Iguanas, like most reptiles, require UVB to sustain optimum health. It’s especially vital to iguanas because the vitamin D they get from UVB light is essential for metabolizing calcium. Without it, their bodies crumble as metabolic bone disease takes hold and cripples their bodies with eventually fatal skeletal deformities that can never be repaired.
I use mercury vapor UVB flood lamps for Riddik’s indoor enclosure, but no matter how awesome the artificial light -it is still artificial. Ain’t nothin like the real thing, baby! I make time to get Riddik outside for REAL sunlight as often as I can. I’ve heard veterinarians say that one hour of real outdoor sunlight is equivalent to eight to twelve hours of artificial UVB.
Things to keep in mind:
1. Have a secure hip leash. Use a draw string from an old bag It has a barrel clip to keep her from putting the loop loose or any tighter around her hips. I then have a lightweight leash that’s clipped to the drawstring. When you “walk” an iguana, you don’t make him move and stop. You keep up with him and occasionally slow him down a little with the leash.
2. Even the most socialized iguanas can get spooked. They could bolt away into a tree or bush. Or if you’re lucky they’ll just head for high ground… Which is usually your HEAD.
3. Overall, outdoor adventures with your iguana can be fun and rewarding for both of you but you have to remember: your iguana is a prey animal and is going to flee when she gets scared.
iguanamonica 