The Iguana Spot On Cost

The Iguana Expense Report

We are often asked how much it costs us to keep iguanas as pets. Is it expensive is the most major concern people seem to have. That is somewhat difficult to answer and make relevant to people who do not live in our area as prices vary from state to state. What we have attempted to provide here is an overview of all the factors that contribute to the yearly cost of caring for an inguana (and yes, we have done this based on one iguana, not three). We have used minimum costs but did not base anything on sale or discount prices.

Initial cost -

    Before you bring any iguana home, whether it is the $5.95 hatchling from a pet store or an older adoption, you are going to need to provide a basic enclosure complete with a heat source, proper lighting and humidity sources. For our purposes here, we are going to be talking about a hatchling. Most people do not start off with an enclosure large enough to last the life and growth span of an iguana, they usually start off with an aquarium of some sort. Hopefully, they will realize that a 10 gallon tank is a waste of money as it will have to be replaced with something larger within weeks. Here we will use a 55 gallon as an example which should last you a year, two at the most. Forget what the pet store tells you, here is a list of what you really need:

55 gallon aquarium                                 $180.00
table or stand for enclosure                     $100.00
solid top for enclosure                            $40.00 (cost of materials to construct one)
UVB light source                                    $35.00 - $79.99 depending on which type you choose & where you purchase it
fixture for UVB source                           $12.00 - $30.00 depening on which type you choose & Where you purchase it
basking light                                          $9.00
fixture for basking light                           $12.00
radiant heat panel                                    $54.00 - $109.00 depending on size required
thermostat for panel                                $30.00
food and water dish                                $17.00 (for both)
thermometer & humidity guage                $12.00 (for analogue combo)
substrate                                               $20.00 (you can use newspaper instead, which is the better)
cage furniture and decorations                 $20.00 (we bought some fake plants and a small piece of drift wood)
humidifier or other humidity source          $40.00 (for a room humdifier)
                                                            $25.00 (for an air pump and stone to place in the enclosure)
                                                          _______
                               TOTAL COST      $599.00 plus depending on the choices you make

If you choose to build an enclosure, it is recommended that it be no smaller than 3'x6'x6' if you want your iguana to be able to live in it for any length of time. Iguanas are tree climbers and can grow to be six feet long or more and need a tall enclosure with lots of space to move around and things to climb on.
We highly suggest taking a tour of the housing section at The Iguana Spot. There are several differnt styles of custom made housing shown, as well as how much it cost to build them!

Weekly costs

Iguanas eat fresh fuit and vegetables and if you're going to raise a healthy iguana, variety is the key. While using frozen vegetables is an option, you'll need to add vitamin supplements before feeding. We spend an average of $20.00 per week on greens, vegetable and fruit.
$20.00 per week x 52 weeks in a year =$1040.00 yearly

Monthly -

    Depending on the substrate you choose, plan on spending $20.00 per month. Carpet can be used and cleaned unlike other substrates which must be replaced.
    Since iguanas are tropical animals, they require a minimum ambient air temperature of 80* and 70% humidity in order to thrive. Plan on an increase in your home heating fuel and electric bills, in addition to an increase in your water usage (for baths and cleaning). You'll be running lights and heaters 24/7.Our electric bill went up significantly.

                                           Total $240.00 per year not including utilities.

Yearly-

   Plan on taking your iguana to the vet once a year for a check up. It is a good idea to plan on spending $100.00 for vet care not including any emergency care your iguana might need at other times during the year.
    UVB light sources wear out even though the bulb may still produce light and need to be replaced every 6 -12 months depending on the manufacturer. Other bulbs may need to be replaced as they break or wear out too.

                                       $250.00 a year is a very low estimate of what you can plan on spending

Emergency and other

From time to time other expenses will come up and there is never any way to be prepaired. Depending on whether you have a male or female, you may need to purchase extra items during breeding season. It's always a good idea to have at least $100.00 stashed away for iguana needs

Year One

$ 599.00 housing
$ 1040.00 food
$ 240.00 substrate
$ 250.00 vet care and light bulbs
$ 100.00 emergency/other
--------------------------
$2229.00 not incl. increased
utilities and fuel bills
for the first year

Year Two

$ 1040.00 food
$ 240.00 substrate
$ 250.00 vet care and lighting
$ 100.00 emergency/other
-----------------
$ 1630.00 not incl. increased utilities and fuel bills for the year

By the middle to end of year two, if you started off with an aquarium type enclosure you will need a larger enclosure. Plan on that enclosure adding a MINIMUM of $500.00 to your yearly care total!