Locally bred iguanas show a range of colours and a depth of green not seen in the imported or farm bred iguanas normally seen in South Africa.

Before buying an iguana you should be aware that they grow large - our breeding male is over 1.5 metres in length.  If you are prepared to provide the correct conditions then these lizards make excellent animals for study.  They are vegetarian and can be easily tamed to be hand fed and even carried around on your shoulder.

They require a 5.0 UV light or exposure to natural unfiltered sunlight; glass will remove all the value of the UV.  The cage needs to be large enough to allow the iguana to move about freely and high enough to allow it to climb - in the wild they are arboreal.  A heavy branch going horizontally across the cage will allow it to bask in the sun or UV.

Water is needed, not just for drinking but they enjoy submerging themselves.  In their native environment they will often sit on a fallen tree or a branch above a river or stream so that they can drop into the water in case of trouble.  They have the unfortunate habit of fouling the water, so it should be kept clean.

Feeding is simple and the wider the range of food, the healthier the iguana.  A checklist of foods will be provided later but most books on iguanas give a list of the good and bad foods.  A calcium supplement is important.

Temperatures are not critical so long as extremes are avoided.  Above 35c during the day and the iguana will become uncomfortable; below 16c at night there is the risk of health problems but some variation above and below these temperatures occasionally is acceptable.  Don’t allow the iguana to remain at a low temperature day and night.

Before buying an iguana check it carefully to ensure that all of its digits are intact and that the tip of its tail is present.  Imported iguanas suffer great stress during transport and damage is common.  Where possible buy captive bred iguanas.