Reptile & Amphibian Forums

is it ok to have a water bowl? can they get sick from drinking to much water? any ideas how to get it to eat? it wont eat but will drink lots of water? im new at this so any advice is greatly appreciated

This and other care sheets you can find of google give the information you want:
http://www.anapsid.org/dichuck.html

Roger

BTW in that article, the nature and care of both the chukwalla and desert iguana are both described. I used to think the chuckwalla and desert iguana were different names for the same lizard.

Roger

The only thing I can add besides the given link to Kaplan's caresheet, is that desert iguanas need A LOT of space to thrive. And I do mean A LOT.

Despite their size, these igs are fast running, active lizards, who need ample space to move about.

I always recommended offering an enclosure 6' long (the depth and height do not matter, but the depth should be no less than 2 feet). This enables the owner of creating an excellent captive environment that offers multiple stimuli to simulate natural/wild behavior. In addition, since these guys bask at very high temperatures, an enclosure this long helps better create a hot spot on one end, and a cooler one on the other.

Such a big enclosure enables u to add multiple rocks and ornamental pieces that can allow the animal to explore and hide from the heat, the light, and rest.

Looking at their rear legs clearly shows these animals' muscular legs are meant for speed, hence the ample space needed. Just because they grow to about 14" long, does not mean they can stay in a small enclosure.
Hope this helps!

-IJ