Green Iguana Life Cycle and Characteristics

Green iguanas (Iguana iguana) are a reptile species that is found throughout much of Central and South America and in the Caribbean. This tropical creature does well in hot, humid areas, so it should be no surprise that colonies of iguanas that have descended from escaped pets are actually thriving in parts of Florida, too. The green iguana is one of the most common pet reptiles and also one of the largest reptiles that's commonly kept as a pet.
Appearance of Green Iguanas
The green iguanas are born from eggs, and at the time they hatch they will be about 6-8 inches long. However, within a few years these cute little babies will grow into massive lizards of five to six feet in length. A fully adult iguana weighs an average of fifteen to seventeen pounds.
While juvenile iguanas are typically a bright green color, the name 'green iguana' isn't always an exact fit. They can vary in shade from grayish to emerald green to brown. Their color will depend on their health and mood as well as the temperature and living environment.
You'll notice that adult iguanas have a dewlap, or a flap of skin that hangs down under their chin which is especially noticeable on the males. They have a row of spines running down their neck and back, and also have a third 'eye' known as the parietal eye in the middle of their forehead. The parietal eye is sensitive to light and is associated with the pineal gland. It helps to regulate the iguana's circadian rhythm and also hormone production for thermoregulation. Because of this, it's important that pet iguanas are given periods of light and dark each day, typically 12 hours of light and 12 hours of dark.
Green Iguana Habitats
Green iguanas are arboreal lizards, meaning that they prefer to spend their time in the treetops of the jungles where they live. This behavior allows them to bask in the sunshine above the leaves, which is their main method of controlling their body temperature. It also affords them protection from predators, as their body color blends in well with the leaves and shadows. The female iguanas will leave the trees to dig burrows in the ground for laying their eggs. They prefer to live near water and are excellent swimmers. If predators come close, they'll often make a quick escape by diving down into the water and swimming away.
Iguana Development
When iguanas mate, it takes about 65 days until the female is ready to lay her eggs. The number of eggs she'll lay depends on the size of the iguana, but typically there will be from ten to thirty of them. Sometimes, females will share nests, especially in areas where there isn't a lot of space for digging. Females are 'hands-off' mothers, and don't guard their nests, although they will occasionally pop by to visit. The eggs will hatch about 90 days later.

Tips for Raising a Baby Iguana

Just like the babies of other pets like puppies, kittens and bunnies, baby iguanas need extra tender loving care to grow strong and healthy. Juvenile and baby iguanas are very fragile at this young age and proper care is needed in order to ensure that they grow into healthy adults.
Like any other baby pet, you'll need to make sure that you meet all the dietary requirements of your pet iguana. It's also important that the juvenile iguana is kept in a habitat that has the necessary requirements for the iguana's health and optimum growth. Without meeting these basic requirements for the iguana's health, it won't grow as well as it should, and could even become sick and die before it reaches adulthood.
Habitat for a Baby Iguana
There are various styles of iguana habitat, from screen to aquariums, and you should pick out which one works best for you. The most important thing will be the accessories you add to the cage.
The most important thing to consider in the cage will be maintaining the temperature. Baby iguanas must stay warm, or they will become sick and possibly die. As reptiles, they're cold blooded creatures and can't maintain their own body temperature. So, it becomes important that you as an owner provide the means for them to stay warm. Use heat lamps to maintain a temperature of 80-85F degrees in the day. You can let the temperature get down to about 70F at night. You'll need to put a thermometer in the cage so that you know the temperature is not too high or too low.
You'll also need to have UV lights on the cage. UVA and UVB rays are of vital importance to a baby iguana's growth. Even better would be allowing your baby iguana to spend some time in the sun - but make sure that the cage doesn't get overheated, and that your little iggy has some shade to move into if he feels too warm.
Other things to consider will be branches or shelves for climbing. Wild iguanas live in the trees, and baby iguanas feel more secure and comfortable when they have plenty of room for climbing. Don't forget to have a place for food, and a shallow dish of water. The water should be big enough that the iguana can get in, but not so deep that it may drown.
Feeding your baby iguana
Iguanas are a vegetarian animal, and as such should never under any circumstances be fed meat or insect products. They need a diet rich in green leafy vegetables to provide the vitamins and calcium they need. They also like grated raw vegetables and little bits of fruit. However, you should be careful with fruit; too much of it and your iguana may develop a sweet tooth and refuse to eat other more healthy foods..
You should find a veterinarian in your area that has experience with reptiles. That will be your best source of information on caring for you iguana. If you provide your baby iguana with the required housing to keep them safe and with a proper diet for growth, you can be assured that your pet will grow into a strong and healthy adult iguana.