Nose Abrasions

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One of the unfortunate consequences of captivity is injury

resulting from repeated attempts to escape.  Iguanas tend to push

and rub their noses against the walls of their enclosures as they

repeatedly pace back and forth.  This constant trauma results in

chronic ulceration of the nose (rostrum), whether the walls of

the enclosure are made of glass or wire mesh.  Nose injuries may

result in serious and often permanent deformities that may cause

long-term problems.



Preventing this problem is difficult, but providing adequate

visual security (hiding places) and other additions to the

enclosure (artificial plants, branches, rocks) helps to

minimize it.  A visual barrier of dark paint or plastic film

placed on or along the lower four inches of the enclosure's walls

often inhibits pacing and rubbing.