Reptile & Amphibian Forums

im soon going to be getting a green iguana and was wondering how to box train it?can some one help me out?

In a similar way one potty trains a cat on a litter box, or a puppy to pee on the puppy pads.

It's all about timing, and positive reinforcement.

Iguanas almost always defecate first thing in the morning. Luke-warm water soakings help. So, one way to do it is put a bit of lukewarm water in the box, and let the iguana do its thing. Reward gently with a treat (small fruit or fave veggie).

Observe your iguana during your free time or free days. Figure out how often it defecates. If let's say the animal poops ever 3 hours, then every 3 hours (or as close as you can get) repeat the process. Replace the water with soaked paper towels as things progress. Eventually the animal should associate the box as the defecation area.

Also, iguanas usually defecate on the same places, so a box in the area the iguana prefers should also do the trick in a shorter amont of time.

I believe Melissa Kaplan's website might have some info.
I've seen iguanas trained to do it on a toilet.

Just be persistent, keep it a positive experience, no stress, and remember positive reinforcement is the key.

-IJ

thank you