction and circulation |
| * plants | | | | problems. |
| * hiding boxes | | | | There are many design and shape possibilities you |
| * climbers | | | | can consider when designing your iguana cage or |
| The small hatchling iguana you bring home will grow. | | | | structure. There are also several possibilities when it |
| There are various directions you can take when | | | | comes to construction materials used. Size and |
| planning your iguana accommodations. You can start | | | | safety are primary concerns, and there are definitely |
| with a small enclosure, and then keep adapting and | | | | some do's and don'ts when it comes to the design of |
| changing as the iguana grows. This can be an | | | | your iguana's habitat. |
| expensive route to take since you will be spending | | | | Decide on an enclosure design as soon as you can |
| time and money every time your iguana outgrows his | | | | and get it built. You will still have work to do |
| living area. The iguana also has to re-adapt to his | | | | afterwards such as adding roosting and basking |
| living conditions every time you change them. | | | | areas, hiding boxes, creating climbers, and installing |
| An iguana will outgrow a small living area very quickly. | | | | thermometers, lighting, and heating equipment. By |
| You'll save time and expense by providing iguana | | | | following a few basic design concepts in the |
| cages or enclosures that allow for future growth. Plan | | | | beginning, you can save yourself some time, expense |
| ahead based on the expected growth rate of your | | | | and headache down the road. Have fun with your |
| iguana, which is approximately one foot more or less | | | | iguana! |