When iguanas lack the exposure to sunlight or an artificial light source, they are unable to maintain an ideal body temperature that can help them have an efficient digestion. Moreover, the lack of natural sunlight, specifically vitamin D3, can affect the iguana’s ability to absorb calcium. In captivity, installing UVB artificial lights may be sufficient for the purpose. Lack of natural sunlight can pave the way for the development of metabolic bone disease (MBD) in iguanas. There are important factors which have been identified in the development of MBD in pet iguanas even when artificial lighting has been provided. These factors include the following:

• Artificial lights may not be able to provide sufficient amounts and/or spectrum width that are present in natural sunlight.
• There is a need to replace artificial UV lights at frequent intervals because some lose their UV spectrum even while still radiating visible light.
• Pet iguanas in larger enclosures or those that are allowed to roam inside the house for considerable periods of time may not get close enough to the light source to absorb sufficient UV rays.
• The UV light may be filtered through plastic or glass. These barriers can remove most of the UV rays.
• The iguana’s diet may lack calcium, or there is incorrect ratio between calcium and phosphorus. 

Know more about your pet’s needs by talking to your veterinary clinic Longmont CO.