The only real risk of owning an iguana as a pet is that the animal will escape and go wild.
Most reptiles can navigate almost any environment they are placed in, making escapes virtually impossible.
However, if your iguana does manage to get away from you, it’s important to understand how dangerous the little lizard is outside of your home.
Iguanas belong in the warm climate where they were born, not in an urban area or apartment where they can easily become stressed and run away.
They’re not dangerous, but instead should be treated like any other household pet that isn’t accustomed to being around people regularly.
If you plan on taking your lizard outdoors from time to time, ensure you do so safely and with supervision.
If you have more than one iguana in the same house, there are several things you should keep in mind for their well-being and yours as well.
Where Should I Keep My Iguana as a Pet?
The best place for your iguana to live is in a large, open-air enclosure with plenty of space to roam.
This allows the animal to feel as if it has enough room to move about on its own accord, which will help it stay calm and happy.
You also need to make sure that there are plenty of places for your iguana to hide so that it doesn’t feel vulnerable.
Your iguana should have a couple of hiding spots and a few branches or rocks where it can climb up so that it feels secure.
Additionally, you should provide a water dish and an area where they can shed their skin (if they are shedding). If you have more than one iguana in the same house, they will need separate enclosures.
Since these animals don’t mix well with others of their kind, they shouldn’t be housed together unless you plan on housing them next door or upstairs on different levels so that they can see each other but not interact too much.
They don’t need to be able to see each other all day long, but their needs must still be met.
Can You House Train an Iguana?
Iguanas are generally easy to house-train when they are young.
However, once the lizard gets older, it can become harder for them to control their instincts.
If your iguana has reached this stage, you’ll need to take the time and effort to learn how to manage your iguana to keep it from getting out of its cage often.
The trick is making sure your iguana doesn’t think that the outside world is a more interesting option than staying inside with you.
One way you could do this would be by giving your iguana something to do when it’s outside of its cages such as a chew toy or a daily routine that keeps the lizard busy and entertained.
How Do You Discipline an Iguana?
It’s important to remember that, just like a dog, an iguana will be inclined to follow your commands if you use the same tone of voice and reward good behavior with a treat.
They are smart creatures and take a lot of cues from their owners.
Getting them to do what you want is easy when they know they’re getting something in return. Even though it might seem like discipline is not necessary with this type of animal, it’s always important.
If you don’t show your iguana that you value its safety and happiness, it will feel neglected and eventually lash out against you or another member of your family.
It’s also important for the well-being of your iguana because if it feels unsafe or is unable to live up to its natural habitat, physical or mental health problems may occur.
Do Iguanas Tend To Hide?
Iguanas are usually quite active animals, but they can become shy in the presence of humans.
It’s not uncommon for iguanas to hide when they sense someone close by even if they have known that person for a while.
This type of behavior is natural and should be respected by simply providing your pet with a safe spot where it can feel comfortable until it’s ready to come out again.
You can also try gently reassuring the iguana that you won’t hurt or harm them in any way so that it feels more at ease around you.
The more time spent with your pet, the closer the bond will become, and eventually, this skittishness should disappear completely.
With the right care and attention, your iguana can live a full and happy life.
Be sure to follow all the proper precautions when caring for an iguana to ensure that it stays healthy and content in its home.
Whether you are just getting started with your pet or have had one for a while, understanding the basics of housing, house-training, and disciplining an iguana will help make sure that everyone is safe and comfortable.
By providing your iguana with everything it needs to thrive, you can be sure that it will enjoy many years of companionship with you.
Will My Iguana Run Away?
Iguanas are not known for running away from their homes, but it is possible.
If your iguana does escape, you should take the necessary steps to ensure that it can’t get out again.
Make sure that all gaps and cracks in its cage or enclosure are sealed properly and that any lids or doors on the enclosure are latched securely.
It’s important to remember that iguanas like to climb so if there’s an opportunity for them to get out of their home, they will likely take it.
Taking these precautions will help ensure that your pet stays safe and secure within its enclosure. Additionally, you should keep your iguana in a room where other animals cannot reach it as this could lead to a stressful situation if they can get inside.
By taking the necessary steps to ensure your iguana’s safety, you can help guarantee that it won’t run away from home and enjoy its time with you for many years to come.
Knowing how to manage your iguana and what steps need to be taken to keep it safe and happy will give you peace of mind as well. With the right care, your iguana can live a long and healthy life in your home.
