Green iguana (Iguana iguana)

🧬 Who is a green iguana?

The green iguana (Iguana iguana) is a large diurnal reptile native to the tropical forests of Central and South America. In the wild, it spends much of its time in trees and relies on leafy food.

🧠 1. What they look like
👀 Appearance

Color: typically yellow-green to dark green; older individuals may have gray, blue, or orange hues.

Size: can grow to 1.2–2 m including the tail; males are larger than females.

Weight: adults often 4–8 kg.

Body: long tail (often longer than the body), ridges along the back, prominent eyes, and lateral skin folds (dewlap).

Maturity: sexually mature at ~2 years of age.

🏠 2. Breeding requirements

The green iguana is a demanding terrarium animal that requires a large space and stable conditions.

🏡 Terrarium / enclosure

Size: for an adult iguana, at least 2 m length × 1 m width × 2 m height (ideally more).

Vertical space: important - iguanas like to climb and climb.

Substrate: safe, easy to clean (e.g., rug, paper towels).

Hiding places: branches, twigs, shelves for climbing; shelters for hiding.

🌡️ Temperature and humidity

Day temperature: 30–35 °C (climbing places even warmer).

Night temperature: 24–26 °C.

Humidity: 60–80% - important for proper egg hatching and healthy skin.

Temperature gradients: allow the iguana to regulate its body temperature.

💡 Light and UVB

UVB radiation: essential – without it, the iguana cannot synthesize vitamin D3.

Source: UVB lamps – 10–12% UVB efficiency; replace as recommended by the manufacturer (usually every 6–12 months).

Daylight cycle: 10–12 hours of light per day.

🍽️ 3. Diet and nutrition

The green iguana is primarily a herbivore, although young individuals will sometimes eat small animal material.

🥬 Five basic food groups

✔️ Green leafy vegetables: kale, chard, arugula, mustard greens
✔️ Soft vegetables: zucchini, cucumber
✔️ Herbs: parsley, coriander
✔️ Low-oxalate vegetables: peas, broccoli (moderate)
✔️ Other: pumpkin, sweet pepper

🛑 Do not feed

Spinach, arugula in large quantities, rhubarb, hard cheeses with a high oxalate content - bind calcium.

Animal proteins (meat, insects) - can damage the kidneys and liver.

🧂 Supplements

Calm with D3 / multivitamins: occasional supplementation according to the veterinarian.

Optimal 1-3 times a week in small quantities.

😊 4. Nature and behavior
🐾 Typical nature

Calm, shy: react by fleeing rather than attacking.

Habituation: with regular, calm handling, they can be tolerant of handling, but are generally not suitable for frequent keeping as "pets".

Territorial: males can be more dominant, especially during the breeding season.

🧠 Intelligence

They recognize the environment and routines; they can respond to movement and feeding.

🧪 5. Health status and common problems

The green iguana is a relatively hardy species, but improper handling leads to health problems.

🩺 Common health problems

🔹 1) Metabolic bone disease (MBD)

Cause: UVB / calcium deficiency.

Signs: soft bones, limb deformities, weakness.

Prevention: UVB radiation + sufficient calcium in the diet.

🔹 2) Parasites and infections

External: mites, ticks.

Internal: intestinal parasites with poor hygiene.

Prevention: regular veterinary check-ups.

🔹 3) Liver/kidney problems

Cause: improper diet (too much protein).

Signs: lethargy, urine discoloration, loss of appetite.

Prevention: herbivorous diet + veterinary tests.

🔹 4) Dyspnea (breathing problems)

Cause: high humidity without air flow, infections.

Prevention: good ventilation and humidity monitoring.

⚖️ 6. Advantages and disadvantages of breeding
👍 Advantages

✔️ Attractive appearance – light green
✔️ Relatively hardy – if they have the right conditions.
✔️ Educational home object – a large reptile that teaches about the care of exotic animals.

👎 Disadvantages

❌ Large space requirements – need a large terrarium/run.
❌ Sensitivity to UVB and diet – without them, MBD occurs.
❌ They are not "pets" in the traditional sense - they do not like to be held.
❌ Higher maintenance cost - large lamps, ventilation, equipment.

🧠 7. How to choose the right iguana
☑️ 1) Health signs

Bright eyes without secretions

Firm, even skin without peeling

Activity during movement

Even breathing without hissing

☑️ 2) Shape and proportions

Symmetrical torso

Strong limbs

Fully developed scales and crest

☑️ 3) From the breeder

Verified seller / experienced breeder

Documentation on the quality of UVB light and diet, if the animal has already been in captivity

📝 Summary of the most important points
Area Key facts
Appearance large, yellow-green body, long tail, crests
Breeding large vertical terrarium, UVB, stable temperature
Diet herbivorous - vegetables, leafy greens
Temperament calm, curious, does not like to be held
Health MBD, parasites, infections with poor care
Choose healthy eyes, firm skin, symmetrical torso