New iguana check list (BEFORE you buy)
- Buy iguana care book (Hatfield or Kaplan)
- Read the book :)
- Research online (www.anapsid.org)
- Learn about calcium / phosporus of foods
- Join a mailing list (iguanamail, iguanaden, babyiguana ...)
- Make sure you know about lighting / heating requirements
- Buy a cage (not an aquarium unless it is 55 gallons or larger)
- Set up a basking spot
- Get the temperatures right (basking spot and ambient)
SUPPLIES YOU DON'T WANT TO BUY — Iguana's are BIG business for pet supply stores. They know that if they put an iguana's picture on something you will think your iguana needs that item. So below I list "iguana supplies" that you don't need ... either because they are dangerous or because they are not necessary.
hot rocks | bark substrate | leashes/harnesses | aquariums (smaller than 55 gallon to start)
SUPPLIES THAT CAN BE BOUGHT CHEAPER — Pet stores want you to buy things there (which is why they put an iguana's picture on things) But the truth is many things can be purchased at your local home improvement store for a lot less money.
- household 120W flood bulb instead of a pet store basking bulb
- outdoor carpet instead of reptile carpet
- reflector dome from a hardware store (with or without ceramic socket) instead of a clamp-lamp from a pet store
- UVB producing flourescent lights in pet stores can be purchased much cheaper online!
- power strips / timers at a home improvement store instead of a pet store
WHAT ABOUT DIET? — Wow that is a loaded question! One thing we all agree on is fresh food is best. Fresh food has no preservatives, no artificial ingredients, no hidden ingredients that are bad for your iguana (animal protein) and it is better for hydration. Below is a list of things pet stores may tell you to feed your iguana ... but they are BAD BAD BAD choices if you want your iguana to live a long life.
crickets (or any animal protein) | broccoli | commercial iguana diet | lettuce (including romaine) | spinach | carrots | monkey chow
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websites on dangerous supplies
MK on substrates
GIS on leashes
Dangers of hot rocks
websites on lighting
UV Guide UK (but for everyone)
websites on bad food
MK - evaluating commercial diets
MK on animal protein
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