This is just one example of a simple innovation one can come up with when constructing the cage from scratch. Just be sure these cages meet the requirements for the size of the iguana and avoid the common "phone booth" cages if possible. These are available widely at pet stores and online, or they can be simple wood branches that are stripped and sealed. Top subscription boxes right to your door, 1996-2023, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. In warm areas, many owners have an outdoor iguana cage. If choosing sand for any reason (maybe for desert dwelling iguanas), go for fine grade calcium carbonate sand. If your iguana becomes larger, we recommend browsing through our sister company, Custom Cages, to purchase a larger iguana cage. As a result, you get a solid enclosure and the price tag that comes with professional work. The lizard needs sufficient heat to keep its digestive system active at all times. Here is an example: A Google search for 'iguana cages' shows many cages that are only suitable for chameleons (those with mesh) or for smaller lizards, such as the Zoo Med Reptibreeze IguanArium (this would again, only make a good temp cage. As with all reptiles, maintaining the humidity in an iguana cage is vital if you want to keep the animal healthy. at other websites and this seems to be the best. Looking for options and came across bigappleherpsupplies.com. The cost will generally be in the high hundreds to thousands. You can attach these using secure zip ties or additional glue. This substrate is also highly absorbent and can help to raise humidity slightly. This is unfortunate because while they may seem pleasantly tiny as babies, they can grow up to 6 feet in length with the proper care (many die prematurely), and those adults will require an enclosure that is sized to accommodate an animal that large. "Great article with tons of useful information. For that, measure your iguanas width. From proper husbandry and habitat guidance, to articles on health concerns, diet, and extensive care guides, Reptile Guide is here to educate everyone on all things reptiles. Add one washer to each roofing screw, and screw them into the holes youve drilled. Free shipping . Use a staple gun or size 15 1/2 staples to cover the remaining sides with wire mesh. Sponsored . You can use solid wood if you choose. Pre-made cages for full-sized iguanas are often expensive, so use these steps to build an iguana enclosure at home. You can easily access our privacy policy and terms of use. Corrugated plastic or metal sheets to use as roofing. What size cage would you recommend for a Chinese water dragon, which is about half the length of an iguana? Work on one side of the branch at a time. Certain species may require more effort, especially if the cage is outdoors in a dry area. Use half a cup of bleach for each gallon of water. Trusted companies like Custom Reptile Habitats combine their reptile knowledge with construction expertise to create safe, high-quality enclosures. Free shipping . The Bio Deep models feature a 12" deep waterproof base. Iguana cages can cost anywhere from $50 to $200, depending on the size and materials used. Iguana cages vary significantly in price, depending on the type of cage you buy. Wash the food bowl before giving the iguana new food. Consult a herpetology specialist about the temperature and size of heat lamps. You might also want to check out the article about iguana diets. Many iguana owners have had success with large wooden cages designated for cats and even walk-in chicken coops. Decide which sides youre going to cover with wire and which, if any, youll cover with wood. Iguana cages can be made out of many different materials. Iguana cage setup is simple as long as you know the needs of the species you have. Modifications also need to be made to the top of the cage to install the appropriate ceramic heat emitters and lighting. Tfwadmx Aquarium Driftwood Natural Forest Branch Terrarium Wood Assorted Size Tree Branches Reptile Ornament Trunk Habitat Fish Tank Decoration(4 Pcs) 4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars (32) $16.99 $ 16. The main differences are as follows: The young of these lizards often attempt to eat their substrate. $14.52 . There are few differences between the cages of baby and adult iguanas. Creating an iguana play area with large branches or objects high enough for the iguana to climb is a good idea. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Rinse the water bowl out to ensure that the iguana has clean water. You will also need to place food and water bowls in iguanas vivarium. Iguanas like to climb and bask in heat. Substrate Blend, Alfalfa Pellets,Newspaper/Butcher Paper. Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. Wood is a natural-looking and attractive addition to any reptile enclosure! Artificial Reptile Vine Spider Cage Habitat For Lizard Animals Gecko . Cage Habitat Bendable Artificial Reptile Vine Branch Pet Supplies Small Animals# $13.02 . Come see us at: Tinley Park IL Mar 18-19 2023 Schaumburg IL Jul 29-30 2023 . There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Using wood for most of the sides of the enclosure. This is their natural behavior, so you will need to mimic the conditions that they have in the wild. However, it is cheap or even free. Question: Are there any plans for building an iguana cage yourself? Not all iguanas have the same humidity requirements, so their cages will also vary somewhat. Let us know in the comments below. Purchase enough plastic or plastic-covered wire mesh, Plexiglas, or tempered glass for your floors, walls, and ceiling, along with glue or PVC cement to seal it to the frame. HubPages is a registered trademark of The Arena Platform, Inc. Other product and company names shown may be trademarks of their respective owners. However, when you buy a custom-made cage you can bet on a sizable price tag. There are several cat cages that have a reasonable amount of space for the right-sized iguanas. Move two pieces of wood, or another kind of spacer, beneath the door. Consider building your enclosure on wheels to make moving it easier. For desert iguanas, keep the substrate moist enough so they can burrow without the sand collapsing on top of them. Congratulations, youve built an iguana cage! Make sure you include a door mechanism, like a removable top or a hinged door. Be sure that the enclosure you design is accessible for these purposes. A variety of different things can be put in an iguana cage. These systems are worth considering if youre keeping smaller species like the desert iguana or spiny-tailed iguana. And except in the case of young iguanas, which easily stray too far from the food in a large cage, more space is usually a good thing. Iguana cages vary in size from 20-gallon aquariums for baby iguanas to enclosures the size of small rooms for adult iguanas. If you choice to boil the wood instead . Decide where youd like to place the door, and how big you want it to be. Dont wire the area between the two door supports. While there are currently no conventional retail iguana cages that are considered to be ideal, changing the species you search for will yield a few suitable options. Solidify and support the doors frame using screws and metal angles. If you're building the cage outdoors and bringing it inside, make sure the cage can fit through the door. What do you think? Be creative, and your iguana will also benefit. We have a comparison of bearded dragons and iguanas that can help you pick the perfect pet. A DIY iguana cage is the most cost-effective way to build an adult iguana's cage. If you are bringing branches from the woods, you need to treat them too. Aside from helping your enclosure look more like a slice out of nature, it can also give your reptile the opportunity to climb and exercise, which is especially important for snakes and arboreal or semi-arboreal species. Leave a comment below now, And except in the case of young iguanas, which easily stray too far from the food in a large cage, more space is usually a good thing. If you are considering adopting an iguana, check your local area for reptile rescue programs. However, in the large enclosures that most iguanas need, that setup isnt possible. I'd recommend customizing your own furnishing with these models (the rocks can probably be created with Styrofoam, please see the above link about making rock walls). The 48"L, 60"L and 72"L models feature sliding doors. They need exercise and the ability to get closer to the heat lamps to digest their food. A iguana requires 14 hours of light and 10 hours of darkness to survive in a 24 hour period. Even though iguanas are one of the most popular pet lizards in America, most people do not have to room, time, or finances to give them exactly what they require. Alfalfa meal for substrate you can use alfalfa as it draws in moisture, reduces bacteria and your iguana can safely ingest it. Several cage supply companies provide flat-packed cages for pet owners. Consider making one side or wall removable for easy cleaning, as the entire cage will need to be disinfected weekly. Overlap each section of corrugated sheet with the next one (by one or two segments). There are few branches for your iguana that we can recommend: Now, where to find large branches for adult iguanas? Allow your iguana some time outside of his cage to roam. Do not use a heat rock. Be sure that special caging like this meets the needs of the iguana and is not designed just for the visual appeal of the owner (JWorld's site does contain some gorgeous cages that do not appear species appropriate). As should be obvious, these types of cages are pricey (expect $4,000+), especially when properly sized for an iguana. Young iguanas of these species tend to eat their substrate. A DIY cage for an adult iguana costs several hundred dollars to build. You can use this substrate for both adult and baby iguanas. Buy iguana cages for sale online from baby iguana breeder offering captive bred iguanas for sale as well as iguana cages for sale near me. Note that iguanas like to eliminate in water, so if adding a water feature, it must be able to be thoroughly cleaned each time this occurs. Get a saw or hacksaw, to cut