Reptile & Amphibian Forums

HI

I need all the info u can give me on taking care of a helmeted iguana. Could i keep them a 20 long since they dont get as big as a green iguana?

I'm trying with this species also. From what I've heard and read they don't acclimate easily and can be fussy eaters. They are an arboreal species so a 20 gallon tank is not appropriate. You need to go with something a bit taller and larger, maybe starting with a 40 gallon tall, with lots of vertical branches and cover plants. They don't require a high basking temperature but keep a gradient of 80-90 degrees and a drop at night to about 75. From what I understand they do better in a ventilated enclosure but need higher humidity so frequent misting and a large water container is necessary.

I have offered mine crickets, mealworms, waxworms and earthworms. All of them have disappeared eventually but the earthworms seem to be a favorite. You may not see the lizard eat since they are quite opportunistic, waiting for the food to come to them.

So far, my observations are that they are shy lizards and don't respond well to a lot of interaction or interference. They are not terribly exciting as they spend most of the day hanging vertically on a branch, not moving much. I haven't had my 3 long, just a few weeks, so we're still figuring things out. Good luck!

We occasionally field some questions about these guys over in the Mountain/Tree Dragon Forum as well. Different families, agamids as opposed to iguanids, but care is relatively similar.

As pointed out a 20L is insufficient. You will want to seriously consider obtaining either a Reptarium or ESU Fresh Air enclosure. These are lightweight, convenient and much more suited to arboreal species like your helmeted iguana. A UV lightsource is a must as well. For more info, Melissa Kaplan's site has a care sheet for these guys as well.

Strongly advise getting a fecal done. They are usually imported heavily stressed, dehydrated and parasitized. If you choose to avoid taking a bit of lizard poop to a vet - I can all but guarantee that your animal will slowly decline, and won't be around in six months.

They require a relatively heavily planted enclosure (they are shy and feel more secure believing you can't see them) and LOTS of vertical climbing structures (this is another benefit of using one of the screen enclosures) Below is a picture of my Mountain Horned Dragon Enclosure, keep in mind, this isn't one of cages I recommend above, but the pic is moreso that you can see what you want to shoot for in setting up a helmeted iguana vivarium.
I used a hot glue gun, green styrofoam blocks, and lots of silk plants from a craft store.

hey zhro... where did u get those thick branches from??? i am decoratingm y iggs cage and cant find n e thing good...

just wondering...

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Healthy and fat Igg(Tiny)

Rehabing Mali Uro(Buddy)

They are a kind of epiphytic vine that I have not been able to identify. I literally drove up the road from where I live and cut them from an area where they were growing thick amongst White Pine Trees. I scrubbed them with a bleach solution then rinsed them with scalding water and let them sit for a few days before putting them in my enclosure. They have been there for over a year, and I have had no insect issues.

Check out JWorlds These are very similar - and you may be able to order them if you cannot find an equivalent near you.

I have one that I have had for six years. This however is a rarity. I had two others at seperate times that didn't make it past six months. Last I heard Helmeted Iguanas are all wild caught which brings with them a heavy parasite load and usually dehydration. The taller cage is a must because they are arboreal. I use several live plants in my enclosure which helps with the climbing and humidity. Mine is a female that I have taken to calling THE BRAT. Mine is not very active, she will remain in the same spot for two days at a time and has become a very picky eater. However she does have her days when she will get this burst of energy and jump all over her enclosure and puff up at me when I check on her. She will only eat super mealworms. Since I have had her for so long I pretty much give her what she wants.
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Thanks Dawn
1.1 Veiled (Moe and Isis)
0.1 Helmeted Iguana (Louie)
0.1 Southern Toad (Tiny)
1.0 Bearded Dragon (Joker)
1.0 Rescued Adult Iguana (Gomez)
0.0.1 Water Dragon (Igor)
0.0.1 Crested Gecko (Lollipop)
3.1 Cats (Buffy, Spike, London, and Lilly)