Iguanas need a heat source from up above, mimicking the sun, such as a specially designed light fixture for reptiles. Iguanas need dark to sleep in and so a ceramic type of lamp should be used for night time. Also, most types of bedding sold for reptiles is harmful to iguanas such as sand, wood chips, gravel, etc. as it may be eaten by the iguana and cause problems with its digestion. You really need some type of artificial turf or other such material that can not be ingested by the iguana. With all of the special diet and lodging requirements you will need for an iguana, you probably haven t had time to think about the fact that you will have to cut his nails once a month and if you haven t been handling it every day, you could be in for a tail whipping.
Iguanas are wild animals which suffer greatly when kept in captivity.
Too many people are misinformed in the care of iguanas and if you truly insist on having one as a pet, it is crucial to research the care and feeding of these delicate animals. There are many diseases that are common to iguanas and poor diet can cause many of them. Inadequate temperatures can cause others and you really need a lot of space to fit the cage that will be large enough for your iguana to live comfortably. Before you purchase an iguana, look for an adoption program in your area, there are hundreds abandoned each year and the adoption centers will have a great deal more information for you than the pet store. Perhaps you can even give a home to an orphan iguana once you have learned the instructions for its proper care and accept the large responsibility that comes with owning one of these unique creatures.