Iguana Enclosures

Free Roaming

Many people like to let their iguanas roam free throughout the house. There are a few things to consider though.

Iguanas can spread Salmonella, a very nasty bacteria. Keeping your iguana confined to one or two rooms can help cut the risk of spreading bacteria.

If you let your iguana roam your house, odds are it will find a hidden spot to poop on your rug/clothes/various other things. If you want to let your iguana run around the house, try giving it a warm bath first. (Iguanas tend to poop in the bath.)

Your iguana will look for cozy hiding spots around the house. It may get itself stuck in your heating system, or various other spots. Iguanas will happily stay on a too hot heater and burn themselves. Iguana proof your home/iguana room before letting it run around. It may also knock things off shelves, etc. They like high spots, in nature they live up in trees and bask, coming down for food in the mornings. Providing a large branch to climb, with basking light would keep your iguana happy and hopefully in a safe area.

Finally, an iguana that spends much of its time away from the enclosure must be provided with adequete heat and light. An extra room fixed up iguana style would be great if you have the room. Or a corner of a room set up with a branch to climb, and a basking lamp would be suitable.

Enclosures

A very young iguana can be kept in an aquarium, but will soon outgrow it. An iguana will need a sizeable cage quickly.

If you choose to build an enclosure, do not use cedar as it is toxic to iguanas. Never use a cedar substrate.

Vertical enclosures are most comfortable and necessary for an iguana because it affords room to climb. Climbing helps ward off MBD (metabolic bone disease) by building bone and muscle strength. Remember to include an area for the basking light that is iguana and fire safe. Do not allow the iguana access to touch the lamp, it is very hot and your iguana will happily enjoy the heat while it burns him/her.

You will need to have easy access to all areas of the enclosure for cleaning purposes. Any heat source cords will need to be considered in your design. If you use chicken wire in your design, be sure it is not so small that your iggys toes will get stuck, and not so large that its head will (get stuck). Be sure there is adequate ventilation.

Substrate

Paper towels, old bath towels, newspaper, paper bags, astroturf, vinyl flooring and alphalfa pellets, are easily cleaned and cheap. Paper is very easy to keep clean as it is easily removed and replaced. If you use astroturf or bath towels, buy 2 or 3 pieces, that way you can replace the soiled one quickly giving you time to clean it. Clean the soiled astroturf using a mild bleach solution. (One part bleach to ten parts water) Trim off long strings from astroturf so they are not accidently eaten or wrapped around toes. Choose a substrate that is easy to keep clean and is not harmful to your iguana if eaten or inhaled.
Find safe substrates.

Kitty litter, wood chips, or corncob are NOT good choices because they may be eaten or inhaled causing impaction.

Hiding Area

Provide your iguana with a place to hide when it wants privacy. Open bottomed is easiest, because it doesn't get pooped in.

Accessories

A rolled up pair of socks makes a nice place to rest a sleepy head. A wash cloth could also be used, wash cloths are also good for shedding iguanas to rub on.

Towels can be securely attached to cage sides for your iguana to climb.

Branches for climbing are really a necessity, and also look nice. Branches need to be large enough for the iguanas body, and strong so he won't break them.

Branches (and most accessories) should first be treated for bugs/mites before being added to the enclosure.

Rocks are nice for basking and rubbing on. A rock placed under the heat lamp makes a nice warm spot to lounge. DO NOT use electric hot rocks, they are a burn hazard.

Plants in the enclosure may look nice, for awhile. However, your iguana will likely dig them up immediatly, and even if he doesn't, they will eventually harbor bacteria. It must also be safe to eat, but eating it may throw off the iguanas diet. If you choose to use live plants in the enclosure, try securing them on the side(s) of the cage rather than the bottom so your iguana can't ruin them right away. A better alternative is to use fake plants that can be washed regularly.