Reptile · Iguanid
Green iguana care guide
Iguana iguana
The green iguana is a advanced-level iguanid from Central and South America. Adults reach 120–180 cm and live 15–20 years in captivity. Grows huge and needs a room-sized enclosure. Herbivore, so use edible plants.
- Enclosure 180 × 90 × 180 cm
- Temp Basking 35–38°C, ambient 26–30°C
- Humidity 60–80%
How much does a green iguana cost in Canada?
Green iguana quick facts
- Skill level
- Advanced
- Adult size
- 120–180 cm
- Lifespan
- 15–20 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Central and South America
- Minimum enclosure
- 180 × 90 × 180 cm (71 × 35 × 71 in, ≈ 770 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Basking 35–38°C, ambient 26–30°C
- Humidity
- 60–80%
- UVB
- Required
- Diet
- Herbivore – leafy greens, squash, flowers
- Bioactive style
- Tropical arboreal
Green iguana enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 180 × 90 × 180 cm (71 × 35 × 71 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a tropical arboreal bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix10 cm
- Drainage – clay bio balls5 cm
Most of the action is vertical – keep the soil moist but not wet, and focus on perches and dense planting.
Temperature: Basking 35–38°C, ambient 26–30°C. Humidity: 60–80%. UVB: Required.
What does a green iguana eat?
Herbivore – leafy greens, squash, flowers. Fresh greens daily.
Handling, temperament & health
Can become tame but adult males get aggressive in breeding season.
Health watch: Metabolic bone disease, kidney disease and tail-whip injuries.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Mist to raise humidity – usually a heavy evening misting with a dry-down by day.
- Check temperatures at perch height.
Weekly
- Feed; remove uneaten food (and diet dishes after 24–48 h).
- Check the drainage layer and prune vines.
- Look for stuck shed on toes and tails.
Monthly
- Top up leaf litter.
- Check branches and mounts are still secure.
- Clean glass, vents and misting nozzles.
Yearly
- Refresh the top of the soil in open areas.
- Replace UVB bulbs (if used) on schedule.
Recommended for a green iguana bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (180 × 90 × 180 cm).
Clay Bio Balls
Drainage layer, 5 cm
Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix
Bioactive soil layer, 10 cm
Magnolia Leaves 10/Pack
Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew
Fresh Sphagnum Moss Container
Moss for humidity pockets and planting
Cork Bark Backgrounds
Turns the back wall into climbing space
Cork Bark Tubes
A “tree trunk” to climb and hide in
Yamuna Spiderwood
Arboreal species prefer diagonal and horizontal perches
Cork Branches
More climbing routes
Green iguana FAQ
Is the green iguana good for beginners?
The green iguana is an advanced species – best for experienced keepers. Can become tame but adult males get aggressive in breeding season.
What size enclosure does a green iguana need?
At least 180 × 90 × 180 cm (about 71 × 35 × 71 inches, roughly 770 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a green iguana cost in Canada?
Typically $50–150 CAD to buy, about $4000–6940 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $600–1000 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a green iguana need?
Temperature: Basking 35–38°C, ambient 26–30°C. Humidity: 60–80%.
What does a green iguana eat?
Herbivore – leafy greens, squash, flowers. Fresh greens daily.
Similar species
This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.