How much does a pet iguana cost
Introduction
Owning an iguana might seem like a good idea, but the costs can add up quickly. There’s the initial cost of buying a pet iguana, but that’s just the beginning. You’ll need to set yourself up for success with proper housing, food, and vet care. So before you dive in headfirst, let’s look at what you’ll need to prepare for when considering this cold-blooded addition to your family.
What are the costs of owning an iguana
It’s important to realize that the cost of an iguana depends on the type of iguana you buy. For example, a baby iguana costs less than an adult one. Male and female iguanas also cost more than single-sexed individuals:
- A male can be purchased for approximately $400–$900 depending on its age, size and coloration.
- A female is priced at around $500–$1,000.
If you want to add another lizard to your collection as well as have a breeding pair in your home (which means two males or two females), this will bring up the total price tag considerably higher than what was previously stated above.
The basics
Iguanas are very easy to care for and make great pets. They have a reputation as being “stupid,” but this is untrue, as they have the intelligence of a 2-year-old child, which is far from stupid.
Iguanas need space when they’re young, but once they reach adulthood they can live in smaller cages or even be free to roam (if you keep them out of harms way).
They need food every day, like other animals do. The food will vary depending on your iguana’s age and size; some people feed theirs fresh vegetables while others prefer canned dog food or pellets made especially for reptiles. The type of food you buy will depend on what kind of diet your iguana prefers!
Housing
It’s important to note that iguanas need a lot of space! A cage that is at least 4 feet by 4 feet by 4 feet and 6 feet tall is a good place to start. The cage should also be at least 6 feet wide; this will allow your iguana some room to move around, but still keep him comfortable. If you don’t have enough room in your home for such a large cage and want to get creative with some DIY projects, there are plenty of people who have been able to make their own cages out of wood or Plexiglass sheets. You can even find Iguanas online if you’re looking for someone else who already has one so they can give advice on caring for them!
Food and supplements
Iguanas, as we’ve mentioned, need a lot of food. The amount that you should feed your iguana depends on its size and age. Look up the average weights for your type of iguana at different ages on the internet or in an encyclopedia and use that information to estimate how much it will eat at each meal. If you’re not sure, start off with small amounts and increase the amount slowly over time until they are eating enough food each day to maintain their weight without losing too much weight themselves.
One thing to keep in mind is that fresh foods are better than processed ones when it comes to feeding your iguana fresh fruits and vegetables—not just because they’re healthier (they are), but also because they give them more nutrients! You’ll want to make sure that most of what you’re feeding them is made up of leafy greens like collard greens or kale rather than things like carrots that are mostly water content. In addition to these kinds of greens, add some salad greens like romaine lettuce from time-to-time as well; this will provide even more variety for them so their diets don’t get boring!
As far as fruits go: consider trying out some tropical fruits such as papaya (pawpaw). These can be expensive but luckily supermarkets have great deals on frozen ones year-round which makes things easier financially speaking too! If possible try adding insects into their diet as well; although insects may seem gross at first glance due mainly due lack understanding about where these creatures come from beforehand – fear not! Most bugs we eat aren’t harmful at all…
Health and veterinary care
Like many reptiles, iguanas are prone to respiratory infections. They also need to be kept warm, so you’ll have to buy a heater if your house is cold in the winter. Iguanas’ nails grow constantly and need to be trimmed about once a month. Their teeth can overgrow too, so you’ll want to check those on a regular basis as well. Iguanas’ eyesight and hearing can fade with age; it’s best for their health if you invest in an eye-checkup every few months or so (they’re also more likely than humans are to get cataracts). An ear cleaning might be necessary as well—those long ears do tend toward gunk build-up! Iguana skin tends toward dryness and cracking; make sure your pet gets proper moisturizing creams or ointments applied daily during the dry season (which usually occurs during spring). Finally, make sure that your iguana is eating healthy foods that contain all the nutrients it needs—some commercial diets may not provide everything they require!
Iguanas need a lot of space, food, and vet care, so they can be a big financial commitment.
Iguanas are large reptiles that need a lot of space. They require a large enclosure, such as an aquarium, terrarium or glass cage. They also need a large heat lamp to keep their body temperature above 85 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, and at least 75 degrees Fahrenheit at night. An iguana’s water bowl should be no more than 5% full if you’re using it to drink from; they can get into trouble if they sink down into too much water when they try to get out. Finally, pet shop owners recommend feeding your new pet iguana a variety of fresh greens every day in addition to its daily reptile vitamin supplement (and possibly some fruit treats).
Conclusion
I’m not saying you shouldn’t get an iguana. In fact, I think that they make great pets! But this article should help you to understand the costs of owning one better and be more prepared for them. If you decide to take on the financial commitment of owning a pet iguana, your efforts will be well worth it—you will have fun with your reptile friend, learn a ton about their care, and grow closer as a result.