we just moved from virginia to utah with our 6 year old male iguana, Zilla. the drive went ok with him being in a large dog carrier covered so it was pretty much dark the whole time (recommended by his exotic specialist vet) other than letting him get some light and excercise in the hotel rooms. well even though we made a serious effort to make absolutely sure our housing would be ready by the time we got here (even a call to the property manager only hours before getting in our cars for the drive), it looks like we'll be in a hotel for at least a week, more likely closer to 2. we're on day 3 here and after making sure the hotel was ok with having an iguana as a guest (as long as he's not left to roam alone) we have set up a decent basking spot on a desk covered in a blanket with a human heating pad, basking lamp, and window for him to get warm (filtered through glass) sunlight and for mental stimulation. he's been very good at staying up there, only occasionally getting down to walk around and return very soon after. we've been putting him in the dog carrier (kept covered) at room temperature at night and whenever we leave the hotel room.
i'm basically wondering if keeping him at room temp (76f average) at night for 1-2 weeks will be ok (he usually has a ceramic heater in his very large cage so that he can decide what temp he wants to sleep in), and if anyone has any other bright ideas for a setup for him. i feel EXTREMELY bad putting him in the dark, cold dog carrier in the middle of the day to go run arrands, but really i don't have a choice unless i spend a lot of extra money for a wire cage and even then i'm worried he'll rub his nose raw. wish me luck... and here are a few pics
