Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello! I am a brand new iguana keeper. My son went in the army so now I have his 9 month little guy (or gal). I've had him for 6 days now. We both studied carefully so he should be healthy and looks so. His name is being debated so I can't introduce him.

I was inspired to write by a thread that said the domination method is not necessary. I would like to hear more about this. My guy is afraid when I get close tho he likes when I talk to him. Can anyone give their story or advise about how to approach getting him used to me? He was very tame with my son.

Diane

The iguana needs to get used to u.
Keep your distance for a while, let it get used to ur presence and your voice. Interact only during feeding, watering, cleaning. By the way, the enclosure needs to be cleaned everyday.

Eventually interact by simple petting, and a bit of hand-feeding, but careful with the latter, some iguanas make it a habit.

With progress and positive reinforcement, it will tame down. Since it's so young, it is natural for it to be so fearful and agitated. Patience is the key.

Don't overdo it, because it can also stress the animal.

Good luck with your little guy, and most respect to your son for serving our country.

-IJ

thanks for the support. I especially liked what you said about him being afraid cause he's young. Hadn't thought about that. I'm just unsure of myself so I have sometimes tried to pick him up because everyone says you have to be dominant. I think it's just making things worse.

thanks too for the support for my son. Mom's everywhere struggle when their kids are at war.

Diane

You've been watching too much Dog Whisperer, hahahaha (good show). Dominance does not apply to reptiles, at least not in the same way with mammals.

Because the wild animal is not in its natural environment, and because it is often, if not always, prey, not predator (being vegetarian), you have to play the nurturing role, not dominant (oh God, now I sound like him!). You know what I mean.

Let us know its progress.

-IJ

Don't have cable so maybe that's why I don't know of the show you mentioned.

I read lots of writings, especially Melissa's, that you must show him who's boss and not put him down when he bites etc.

What you say about vegetarians makes so much sense too. Of course he is going to be afraid.

He is so precious and tips his head when I talk to him. We both appreciate your help.

awwwwwwww. how cute. and btw- you did sound like the dog whisperer. (i love that show) anyway. i get igs all the time through the rescue that are more than messed up. they're always afraid and will gladly wack you with thier tail (if they have one) or scratch you (if they have the strenth) or bite you (they always do that). I have some little treats that i give my rabbits. theyre called yogies. htey're almost like hersey kisses-just fruit flavored. i've been giving them to the igs for a while. they think they're fantastic. you might also try a banana. you can still have it close to you but far enough to not get bit. i do that with mine too. i dont know what room hes in but i have mine in my garage (heated and ac'd). if they are really sick, they stay in the house under constant supervision and they seem to tame down faster when they can see me walking by them constantly. dont get me wrong i dont just throw them in the garage and never see them. i go out there 2 or 3 times a day to feed, water, check for escapees, check on the ac (we've had a problem with it lately) things like that. anyway- you might try putting him in the livingroom or whatever room you spend the most time in if he isnt already there- and of course if you want it in your living room.... it might help to see you a lot....
Beth
and good luck
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The rescue site: www.freewebs.com/okreptilerescue

thanks for the info and good wishes. He is in the house and free roaming, as he is used to. He was totally tame with my son so who knows how long he will take to settle in.

Diane

In that sort of sense, then yes, dominance is to be shown.
Iguanas, like most animals, learn things by cause and effect.

If iguana bites, human lets go, then iguana knows that biting gets rid of human. This works fine on a juvie, it's a death-wish with an adult.

However, care must be taken to not overdo the "dominant" role, or else you stress the animal.

In case the animal bites, and won't let go (they usually do, but some can be stubborn) have lemon juice or vinegar at hand. Squirt a bit in the mouth (watch the eyes!!!) and the animal should let go. Only problem, it will burn like hell.

Like I said, keep things at a distance for now, except of course during chores (cleaning, feeding, etc).

Sounds like you got an awsome iguana! Keep up the good work, and you'll have a rewarding 'pet'.

-IJ

OK, one thing at a time. thanks again

Congrads on the new addition and well done with all the information that you got going into this! I'm fairly new to this iguana stuff so I am no help as far as that goes, but with family and friends in the military (my bro-in-law spent almost 2 years over there) the support you are giving your son by taking care of his ig is wonderful! I have read quite a few posts on soldiers being activated and trying desperately to take care of thier reptiles. That makes one less thing for them to be concered and worried about.

Please let us know how everything is going and your son and your family (including the Ig) will be in our prayers!
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Bryan, Atlanta GA

1-0-0 Rescued Ball Python - Apep
0-0-1 Rescued Bearded Dragon - Zeus
0-0-1 Rescued Non-Alpha Green Iguana - Bud
1-2-0 Rescued Rats... no wait... ROTTEN Little Cats - Ra, Bastet, Isis
0-0-1 Rescued Fit and Trim Panda Hamster - Mr. Fluffy
1-0-0 Horse... whoops... BIG Golden Retriever - Jake
0-1-0 Wife
2-0-0 Kids

Thanks so much for the support! Luckily I have had a bearded dragon before and am very interested in reptiles. still, I had to think it over before taking him on.

I think he thinks I just babysitter and "daddy" will be back for him soon. Hope he handles it ok.

Diane