I’ve been doing some research on building my own iguana enclosure. I’ve seen many people using catios and other screened in type enclosures. Do these people live in warmer/more humid areas? I’ve read about the heat requirements for basking and cool spot temps. Maybe I keep my home cooler than the average person. Also the humidity requirements seems to be a bit higher than the humidity in an average persons home. I guess im confused on how those more open type enclosures work compared to what iguanas need. I’m wanting to build an enclosed enclosure 6x8x2.5. There will be plenty of areas to climb and explore. Am I doing it wrong?
Anyone using a large outdoor enclosure is either in a warmer location year round or take them in once the weather turns to late fall and winter.
There’s certain factors that you can bend when it comes to a larger open enclosure. As long as the basking spot is a proper temp with the UV available then having a cooler temp in the general area is fine. They’ll spend more time in the basking area obviously. My room temps were usually around 75 or so at the lowest when I had my iguana. With a cage that large you can always consider keeping that room it’s in at a warmer temp in general as well
You can probably section part of the upper area with an acrylic sheet fixed to the screen to help keep some heat and humidity trapped above.
The humidity can be helped by offering a misting at some point during the day and a large water feature. I always would make sure my iguana had enough water to fully submerge themselves in.
@armiyana covered most of it but unless this is in meters (I’m assuming feet as 8x6x2.5 meters is crazy big) this is not going to work.
I wouldnt go smaller than 8(l)x6(w)x6(h) feet for a female and 10x6x6 for a male.
And I am not assuming that you haven’t done lots of research or don’t know what you are doing but it needs to be stressed that iguanas can be dangerous and are not good options in most cases if you aren’t experienced with reptile body language. A bite from a male can very easily send you to the hospital and breeding season during those first few years can be chaos. I don’t know you or your experience with reptiles but I just wanted to put that out there
Thank you! I have to be able to move this out of the house I’m in, that’s why was thinking about the 8(l)x6(h)x2.5(w). I have decided to modify this build though and I will be making it 8x6x6 and I will still be able to take it apart and move it when the time comes.
Yes, I know iguanas can get feisty . Especially males during breeding season. I’ve never forced my reptiles to be held or touched if they acted in any way like they didn’t want to be touched or held. I do appreciate that advice though as I’m sure anyone would want to keep all their fingers in tact.
I am definitely putting in a large tub that I can easily drain and add water to. Thank you for your reply and insight. Much appreciated