Hi. I have a green iguana and am constucting a cage for him I am lining the bottom with linoleum and was wondering if it was alright to put some sort of a bark in there with him cause I want something that is soft on his feet and that he can dig in. also what types of vines can I put in the cage with him because I want to put some live plants in there like vines for him to climb on and eat if he feels like he should without it harming him or getting him sick.
thanks.
Chris.

Sorry no bark. It poses a danger for impaction. Unfortuantely there is no particulate substrate that is safe for iguanas. Igs taste EVERYTHING! The particles end up in the ig and the ig ends up at the vets for surgery. Most of us use either the bare lineoleum or else put papers down on top of the lineoleum. I prefer the later, makes cleaning easier.
Live plants are also pretty much out. Very few live plants can stand up to an iguana's behavior. You would end up replacing everything about once a week. And the potting soil would again pose an impaction danger. Some of us use plastic plants and vines to decorate with but you have to be careful the ig doesn't try to eat them. Most will take a taste, realize they aren't edible, and leave them alone. But some will persistently take bites of them and the foliage has to be removed.
Iguanas just aren't very cooperative when it comes to trying to make a natural looking enclosure.

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Merlin,
What's Life Without A Little Magic!

I use plastic green grass. just a simple mat, washes off easily and can be used over and over. can get them at a local pet shop for around 5-20 bucks depending on the size.

Just watch the grass blade part. Most plastics don't fare very well under UVB light. If it starts to get brittle and beak off remove or replace it.

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Merlin,
What's Life Without A Little Magic!

roger that

I use linoleum and slate tiles. My iguana only goes to the bottom of his cage when he's in season though so aside from needing to sweep out food particles it stays pretty clean.

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