Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Well, I'm buying a baby iguana in the summer.
I've done all the research but I still have one question.

Is it ok to keep a baby iguana in a cage the size for an adult?

Is this better for a baby iguana, or worse?
Or does it really not matter?

Excellent question, seldom seen, and still debated by even experienced owners.

Some argue that a baby iguana may feel unsafe, exposed, vulnerable, intimidated, etc. in a large, adult-sized enclosure.

However, these people often forget that a properly-equipped enclosure of such size is no worse than a juvie-sized one. Hiding spots and blind spots are the key.

Personally, I think starting big from the starts prevents stress when a new enclosure is in need of replacing the older, smaller one. What you could do is build a big adult-sized enclosure, and divide it half-way (you can use ply-wood as a divind wall, etc). Eventually just remove the divind wall, and voila`, you got a big enclosure for the more mature, bigger iguana.

But I think big from the start is better. It stimulates the animal to forage, climb, explore, bask, and thermoregulate more closely to the natural world.

Just offer plenty of hiding and blind spots for it to feel safe, and remember, no handling or interaction for the first few weeks! Let it adjust and get accustomed to its surroundings.

-IJ