Dipsosaurus dorsalis (Desert iguana)

Dipsosaurus dorsalis (Desert iguana)

Age: Around 15 years old
Origin: Southwest America
Length: Up to 35 centimeters
The desert iguana has a round and blunt head, short legs and can be recognized mainly by the very large ear openings on the sides of the head. The color is light brown, sand-colored to beige, the tail is barred dark. The back is often barred gray to dark brown and covered with many small, stripe-like and dark spots and often brown to black near the eyes, especially in the males. The head is short and blunt, the back has a very low crest compared to other iguanas.

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
The desert iguana eats 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, 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. You can find these extra calcium and vitamin supplements in most pet shops and reptile shops.

Water
Water must always be available, you can offer this in a small water bowl, but change the water daily to prevent bacterial accumulations in the water. This species receives the most water by spraying the terrarium, so also spray the terrarium daily.

Cleaning
It is important to clean the terrarium properly. Therefore remove uneaten food animals every day and remove faeces before feeding the iguana again. Replace the bottom material once a month or a few times a year and then immediately clean the rest of the terrarium (including the interior). If you use cleaning products, it is important to rinse everything well after the time. Always wash your hands thoroughly after coming into contact with the animals or the terrarium, as reptiles can transmit salmonella.

Handling
Desert iguanas are fairly calm and can quickly get used to handling and will not quickly show aggressive behavior. 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 iguana from falling from too great a height. Finally, it is advisable to wash your hands before and after handling. Here you prevent the iguana and yourself from getting sick.

Housing
Minimum size stay for a couple: Minimum 120x50x50
Daytime temperature: 35-40°C
Night temperature: 25-30°C
Hours of light: 12 hours
Humidity Level: 20-40%
Soil cover: Sandy subsoil

Design
The desert 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 enclosure must offer different temperatures. There should be both warmer and colder areas for the animals to choose from. A UV-b lamp must still be hung. In this way, the animals can build up sufficient calcium in their bodies. Without this relief, they can become very ill. Use light bulbs, low-energy light bulbs or possibly daylight lamps and leave the light on twelve hours a day.

Behaviour
Diet: Insectivores
Lifestyle: Testtrial and diurnal

Character
This iguana species is calm and would not quickly react aggressively, but this can vary per individual. They are real sun worshipers and since they are active during the day it is a nice species to watch.

Points of attention
A winter period of 4 to 6 weeks at a temperature of 15 degrees Celsius is recommended.

Cost and Purchase
Legislation:-
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 iguana happens to get sick or your equipment breaks down.