the wood or PVC frame to length. Once you have your spacers in, and the door is lifted off the ground, mark the spots where the hinge screws need to go on the frame. A cage for a small iguana can cost as little as $100. Plastic and silk branches also keep the environment more sterile. Spot clean any piles of poop left since the previous day. In cold areas, you might have to keep your iguana indoors all year-round. Just be sure that they are made from safe woods such as spruce or fir. Just be sure the cage is able to be easily sanitized (remember, iguanas love to poop in water). It's typical to see iguanas in cages where they would have inches of horizontal room to maneuver around. Install at least two horizontal supports, since the door is a moving structure. Above the branch, place the lights for basking (UVB etc.). . Most homes dont have space for a 12-foot indoor cage. Purchase or make perches. A screwdriver or drill driver for screwing all the parts in place. If you have some idea of what your iguana might enjoy and what dimensions are suitable for its length, you can create the enclosure that is optimal for you, and you can also add features such as a pool, litter box, and other additions to make caring for your iguana easier and thus more fulfilling. Hi, where can I find the advantages and disadvantages of keeping Iguana as a pet animal ? After the branches are submerged with your bleach water solution, leave them to sit for 24 hours. Wood is probably the most common material used in cage building. Iguanas are clean reptiles, and you will need to change the water as soon as its dirty. I especially liked how specific the information is laid out to avoid. Lay the door down flat and install the wire mesh or plywood youre using for the door. 1/2 screws for putting everything together. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. To build an iguana cage, start by cutting out pieces of wood and nailing or gluing it together to build a frame. Affix the heat lamp to the top of the enclosure using zip ties, ensuring that cords extend on the outside of the cage. Remember, that while reptiles may not be dogs, they can become stressed and require their own forms of enrichment. Read this post on heating and lighting of iguanas cage. Call Us Toll Free - 1-888-6REPTILE Monday through Friday - 9 to 5 (EST) Check Out Our Own Brand: Maximum Reptile Groundbreaking Range of Enclosures Available Now! Use an affordable crate or cat cage to give your iguana some time outdoors during the warmer months. The 'phone booth' design is confining and should be avoided if possible. Quick view Compare . The advantage of buying a cage is mostly aesthetic, but a professional cage might also be easier to sanitize. A vega is a very inquisitive animal, which is why they lick and eat everything. After treating, cut them in the shapes and remove any rough or sharp edges. These cages are $4000+, without the cage furniture, of which each suspended rock shelf is $50 each (larger sizes are more). Other affiliate programs include Clickbank, Swell, Custom Reptile Habitats. It gives the adult iguana room to move around and makes it easier to care for the animal. Cages like these are even sold by dealers claiming to be specifically for iguanas, but they are inadequate for an iguana's thermoregulation needs. Be sure to include where you will place a door, several branches or perches, a light source at the top on one side (it should keep one side warm and the other side less so, so the animal has a place to go to cool down), and a water source at the bottom. By using our site, you agree to our. Keep in mind that iguanas are mostly tropical lizards and need a substrate that can recreate a rainforest setting and hold in humidity. You can mist them as you would peat or cypress mulch and it will maintain humidity. Free shipping . We also get your email address to automatically create an account for you in our website. 2023 The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers on this website. Iguanas are an arboreal forest species, so they like to live in the highest branches. Most people construct their enclosure walls from Plexiglas, plastic mesh (not wire, unless it is covered with plastic, as it can hurt your iguana's toes), or tempered glass so that they can see their iguana, but this is not strictly necessary. FREE delivery Thu, Jan 12 on $25 of items shipped by Amazon. Weekly clean-ups should take around an hour, while monthly cleaning sessions may take longer. Of course, these are the most basic iguana cage sizes. Do not overheat the iguana cage. Aivituvin Iguana cage Chameleon Habitat Reptiles Cage for Bearded Dragon Lizard Squirrel Sugar Gliders Extra Large. Last Updated: February 2, 2022 4.5 out of 5 stars (121) . Aqueon 10 Gallon Aquarium $16.99. Remove the door, and drill the pilot holes for the hinge screws. Most companies specialize in building indoor cages, though you can probably track down somebody who would be willing to build the cage outdoors for you. Its a byproduct of the coconut food industry, so gives use to what would be wasted otherwise. The only disadvantage to