Substrate

 

Substrate is defined as the flooring of the cage.  The owner should choose a substrate that is cheap and easy to get and most importantly safe for the iguana.   The substrate should follow the following guidelines:

  1. No particulate substrate be used.  This means that substrates that are made up of small pieces of matter cannot be used.   Substrates that are made of small pieces such as mulch cause serious injury to the iguana or even death.  The particules will be eaten accidentely or intentionally by the iguana even if you don't see him/her doing so.  The particules can cause impactions in the intestines.  These blockages will lead to severe problems since the iguana cannot deficate if there is an impaction.  Particulate substrates include: sand, gravel, pebbles, mulch, bark, and any type of "iguana bedding."   "Iguana bedding" is not safe for iguanas.  Even though the label says they are perfectly fine, they are not!!!  The bedding material will be eaten by the iguana and get impacted in the intestines.   Never buy any particulate substrate. 

  2. No chemicals.  The substrate that you use shouldn't contain any chemicals that may harm your iguana.  Newspaper with print on them are unsafe for your iguana.  The chemicals and dyes on it can harm your iguana's skin and lungs.  Newspapers are not suitable for iguanas.

 

The following are common types of substrates:

Linoleum:  The easiest to clean.  Very smooth surfaces.   You can buy squares of them and attach them to the bottom of the cage.  The linoleum can be curved upward around the edges for easier cleanup.  Be prudent and make sure the iguana cannot rip up the linoleum or eat any of it.

Paper Towels:  Cheap and inexpensive.  But you need lots of them.  They are safe for the iguana.

Paper Bags:  I use these for the substrate of my iguana.  They are free at the supermarket.  The paper bags can be cut up to fit.  I cut down one of the four corners of the bag and then go down and then cut out the bottom.   Once the botton is gone, you know have a big piece that is longer that it is wide.   If one side has ink, use the other side.  Be creative and put them in whatever way that suits you. 

Note:  I found out that paper bags seem to retard water for up to one hour.  If the iguana poops on it, the urates won't really sink in for up to a hour.   If you wipe up the mess as soon as the iguana poops then almost no stain is left behind.

Alfalfa Pellets:  This is the only particulate substrate that can be used for an iguana.  It is okay for the iguana since it is high in protein.  However soiled alfalfa pellets must be cleaned up immediately to prevent mold or bacteria.  There may be a chance that if the iguana eats too much of the pellets then he/she may get an impaction.

The substrate that you choose should be safe for the iguana. 

Remember that this site alone doesn't supply all the necessary imformation required to keep your little green friend healthy and happy.

 

 

Choosing Your Iguana Getting Started Setting Up a Home Substrate
Food Heating Lighting Bath Time!
Iguanas in the Wild About Me MK Salad Link to Melissa Kaplan's Site