Green Iguana Care Sheet

Common Name:

Green Iguana

Scientific Name:

Iguana iguana

Group or Family:

Iguanidae

Keeper Level:

Advanced – Requires extensive care, space, and specialized husbandry.

Handler Level:

Intermediate to Advanced – Iguanas can be defensive, require patience, and may develop aggressive tendencies, especially during breeding seasons.

Species Background and Natural History:

The Green Iguana is a large, arboreal herbivorous lizard native to the tropical and subtropical forests of Central and South America. They are excellent climbers and spend most of their time in trees. Their strong tails, which make up nearly half their body length, are used for balance, defense, and swimming. They are diurnal (active during the day) and rely heavily on basking in the sun for thermoregulation.

Distribution:

Green Iguanas are widely distributed across:

Central America (Mexico, Belize, Costa Rica, Panama)
South America (Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru)
Caribbean islands (Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic)
Introduced populations in South Florida, Texas, and Hawaii

Life Span:

Captivity: 15–20 years with proper care
Wild: 10–15 years due to predation and environmental factors

Caging Size:

Juveniles (under 1 year): Minimum 40-gallon terrarium
Sub-adults (1–3 years): Minimum 4’L x 2’W x 4’H
Adults (3+ years, 5+ feet in length): Minimum 6’L x 3’W x 6’H (Larger is always better)
Enclosure should include sturdy climbing branches, multiple basking spots, and hiding areas.

Temperature Requirements:

Basking Spot: 95°F – 100°F (35°C – 38°C)
Ambient Daytime Temperature: 80°F – 85°F (27°C – 29°C)
Nighttime Temperature: No lower than 75°F (24°C)

Heating and Lighting Requirements:

Heat Source: Ceramic heat emitters, basking bulbs, or radiant heat panels
UVB Lighting: Essential for calcium absorption and preventing Metabolic Bone Disease. Use a 10.0 UVB fluorescent tube or Mercury Vapor Bulb (Position UVB 12-18 inches away from basking spot).
Photoperiod: 12 hours of daylight, 12 hours of darkness

Diet and Feeding:

Diet Type: Strict Herbivore
Staple Greens: Mustard greens, collard greens, turnip greens, dandelion greens, escarole, endive
Vegetables: Squash, zucchini, bell peppers, carrots, green beans
Occasional Fruits (10% of diet): Papaya, mango, strawberries, bananas, blueberries
Avoid: Animal proteins, citrus fruits, iceberg lettuce, spinach (binds calcium), rhubarb (toxic)

Supplements:

Calcium Powder: Without D3 (daily for juveniles, 3x per week for adults)
Vitamin D3 Powder: 1–2x per week if using fluorescent UVB, unnecessary if using Mercury Vapor Bulb
Multivitamin Powder: 1x per week

Breeding Notes:

Sexual Maturity: 3–5 years
Breeding Season: Late fall to early winter
Clutch Size: 20–70 eggs per season
Incubation: 85°F – 90°F (29°C – 32°C) for 80–90 days
Breeding Challenges: Territorial males, aggressive behavior, and space requirements make breeding difficult for most keepers.

Handling:

Juveniles: Can be skittish; handle gently and frequently to build trust.
Adults: Can become territorial, especially males during breeding season. Use slow, calm movements.
Best Practices:
- Support the full body when handling.
- Avoid restraining the tail (it can whip or drop).
- Expect occasional defensive behavior, including hissing, tail whipping, and biting.

Additional Comments:

Large Size Consideration: Adult green iguanas reach 5–7 feet in length and require substantial space.
Not for Beginners: Due to their size, diet, temperament, and enclosure needs, green iguanas are not recommended for novice reptile keepers.
Legal Restrictions: Some states and countries regulate or ban iguana ownership due to their invasive nature. Always check local laws.
Enrichment & Mental Stimulation: Provide climbing structures, large enclosures, and environmental variety to keep iguanas mentally stimulated.