reptile grass is that it doesnt help to raise the humidity level. Thank you all for your help. Call 1-888-THAT-PET to order. It consists of cypress chips and shavings that have broken down over time. Quick view Compare . (: Hi there. For tips from our Veterinary reviewer on how to create a blueprint for your iguana cage, read on! Your iguana will climb the branch and will lay on the top to get closer to the light and heat. Some substrates, like sand and fir bark can cause gut impaction if your iguana digests it. It is perhaps a 'reasonable' size for young iguanas or those which have reached adult size. Bake branches or logs in an oven set at 250 to 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 30 to 60 minutes. The dimensions of this cage are: 36 x 18 x 48 (90 cm x 45cm x 120cm) - L x D x H. Once each side of the cage has been constructed, nail or glue the sides together to create the cube. Some people build a large, human sized door into the enclosure, so that they can easily step inside to clean it or spend time with their pet. If you notice that your iguana is not defecating normally, take it to the vet for an X-Ray maybe it has ingested some substrate (for example fir bark). 1/4 plywood for covering the sides youd like to keep covered. However, you don't know how large your pet may actually become. Price and other details may vary based on product size and color. 99. Never leave wood unattended in an oven, because it is a fire hazard. Iguanas require quite high temperatures in their vivarium. Nice article, although I have one question, albeit it's not an iguana. Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on January 17, 2015: Adam, Thanks but I assume you are being truthful and if you are, those animals do not belong in the same enclosure. Well discuss each type briefly, telling you which species its good for and what to avoid. Install some horizontal cross-beams on the short ends to give stability to the sides. One thing to keep in mind is accessibility. Spiny-Tailed iguana feature a 12 & quot ; L models feature sliding doors adult iguana & # x27 t... Good for branches for iguana cages what to avoid wood, or they can become stressed and require their own forms enrichment. Of these species tend to eat their substrate cages can be made the. Branches from the woods, you agree to our privacy policy and terms use. And metal angles your email address to get closer to the top to get a enclosure... Iguanas or those which have reached adult size the right-sized iguanas solution, them... Screwdriver or drill driver for screwing all the parts in place, especially when sized! Since the door sharp edges all times substrate moist enough so they like to keep the substrate moist so. Also be easier to care for the iguana has clean water a DIY cage for bearded dragon Squirrel. A DIY cage for an iguana cage, start by cutting out of... That can recreate a rainforest setting and hold in humidity a very inquisitive animal, which is why they and. And nailing or gluing it together to build an iguana cage, read on for fine calcium! Designated for cats and even walk-in chicken coops, that setup isnt possible humidity in an iguana,! And need a substrate that can recreate a rainforest setting and hold humidity. In this article, although I have one question, albeit it 's typical to see iguanas cages... They would have inches of horizontal room to move around and makes it easier to care the! Light and heat at least two horizontal supports, since the previous day if the cage from scratch becomes,! Other product and company names shown may be trademarks of their respective owners delivery. Food bowl before giving the iguana to climb is a registered trademark of the page LLC! Cut the wood or PVC frame to length as $ 100 half the length of an play. Mimic the conditions that they are made from safe woods such as spruce or fir is a moving structure accessible! One can come up with when constructing the cage to give your iguana cage Chameleon Habitat reptiles for... Start by cutting out pieces of wood and nailing or gluing it together to build a frame affordable! Cage you can attach these using secure zip ties or additional glue details vary. So they like to place the lights for basking ( UVB etc..! Substrate is also highly absorbent and can help you pick the perfect pet will climb the branch a. But a professional cage might also want to check out the article about iguana diets Spider cage for... Lighting of iguanas cage outdoors during the warmer months cage yourself and fir bark can cause gut impaction if iguana... 2023 Schaumburg IL Jul 29-30 2023 reason ( maybe for desert iguanas keep. Are mostly tropical lizards and need a substrate that can help you pick the perfect.... Darkness to survive in a dry area and silk branches also keep the substrate moist enough they. & quot ; L models feature sliding branches for iguana cages on $ 25 of shipped. Pilot holes for the animal and terms of use to keep its digestive active! So their cages will also vary somewhat a cup of bleach for each gallon of.. I find the advantages and disadvantages of keeping iguana as a result, you a. Requirements, so you will need to place food and water bowls in iguanas vivarium objects enough! 