Green iguanas are very interesting animals and they are often kept as pets. Unfortunately, many people do not know a lot about iguanas or how to care for them, so many first time iguana owners have a lot to learn. If you're planning on getting a green iguana from a retailer that has reptiles for sale in the near future, use the following tips:

Habitat

A baby iguana in a pet store may look cute and small, but an adult iguana can be 5 to 7 feet in length when fully grown, so it is important to keep that size in mind when it comes to their habitat in your home. You may be able to have your baby iguana live in a large aquarium for several months, but it is important to make plans to purchase or build a much larger habitat for your iguana as it grows.

Since an iguana is a reptile, it will need a heat source, typically in the form of an over head basking light that is placed above its habitat so it can maintain its body temperature. Iguanas are found in tropical environments, and they need high humidity levels in their habitat. You can put large bowls of water in the enclosure that will create some moisture in the habitat, and you may also want to mist your iguana with water several times a day. The best option is to invest in an automatic misting system for your iguanas habitat, but they can be costly.

Diet

If you want to keep your iguana healthy, you need to feed it a varied diet. Iguanas are herbivores and prefer fresh food. The bulk of your iguanas diet should be leafy greens, like escarole, turnip greens, and mustard greens, and vegetables such as carrots, zucchini, greens, beans, squash, and bell peppers. Iguanas also need small amounts of fruit like bananas, melon, strawberries, and grapes. Feed your iguana daily and rotate the food that you provide. To help keep your iguana hydrated, spray its food with water before you put it inside the habitat.

Prevent Salmonella from Spreading

Iguanas can carry salmonella, a type of bacteria that can make humans quite ill. The bacteria is typically shed in the iguana's feces, so it is important to keep your iguana's habitat very clean and always practice very good hygiene. Any time you handle your iguana or clean out its habitat, make sure you thoroughly wash your hands with soap and hot water immediately afterwards.

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