Crotaphytus collaris (collared iguana)

Age: Up to 10 years
Origin: North America
Length: 20 to 35 centimeters
The collared iguana owes its name to its 2 black bands on its neck. They are generally green, but can take on yellow, gray and brown colors interrupted by white and gray spots.

Care:
Experience: Experienced lizard keeper
Food: Insects
Feed adult: 3-5 times a week
Feed young: Daily
Water bowl: Yes
Water change: Daily

Power supply
Collared iguanas eat insects such as crickets, morio worms, dolas, dubias, silkworms and sometimes even small rodents (young mice). Feed the iguanas as many insects as they can eat in 10 minutes. Just like us, collared iguanas also like a varied diet, so try to alternate between the different types of insects.
It is sometimes advised to powder the food animals with vitamin D. These extra calcium and vitamin supplements can be found in most pet shops and reptile shops.

Water
Collared lizards are well adapted to living in drought and get most of the water they need from their food. However, it is best to provide a small water bowl with clean water at all times.

Cleaning
As the hungry eaters that they are, they also defecate. For this reason, it is wise to remove the faeces from the enclosure every day, and to remove the dirty bedding once a week. In addition, it is wise to thoroughly clean the entire accommodation a few times a year, this prevents the accumulation of germs and bacteria.

Handling
Collared iguanas are not lizards that are easy to handle. When you handle them regularly they can get used to you but they don't become really tame. When handling the iguana, pick it up by gently sliding your hands under its body. Support the lower body and lift it off the floor. While handling, keep one thumb on its back so that it cannot easily run away. During handling it is recommended to hold it above your lap or above a table. This prevents the monitor lizard from falling from too great a height. Finally, it is advisable to wash your hands before and after handling. Here you prevent the monitor lizard and yourself from getting sick.
Housing
Minimum size stay for a couple: minimum 100*40-40
Surface: 0.5m2 per iguana
Daytime temperature: 25-45°C
Night temperature: 20-26°C
Hours of light: 12 hours
Humidity Level: 30-50%
Soil cover: Sandy subsoil

Design
The collared iguana is mainly a test trial species, but if the opportunity arises, they also seek heights. In the terrarium you can place pieces of wood or stones that serve as a shelter or where they can lie on to bask. When setting up the terrarium, you can place the wood or stone in such a way that they also have the opportunity to climb. However, make sure that everything is firmly placed so that the iguana cannot injure itself if something falls. In addition, the stay must be divided into a warm and cool side.
The Collared Iguana is a lizard that really likes sunbathing and high temperatures, they need a lot of radiant heat and have a high UVB requirement. Use mercury vapor or metal halide lamps with a high UVB content for a basking spot. This basking spot may be 40-50C. The ambient temperature on the hot side should be between 29C to 35C, the cool zone around 27C. At lower temperatures, the digestive system of this species works less well and they absorb nutrients less well, resulting in lower activity and resistance. which in turn results in reduced growth and development.

Behaviour
Diet: Insectivores
Lifestyle: test trial and day active

Character
This iguana species is shy and nervous by nature and can bite quite a bit when they feel threatened. They are real sun worshipers and since they are active during the day it is a nice species to watch.

Points of attention
The collared iguana hibernates. In nature, this lasts 4 to 5 months. For kept animals, 2 to 3 months can be calculated and 1.5 months for young animals. Ensures good preparation for hibernation. Hibernation can be risky for sick animals.

Cost and Purchase
Legislation: The collared iguana is not included in the cites.
One-off costs: This includes the costs for accommodation, lighting, heating, water bowl and decoration. This can cost a few hundred euros to a few thousand euros in total. The final amount depends on the quality and size of the products.
Fixed costs: Fixed costs include the costs for the feed, which is a few tens of euros per year.
Unexpected costs: Costs are incurred when your monitor lizard happens to fall ill or your equipment breaks down.