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MJ
Lv 4
MJ asked in PetsReptiles · 1 decade ago

Quick Iguana Cage Question?

Okay, so my iguana is a year and a half and I am just now able to get his big tank built (should be done in a week or two) and I just wanted to make sure that I had every thing perfect before I go out and buy everything. Let me know if I'm off or missing something. I kind of want to get this right the first time.

I plan on using this design (different measurements and wood):

http://www.lizardcages.fws1.com/iguanaworld.htm

The cage will be 6' tall 6' wide and 3' deep.

I'll be using oak, poly glass, and some kind of tile for the bottom of the cage.

A screen for the roof so that I can simply put his heat lamps/UVB (4, two of each) on top.

A hinged door (or maybe sliding I'll have to talk to the guys building the cage).

Now for my questions. I know that iguanas if left to themselves will poop all over their cage and through their food and water around. Is there some kind of gloss that I can use on the wood (for the inside) that will make the wood easy to clean and less likely to swell and also will not become toxic when his lamps get hot? If not, what do you use to keep your iguanas cage clean and wood-bubble free?

Next question; I plan on taking my iguana into the vet next month to see what sex he/she is because I hear that females have issues with egg laying and he/she has been acting strange lately. He doesn't eat nearly as much as he did when he was only 2ft (nose to tail). Otherwise his eating habits he seems active, strong, angry and green (has yet to stop shedding also). Could the feeding be an issue or am I just worrying too much?

P.S. Because I know this will come up. The only reason I waited so long (not willingly) to get started on his new cage is simply because of financial problems. I almost thought that I would have to get rid of him. But I got a raise earlier this year and was able to save. So, now I have the money and after this he shouldn't cost me too much more. (though I have a savings for any emergency with me, family, and my animals)

And . . . yeah, that's it. I would like to get started this weekend so let me know! Also I'll be getting all supplies from Home Depot and Lowe's. Because they are close to me and I have a Home Depot gift card. So if you can make references to either of those stores for supplies that would be extra helpful.

Thanks in advance!

Update:

Okay, that was not quick at all. In fact it was very long, but I need to know. I don't want anything to go wrong. I love my iguana.

Update 2:

Also, to add to the sex question. If my iguana does turn out to be a female should I just go ahead and get her fixed (I don't ever plan on breeding)? Or is there something else I can do?

2 Answers

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  • 1 decade ago
    Favourite answer

    Woot. :D Someone who's not keeping their iggy in a 10 gallon tank! :P

    For the wood, they actually sell wood sealer. Home Depot will definitely have something. Maybe a wood floor sealer would work. Obviously just make sure it is non-toxic. I actually saw a non-flammable one online...maybe something like that would be good to use since it will be exposed to heat--but honestly, it would take a lot of heat to break down something like that...Anyways, a store associate will be able to point you in the right direction.

    As for your iguana's odd behavior, I think you are already taking the right step by taking him (or her) to the vet. I'm definitely no iguana expert, so I don't know a thing about fixing an iguana. It's something to talk to your vet about. Like a said, you're already taking the right step in going to the vet. Until then, not much more you can do.

    Sounds like your iguana is getting very good care. Keep it up. =D

  • 1 decade ago

    Talk to your vet about getting her "fixed" I don't know one way or the other on that.

    I'm also of no help for the gloss. I'd imagine it's a bad idea almost no matter what.

    But the cage looks phenomenal. Just make sure there's a hot and a cool side and that's just about perfect. Your iguana, male or female, will be living the life of luxury.

    Source(s): got 10 exotics, built two cages for them.
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