Green Iguana

Establish a range from 80°F on the cool end to 95°F on the hot end. Offer a choice of conditions.

Fresh water at all times.

Provide a cool, dark place to hide. Broken pottery and shoe boxes work as well as other products.

Enclosure size: 15 gallons minimum for a baby, and at least 1½ times the length of the animal. All green iguanas grow large (4 to 7 feet); expect a minimum adult enclosure of 4 ft. by 4 ft. by 2 ft., or larger.

Screened pine or hardwood chips, or newspaper. Avoid cedar and other aromatic woods.

Feed daily: plates of finely grated vegetables and fruit such as romaine, mustard greens, collard greens, bok choy, kale, carrots, tomatoes, zucchini, squash, banana, melons, papaya and mango. Variety is important. Avoid foods with little nutritional value such as iceberg lettuce, mushrooms and celery. Remove vegetable plates after 24 hours.

The source also lists a low protein source alongside the daily plates: canned dog food, soaked monkey chow, tofu, crickets and rodents. See flag before publishing.

Generously dust all food with a 50/50 mix of calcium and multivitamin (the source names Rep-Cal and Herptivite) at every feeding. Without them, iguanas develop vitamin and calcium deficiencies that can prove fatal.

A full-spectrum (UVB) light is essential. It simulates natural sunlight, aids metabolism of key vitamins and minerals, prevents calcium deficiency and lowers stress in captive animals.