Before you decide to buy an iguana, you have to know the necessary requirements in order to be successful in owning one of nature’s exotic species. Being familiar with the animal’s basic needs should be enough to keep an iguana alive. However, having the proper knowledge of how to raise a happy iguana, one that you can live with for the next 15 to 25 years, will require more than simple feeding and caring.
It would be inaccurate and unfair to imply that iguanas are simple pets to care for and that everyone should have one. Iguanas are special animals with special needs that may or may not be suitable to a potential owner. An iguana requires a lot from its owner, especially during the first few months of obtaining one.
Closeup photo of a yellow iguana
Iguanas are not like many urban pets. If having an adaptable pet that is easy to care for is what you have in mind, then you’re better off getting a cat or a fish. If you are buying an iguana just to look at or show to your friends, just go to the zoo or watch the National Geographic channel because you will soon regret your reason for getting one. Last but not the least, if you don’t have the time, patience, money, and commitment to raise an unusual and challenging pet, an iguana is not right for you.
On the other hand, if you are prepared to take on the challenge of raising a unique animal, an iguana can be the perfect match. Ask yourself the following six questions before you buy an iguana:
1. Can I give my iguana the proper care, feeding, and habitat necessary for its survival?
2. Can I provide the medical care and expense in order for it to stay healthy?
3. Do I have a real interest in these animals or is it more a phase that I am going through?
4. Do I have the time, energy, and patience to train a special animal?
5. As a responsible pet owner, am I willing to educate myself of the animal’s special needs and concerns?
6. If the iguana is for my child, will I be willing and able to take over the responsibility of caring for it if my child loses interest?
Why Iguanas Are Ideal Pets For Some People
Why do people own green iguanas? Aside from the fun of showing off a little dinosaur resting comfortably on your shoulder, what is it that is so fascinating about having a huge untamed lizard that can grow up to 6 ft long and has a tendency to bite?
Contrary to what many people think, a green iguana makes a unique and amazing pet. Just like any other pet, you need to learn what is required for your iguana to stay healthy and for you to avoid any frustration that you may encounter down the road. Once you establish a suitable diet and environment for this creature to thrive, the caring and maintenance is relatively simple.
The longer you have your iguana and the more you spend time with it, the more you will see it’s personality unfold. All green iguanas have different personalities. Each one has definite likes and dislikes. They all have moods that can change every single day, every month, and every year. Some iguana owners claim that their pets behave more like a mammal than a lizard.
A Pet iguana
If properly trained, they can be affectionate and even bond with their owners.
Having an iguana as a pet has many advantages over other types of pets. Iguanas don’t require vaccines, shots or registration tags. They do not get Lyme disease, rabies, ticks, ringworms, mange, or fleas.
Unlike cats or other furry animals, iguanas do not cause allergies.
Unlike dogs, iguanas do not cause destruction around the house when left alone. They do not require constant attention. Iguanas do not need long walks. They don’t go through the garbage can and spread trash all over the kitchen floor. They don’t pee on you neighbor’s legs. They don’t howl at sirens, cry at night, or bark incessantly when a stranger is nearby.
Unlike cats, iguanas will not scratch your couch until it shreds into pieces. They do not cover the furniture with fur and they do not require stinky litter boxes. They do not puke up hair balls or screech when in heat.
Unlike a fish aquarium, your home will not turn into a small lake if you knock over an iguana’s house. Furthermore, these animals aren’t messy like birds that throws food and leave feathers around the house.
Iguanas do not make any vocal sounds, making them apartment friendly. In fact, many apartment complexes do not require a pet deposit for an iguana because it is considered a low-risk pet.
When getting a pet, the first two animals that come to mind for most people are dogs or cats. Dogs and cats are preferred generally because of their traits, their behavior, and how they interact and bond with people.
These animals are chosen among other types of pets because they can easily adapt to new environments and they have human-like qualities that make them so desirable.
But why do people own iguanas? Do iguanas share the same behaviors and characteristics that make social animals like dogs and cats likable? If so, what are they? Below are 6 reasons why iguanas are chosen by many pet owners. By examining the following reasons, you can find out if an iguana is right for you.
1. The main reason why people get an uncommon pet in general, an iguana in particular, is that they are truly fascinated by them. These people are genuinely interested in reptiles and everything about these creatures. And iguana is their dream pet. Many of these types of pet owners have always wanted an iguana.
2. Many people enjoy that feeling of closeness and that special bond that they get with an animal. For some people, a green iguana is that animal. Although an average iguana will not be as loyal and devoted to you as a dog might be, true companionship and closeness do occur over time, with a lot of caring on the relationship and as the iguana gets older.
Many iguana owners get attached to their pet and consider it as a friend and part of the family. These creatures are mostly independent in nature but will often surprise you with their need to be close and the desire to spend time and interact with their owners.
3. Green iguanas are usually the preferred pet for those people who love reptiles but hate having to deal with high levels of maintenance and care associated with some of them. Although the basic habitat and food conditions for iguanas must be exact and specific, it is not difficult to maintain once you are done with the initial set-up.
Cleaning their cage is simple and iguanas do not need live food. Their diet is less expensive than that of cats or dogs.
4. Iguanas don’t smell bad. While dogs get that musty dog smell, iguanas naturally have a nice, neutral odor, which is barely detectable.
5. Some people want an alternative to common household pets. They like the non-traditional pets for different reasons, and green iguanas fit that category. They don’t bark, they live long (an average of 15 years), they are allergy-friendly, they require limited space in the house, they are independent and yet they seem to surprise you with their ability to bond and get close.