Heat for your Iguana
The first thing to realize about iguana's is that they are cold blooded.
This means that their bodies can't generate heat as humans do. For this
reason their natural habitat is warm, tropical jungles, primarily in South
and Central America and some islands. It's our job to mimic this environment
for our pets.
Ideal Temperature
The ideal temperature for iguana's is no less than 85o to 95o. Even 100o is okay during the day. Iguanas in the wild will typically wander in and out of the sunlight to maintain it's preferred body temperature. At night the temperature should be no less than 75o.
Importance Of Heat
Iguanas need warm body temperatures to digest their food. An iguana with a full belly can actually starve to death if the temperature isn't warm enough. It's thought that warmth also helps them metabolize calcium. If your iguana's body temperature drops you will see him slow down and he may not be able to move. Digestion slows the same way.
How To Heat
The first thing to do is have about three thermometers in the enclosure. One near the top, where your iguana will spend most of his basking
time. should be about 95o.) One near the middle of the enclosure, where there is preferably a shelf to lie on if he becomes to warm. This is also an ideal place to provide
food. should be about 85o) And one near the bottom. (For restroom facilities.) Should be no less than 75o.
Lighting is often used to generate heat during the day. The best way is with an incandescent light bulb. (In a heat lamp) Be careful to monitor the temperature. At night you must shut off all the lights so he will sleep. I've found that using a ceramic heating coil works best for nighttime heat. It gives heat without light. You can find these at most pet stores and they just screw into a light socket.
For hatchling iguanas, you can use a human heating pad, Set To The Lowest Setting. I usually put it under a piece of glass wrapped with a towel to keep from burning the lizard. You can put a "hidey house" made out of a cardboard box on top of the heating pad to help insulate the sleeping area. (for hatchlings only)
NEVER USE A HOT ROCK!
They often short out and burn the lizard. Also, this only heats the bottom of the lizard. Iguanas, in the wild, are used to the sun beating down on them from above.
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