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You want a lizard. You have thought about an iguana, but you stop and consider, are iguanas good pets for a beginner? That is an excellent question to ask! Some pets require more expertise and experience that only comes from handling pets and lizards.
In reality, you have to be a beginner with every new pet you get. The biggest issue is discovering all the necessary information, following all the steps for its wellbeing and health, and having the time, money, and dedication to ensure your pet is taken care of.
So would Iguanas be a good start for someone who has never had a lizard before?
Well, it entirely depends on you, and here are a few things you need to know about Iguanas before considering getting them as a pet.
Keep reading to find out if iguanas are the perfect pet for you!
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What You Need to Know About Iguanas as a Beginner?
How Big do Iguanas Get?
Unlike many other lizards, iguanas are known to get very big. This means that you will need the space, and most beginners do not consider this when they get an Iguana. This is over the fact that most people get an iguana when they are merely a baby.
What Iguanas Eat?
Iguanas are pretty stingy in what they eat to remain healthy. Iguanas are mainly vegetarian, which means they mostly eat vegetables, fruits, leafy greens, and even certain legumes. The younger iguanas will have to eat once daily, whereas adults can eat every other day.
If the food is not fresh, it can make the iguana sick, and they should follow a feeding routine. It is best to remove any of the food that has not been eaten and make sure you feed them at the same time every day.
How Long Do Iguanas Live?
They are not short-term pets, that is for sure. Most small pets can live for a few years, while iguanas can live for 10 – 15 years when they are properly cared for. When anyone purchases an iguana, they have to consider the animal’s lifespan as you will be taking care of this animal for at least a decade, if not a bit longer.
Medical Care Requirements
It may take some time to find a veterinarian in your area that knows how to take care of an iguana. Iguanas generally do not need any vaccinations, but they could get sick, have infections, or even struggle with parasites. It is best to take your iguanas to the vet every 6-12 months to take a preventative exam. This is to play it safe and reduce the complications if the poor animal has issues.
Habitat Requirements
Iguanas need ample space; tight, cramped spaces will not do, as this can make them stressed out and even lead them to depression. When you build a habitat, you should overestimate the space needed.
If you want to buy a cage, you must look for an enclosure at least 12x6x6 feet. It needs to be double the length of the iguana at a minimum. Iguanas love large spaces to climb and run around, and this is an easy way to ensure your pet’s happiness.
However, space is not the only matter to take into consideration. Iguanas are used to living in hot habitats. They are cold-blooded, after all, and thus require heat to both survive as well as thrive. Their environment should reach at least 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
To maintain this temperature, you need to buy suitable lamps as well as thermometers. It is best to keep a close eye on the temperature during the day, and it can take a bit of trial and error. But over time, you will soon have learned to master maintaining the temperature.
Bright areas are what iguanas love. This means having good access to the sunlight, and they should be able to have access to the sun for at least 12 hours every day. If that is not possible, you will need an artificial light source so they can soak in the UV rays. Thus, you have the option of keeping your enclosure outside in the sun or inside with an artificial UV bulb.
Other Iguana Needs
Taming your iguana is an integral part of owning one. You have to be willing to do this, as they need to be socialized. The younger the iguana, the better. You should handle your iguana daily, and you should even talk to it. Iguanas are very smart and can become familiar with your smell and sound.
Iguanas need their fair share of exercise, which is one of the biggest reasons why iguanas need a big cage. Iguanas can both walk and climb depending on the iguana’s size, and you could even allow it to go swimming in your bath. Some iguanas could even be walked on leashes, but this may need training.
You will also have to keep its environment clean because if the environment is dirty, it can affect the iguana’s happiness and quickly make it ill.
Wrapping up: Are Iguanas Good Pets for Beginners?
Suppose you can meet all the demands for taking care of an iguana. Then even as a beginner, it is more than possible for an iguana to be your first pet. However, if you are unwilling to put in the effort, time, and work, perhaps you should consider a less demanding pet.
It doesn’t matter whether you are a beginner or not. What matters is if you are willing to do the research and take care of them. Some people may be taking care of lizards for years and still be a worse choice than someone who just got a brand new iguana.
