Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Could a green iguana live through the winter around the Orlando, FL area? I'm thinking about keeping a couple in my screened in pool area....Thanks

Sure, as long as the temperatures never get lower than 70 at night, they can spend most of their day at 80 to 88 degrees, and can bask at 90-95 degees.

Roger

Also, you say a couple, do you already have them? Are they adults? I live near Orlando and my ig used to freeroam in the pool enclosure until he pushed the mesh off in a corner (hes only 3' 5", and weighs around 5 pounds) he also rubbed his nose down as the mesh was tough metal. Just a few words of caution =)

Sarah

the temperatures would probably be okay as long as you keep a ceramic or other heater as backup just in case. As far as keeping a couple in a screened in area. This would probably only work if they are either both female or already used to being together. I know some will argue this but keeping a male and female together creates stress for both, yes I know they are together in the wild but there is a lot of spaces to "hide" or be away from each other if they want, where there is not room in cage. Also as far as the screen goes they "may" tear their snouts on it. If it is metal screen it can be really sharp and if it is the cloth type screen they can tear it up easily with their claws. We had two escape from donated cages with cloth screen so ours are all in rubber coated mesh cages now. Hope this answers your questions.

Stephanie

Sorry, but the answer is no. Central Florida has occasional freezes. Igs die if the temperature drops to 40F for any lenght of time. The wild igs living in Florida are mostly hanging out in Miami, or the Keys.
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Lamar, Debbie, Nathaniel and Iggi :>~