Posted by BabyHerp on July 28, 2000 at 01:34:51:
In Reply to: Iguana in San Diego posted by Mike on July 27, 2000 at 18:16:19:
My females enclosure is outside year long...I live in L.A. Her enclosure sits under the roof/concrete slab thingie that covers part of our patio, her cage has two double doors made of waterproofed wood and vinyl coated hardwire cloth. At night her heat lamp goes on. During cold weather I drape a custom sewn quilted moving blanket over the front to maintain heat from a ceramic heating element I switch to. From 10 am to @ 8pm almost everyday this summer both igs are free roaming outside on the enclosed patio.
It would be possible to build a pen for your ig to reside in all day and night ..but it would have to have a waterproof and heated den or contained enclosure with access to warmth for the cool nocs, inclement weather. Also you'd have to make sure there would be no entry for predators. I had the pleasure of checking out this teenager's self built set up on the side of his house a few months ago....I thought it was so cool.....1/3 of it enclosed (about 6 ft x 6 ft x 4ft plywood) a little rectangular door at the bottom and large plexiglass viewing window in front. Had large climbing logs and heat, basking lamps at top and the rest 6 feet high chainlink fence. He had 2 females and one male...and they looked so healthy happy and natural. I was tripped out at the creativity of this kid...come to find out he has had pics of this enclosure as well as another enclosure (I think it was for a burm or something) published in a reptile or vivarium magazine one of those, he built the snake enclosure when he was 12....it was pretty nice too...he used the frame of an old dresser...anyway the skies the limit...only if you do think about making a "pen" like one seen at the SDZ...should be at least 4 ft. high, smooth stucco, blockwall, vinyl, or plywood...Ive seen igs dig their claws into plywood and hoist themselves up & over...so make sure if going the plywood route you trim de nails!! If you incorporate a free standing tree or jungle gym...make sure you have at least a 6 ft. radius around cuz Im telling you iguanas also FLY!!! lololol
Gina