Rhino Iguana Care Guide

This article will show you how to care for Rhino Iguanas, a remarkable reptile known for their distinctive snouts (hence the name) and their dog like personalities! I have provided videos from my YouTube channel that will be linked throughout this care guide or here for those that prefer to learn from videos. I also have rhino iguana for sale available here or on the bottom of this page.

Cyclura cornuta

Rhino iguanas are Native to the Caribbean, primarily found on the island of Hispaniola. Rhino Iguanas inhabit rocky limestone environments, including tropical dry forests, lowland shrub areas, and coastal forests. Their skin colors can range from steely grey, dark green, dark blue, orange, to brown. These terrestrial iguanas can live up to 20 years or more, making them long-term companions.

In this care guide, we'll explore the details of providing a healthy and enriching environment for your Rhino Iguana.

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questions, please leave them in the comments. I'd love to hear from you!

Enclosure

Creating the right enclosure is necessary for the well-being of your Rhino Iguana. Rhino Iguanas need a spacious enclosure that offers enough room for their movement and exploration. For adult Rhino Iguanas, the enclosure should measure at least 8 feet in length, 5 feet in height, and 4 feet in width. This size is essential to meet their physical needs and ensure their well-being. For young Rhino Iguanas, a 40-gallon tank is suitable during their first year of life. To accommodate their natural digging behavior, it's important to provide a deep layer of substrate within the enclosure. A mixture of materials such as coconut coir, cypress mulch, sand, or topsoil can be used to create a suitable digging environment for them. Additionally, including nest boxes within the enclosure is essential, especially if you plan to breed these iguanas. Nest boxes offer privacy, shelter, and a safe space for egg-laying, promoting their reproductive health and overall comfort. These considerations are needed for creating a suitable habitat for Rhino Iguanas in captivity.

Items and Environment

Maintaining the right environmental conditions is very important for the health and happiness of your Rhino Iguana. To properly care for Rhino Iguanas indoors, it is necessary to create an indoor habitat that replicates their natural environment. Lighting is important, UVB and heat lamps should be used to mimic the effects of natural sunlight. These reptiles depend on UVB rays for proper calcium absorption so if being kept indoors a UVB light bulb is essential. Temperature control is crucial, a hot spot maintaining temperatures between 100°F and 105°F is required and can be added with ceramic heat bulbs or regular heat bulbs. Along with a basking area add cooler zones within the enclosure to meet their thermoregulation needs. Maintaining a moderately humid environment, with humidity levels around 65%, may require misting the enclosure periodically. Always ensure there is a source of fresh, clean water available in shallow dishes that are easily accessible. Enriching their enclosure with items such as rocks, branches, and non-toxic plants not only enhances their habitat but also provides opportunities for climbing, exploring, and mental stimulation, contributing to the well-being of these unique reptiles.

Diet & Hydration

Rhino iguanas have a diverse diet, as they are omnivores. Their meals consist primarily of a variety of leaves, flowers, fruits, vegetables and opuntia cactus. Living in the Caribbean, in the wild they occasional indulge in land crabs, insects, and small mice. Leafy greens should make up the majority of their daily intake, including items like kale, plums, apples, carrots, squash, mangoes, broccoli, bananas, cucumber, blueberries, bell pepper, green beans, collard greens, sweet potatoes, hibiscus flowers, dandelion flowers, and de-thorned cactus pads. Some owners prefer to add calcium powder and multivitamins to the diet for hatchlings and juveniles, usually 2-3 times a week during their first year. However, an alternative approach is to feed them Mazuri Tortoise Diet, which provides all the essential vitamins and calcium they require. It's essential to be aware of brumation, a period of reduced appetite in rhino iguanas during the winter. Owners should closely observe their behavior and adjust their feeding routine accordingly. Do not let them get under 60° Fahrenheit.

Handling

When welcoming a new iguana into your home, it's essential to give them the time they need to adjust and reduce stress. During the starting days, avoid excessive handling, especially if they appear stressed or aren't eating well. Instead, gradually introduce short handling sessions multiple times a day as they become more comfortable with your presence. Food can be a powerful ally in building trust with your iguana. Offer treats and let them approach you for it. If they're too nervous to come close, place the food a few feet away and maintain your position. As they grow more at ease, slowly decrease the distance with each feeding until they're comfortable eating from the palm of your hand. When carrying your iguana, a gentle and effective method is to lift their tail, slide your arm between their legs up to their chest, allowing them to rest on your arm as if they were perched on a tree. This approach works well for taming iguanas that aren't accustomed to being carried.

The first rhino iguana I ever hatched September 27, 2023

Fun Facts

The rhinoceros iguana was discovered in 1789 by Pierre Joseph Bonnaterre, who named this reptile after the horn-like protrusion on its snout.
The eggs laid by Rhinoceros iguanas are among the largest lizard eggs produced in the world.

Remember that caring for Rhino Iguanas requires attention to detail and a commitment to providing a safe, large and healthy environment. With proper care, your Rhino Iguana can thrive and become a cherished member of your family for years to come.

Rhino Iguanas for Sale

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Baby Rhino Iguanas

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