The most common type of iguanas is green iguana that is usually kept as a pet in the homes. It is the renowned type of iguana and is becoming a favorite pet of most of households very fast.
But, you should know that there are other varieties of iguana also, which are mostly found in the forests. The different varieties of iguanas may have dissimilar looks, but all of them resemble in relation to their diet, habits.
The different varieties of iguana are:
1. Ctenosaura- spiny-tailed iguana.
2. Dipsosaurus, – desert iguana
3. Cyclura – rhinoceros and rock iguana.
4. Lemanctus – casque-headed iguana.
5. Corytophanes- helmeted iguana.
6. Chalarodon- Madagascar iguana.
Iguanas are Herbivores:
Herbivores are the form of creatures that eat plant and vegetation. There are many reptiles, which cannot live exclusively on plants and they eat meat of insects or other animals. Iguanas are different in this respect. This is one of the major reasons for people to keep them as their pets. It is not difficult to offer them food rather than feeding animals.
However, herbivore does not signify that iguana will eat any plant. To keep them healthy and to maintain their growth, they should be given a balanced and nutritious diet. It may constitute green and leafy vegetables and other food. You can add some lettuce. If you cannot find the leafy vegetables, find out the other green vegetables and fruits. It is better to get the advice of experts for their diet.
Temperature:
Most of the varieties of iguanas come from the tropical or subtropical regions. They can sustain themselves in this type of climate easily. But, they will not easily adjust in places where there is drift from hot to cold climate. In cold climate, iguana continuously needs warmth to survive and digest its food. You have to maintain the temperature in their enclosures.
They need constant warmth for their body as they are cold blooded creature. You will have to install lamps or heaters to keep them warm in cold areas.
Pet and Tamed iguana.
You cannot tame your pet iguana so easily. You have to take their proper care and interact with them so that they feel comfortable and get acquainted with you and your family members.
A tamed pet iguana will soon move freely in your house and will not eat anything by just getting excited. You can take them out for outdoor activities also. Once they are habitual with you and they become friendly, you can play with them, hold, caress or cuddle them. They will not cause any harm to you.
Adult Iguanas:
The iguana grows very fast and becomes almost five times larger in two years with proper care and diet. The green iguanas grow between five and six feet in length.