Iguana for sale in the Netherlands

Green iguanas: behaviour and suitability

Iguanas bask high, swim and use posture and tail in territorial communication. A calm juvenile may as an adult, especially in breeding season, react powerfully and unpredictably. Always assess the actual animal and, when a trade label covers several species, verify the scientific name before acquisition. Age, sex, health and previous housing can noticeably influence behaviour.

Care and housing

Provide broad arboreal routes, several basking and resting sites, UVB, a 25–30 °C environment with hotter basking sites and high humidity with ventilation. Feed mainly varied calcium-rich plants. Match the small animal-food share to age and condition. Set up the complete enclosure before the animal arrives and record relevant values and daily behaviour. A sudden change in appetite, activity, breathing, posture or droppings calls for a check of the environment and, where needed, knowledgeable help.

Health and responsible acquisition

Check jaw, toes, tail, weight, skin, eyes and behaviour and ask about adult housing, origin and CITES papers. Do not buy as a “small lizard” and have bone abnormalities, stress or egg binding assessed by a reptile veterinarian. Ask the seller about age, origin, current care and known health problems, and ensure any documents belong to the animal offered. Never choose on colour, size or price alone, and identify a knowledgeable veterinarian or other species expert before urgent problems arise.