Hey NATALIE..........read this.............on size/growth...

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Posted by IGUANA JOE on June 07, 2002 at 13:00:55:

This is in reply to ur question about am iguana out-growing a 3'x2' base.
I found a chart (from James Hatfield) with estimated growth in TL and SVL for iguanas up to 5 years of age. Let's use inches, since this is what is used in the chart/graph.

So, to grow the limit a 36"x24" base, an iguana would be about a year or so of age. Keep in mind that individuals grow at some slight different rates depending on diet, light, and space.

At one year old, a juvenile iguana would approximately measure 30" or more in total length. This would leave about 6" left when fully streched along the length of the 36"x24" base. However, most of this is tail, and the snout-to-length (svl) would actually be between 8 to 11 inches.

By this we can conclude that a year old juvie iguana has almost, if not fully, reached the limit in size for a 3'x2' base. Also, for such a young iguana, one would have to offer between 4 to 5 feet in height.

At two years of age, iguanas will need an adult size enclosure, even if their TL will be about 40+ inches, and SVL about a foot.
Some may object, but offering a "teenage" iguana such ample room will in the long run aid in healthy, adult growth, and much less stress.
An adult enclosure should measure no less than 4' in depth, 6' in length, and 6 to 8 feet in ehight. 7 feet is often the most popular height offered. Ideally, 5' in depth, 7' in length, and 8' in height (this can be ur "deluxe model").

You may offer different models (L, XL, XXL) and variations.

In addition, I should mention that a year old iguana will weight an average of 18 to 20 ounces, while a 2 year old about 50 ounces. Keep in mind that although it is a formidable whip, an iguana's tail is not truly flexible, which explains why u need to build such 'deep' enclosures, so that the animal can turn around without putting stress on the tail.

In my own humble opinion, James W. Hatfield III is the best author for his book "Green Iguana: The Ultimate Owner's Manual".
Melissa Kaplan is also popular, but has been also controversial in some of her ideas. Her book "Iguanas for Dummies" is a good starter, and much cheaper than Hatfield's.
For $5, u can pickup Barlett's book, but it is way outdated on some topics.

Keep asking as many questions as u like. I may have missed a thing or two, so im sure others will add good thoughts to this post.

I J

p.s. there is a good book on building terrariums. Let me look it up, and I'll tell you the name.

Follow Ups:

One other thing about soaking/shedding... Natalie 06/07/02 (0)
Re: Hey NATALIE..........read this.............on size/growth... Natalie 06/07/02 (0)

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: This is in reply to ur question about am iguana out-growing a 3'x2' base. : I found a chart (from James Hatfield) with estimated growth in TL and SVL for iguanas up to 5 years of age. Let's use inches, since this is what is used in the chart/graph. : So, to grow the limit a 36"x24" base, an iguana would be about a year or so of age. Keep in mind that individuals grow at some slight different rates depending on diet, light, and space. : At one year old, a juvenile iguana would approximately measure 30" or more in total length. This would leave about 6" left when fully streched along the length of the 36"x24" base. However, most of this is tail, and the snout-to-length (svl) would actually be between 8 to 11 inches. : By this we can conclude that a year old juvie iguana has almost, if not fully, reached the limit in size for a 3'x2' base. Also, for such a young iguana, one would have to offer between 4 to 5 feet in height. : At two years of age, iguanas will need an adult size enclosure, even if their TL will be about 40+ inches, and SVL about a foot. : Some may object, but offering a "teenage" iguana such ample room will in the long run aid in healthy, adult growth, and much less stress. : An adult enclosure should measure no less than 4' in depth, 6' in length, and 6 to 8 feet in ehight. 7 feet is often the most popular height offered. Ideally, 5' in depth, 7' in length, and 8' in height (this can be ur "deluxe model"). : You may offer different models (L, XL, XXL) and variations. : In addition, I should mention that a year old iguana will weight an average of 18 to 20 ounces, while a 2 year old about 50 ounces. Keep in mind that although it is a formidable whip, an iguana's tail is not truly flexible, which explains why u need to build such 'deep' enclosures, so that the animal can turn around without putting stress on the tail. : In my own humble opinion, James W. Hatfield III is the best author for his book "Green Iguana: The Ultimate Owner's Manual". : Melissa Kaplan is also popular, but has been also controversial in some of her ideas. Her book "Iguanas for Dummies" is a good starter, and much cheaper than Hatfield's. : For $5, u can pickup Barlett's book, but it is way outdated on some topics. : Keep asking as many questions as u like. I may have missed a thing or two, so im sure others will add good thoughts to this post. : I J : p.s. there is a good book on building terrariums. Let me look it up, and I'll tell you the name.

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