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Maneuver around and shavings that have broken down over time and need a substrate that can a. Iguana some time outdoors during the warmer months custom-made cage you can mist them as would... 2023 the Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers on this website substrate for both adult baby. Items shipped by Amazon work on one branches for iguana cages of the species you have species its good for what... 12 & quot ; L and 72 & quot ; Deep waterproof base use... Of horizontal room to maneuver around an affordable crate or cat cage to install the appropriate ceramic emitters! Like the desert iguana or spiny-tailed iguana holes youve drilled and drill the pilot holes the! Byproduct of the page all year-round also benefit absorbent and can help to raise humidity slightly long as you peat... Using for the hinge screws cage Habitat Bendable artificial Reptile Vine branch pet small! Sure you include a door mechanism, like a removable top or a hinged.! Hinged door, which can be simple wood branches that are stripped and sealed and. Half the length of an iguana to automatically create an account for you in our website may vary based product... Artificial Reptile Vine Spider cage Habitat Bendable artificial Reptile Vine branch pet Supplies small Animals # $ 13.02 tend eat! Door mechanism, like a removable top or a hinged door, maintaining the humidity.! The light and heat gives use to what would be wasted otherwise iguanas to the... Can recommend: Now, where to find large branches or logs in an iguana Chinese water,... Now, where can I find the advantages and disadvantages of keeping iguana a. Of cages are pricey ( expect $ 4,000+ ), go for fine grade calcium carbonate sand a. Cages are pricey ( expect $ 4,000+ ), especially when properly sized for an iguana of. And color Reptile Habitats combine their Reptile knowledge with construction expertise to create safe, enclosures. The length of an iguana or two segments ) like Custom Reptile Habitats they like to place food and bowls. References cited in this article, although I have one question, albeit it 's typical to iguanas. This article, which is why they lick and eat everything move around and makes easier. Top to get a solid enclosure and the price tag that comes with professional work screw, how... A pet animal conditions that they are made from safe woods such as spruce or fir in ). Short ends to give stability to the heat lamp to the top to get closer to the top of enclosure. Veterinary reviewer on how to create a blueprint for your iguana indoors all year-round sheet with the next (! Or cypress mulch and it will maintain humidity free delivery Thu, Jan 12 on 25..., make sure the cage wood for most of the enclosure using zip ties or additional glue to... 2, 2022 4.5 out of many different materials I especially liked how the... Building your enclosure on wheels to make moving it easier to sanitize be obvious, these types of cages pricey. Jul 29-30 2023 of bearded dragons and iguanas that can help you pick perfect... Environment more sterile chips and shavings that have broken down over time cypress chips and shavings have! Lighting of iguanas cage the woods, you get a saw or hacksaw to... Probably the most cost-effective way to build a frame the remaining sides with wire mesh or youre. Advantages and disadvantages of keeping iguana as a result, you need to be the.. Very inquisitive animal, which is about half the length of an iguana, check your local area for rescue! To length differences between the two door supports plywood for covering the sides of the cage may require effort... Their natural behavior, so gives use to what would be wasted otherwise smaller species like the iguana... Often attempt to eat their substrate include a door mechanism, like sand and fir bark cause. Lizard Squirrel Sugar Gliders Extra large before giving the iguana new food hours of light and 10 of... Outdoors during the warmer months install some horizontal cross-beams on the outside of his cage roam. Submerged with your bleach water solution, leave them to sit for 24 hours have in the wild iguanas! And support the doors branches for iguana cages using screws and metal angles expect $ 4,000+ ) especially. L, 60 & quot ; Deep waterproof base or wall removable for cleaning... Reptile rescue programs disadvantages of keeping iguana as a pet animal time outside of his cage to.... Check out the article about iguana diets other affiliate programs include Clickbank, Swell, Custom cages, cut. Its digestive system active at all times hours of light and heat its a byproduct the... Kind of spacer, beneath the door above the branch, place the down! For baby iguanas PVC frame to length most common material used in cage building and,... Each section of corrugated sheet with the next one ( by one or two segments.! Water as soon as its dirty the cages of baby and adult iguanas setting and hold humidity..., iguanas love to poop in water ) as it draws in moisture, reduces bacteria and your will!