Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Ok. I have a large 3 year old male iguana that hates and I do mean HATES bathtime. He refuses and gets stressed out every time he gets put in the tub.

The humidity in and around his enclosure is typically 70% or higher,always has access to fresh water, he gets sprayed down at least twice a day, and he still has shedding problems. (Not his spikes or toes...just body in general)

I've tried warm wet towels (which he aparently also doesn't like)

Any ideas?
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1.0 Green Iguana
1.0 Bearded Dragon
0.1 Blizard Leopard Gecko
1.1.1 Corn Snakes (2 Blood Red, 1 Albino)
1.1 Ball Python

After misting him, apply pure mineral oil or petroleum jelly to the area. It will hold in the moisture so it will loosen the skin.
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Marie
Poyner Corner

Yeah, that might do it. I've used it on hard to shed spikes, I don't know why I didn't think to use it like that. Thanks!
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1.0 Green Iguana
1.0 Bearded Dragon
0.1 Blizard Leopard Gecko
1.1.1 Corn Snakes (2 Blood Red, 1 Albino)
1.1 Ball Python

In my experince (and yours it seems) soaking igs in the bath tub is usually a hassle, however it is a very important part of captive care. When you soak your ig you're helping it on a numbe of levels. The humid air is good for its respatory system, and also aids durring shedding. While sitting in the water you are decreasing the risk of dehydration by ensuring they have acess to water and they absord fluids through their cloaca (anal vent, pooper, etc) So even if they arent activly drinking they are still rehydrating. And also it promotes defication and its always nice to keep from being consipated. If you Soak your Ig ATLEAST 2x a week you will have an easier time with sheds and his health in general.

So yeah, we all know soaking is good but how do you make it eaiser? I find the best way is to get a large sterilite tub ($10) from walmart, dollar store, home depot, or the like and drill some holes in the top for ventalation. Fill it up to the level of your igs shoulders while hes resting, and put him in and cover it. He may not like it for a min, but after about 30 sec they usually calm down and just sit. With the top on its not going to be trying to run, knocking down your shampoo, and causing a general riot. You can sit in in yout bathtub to fill it, let him soak there and when your done just dump it back into the tub. Quick. Easy. Healthy.
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- Mike Fourquet

CLOACA HERPS

Thanks. You know I do stuff like that all the time with my smaller reptiles, I didn't even think about doing it on the larger scale. Thanks again. Maybe he won't get as stressed. Worth a try!
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1.0 Green Iguana
1.0 Bearded Dragon
0.1 Blizard Leopard Gecko
1.1.1 Corn Snakes (2 Blood Red, 1 Albino)
1.1 Ball Python

My iguana has always hated the bathtub as well... He doesn't really like being sprayed with water either. He will only tolerate it when he is outside and hot. I can soak him down with the hose, and that is the only bath time he gets. Here in Las Vegas, he is lucky if I can sustain a 40% humidity level in his enclosure. I just make sure to spray his food with water before I feed him since this is the only moisture (besides his food) he gets. Somehow, he has never had any issues with shedding.

I can only recommend that you spray your iguana with water, soak down the affected areas on his body and rub them a bit and see if that helps loosen it.

Misting with warm water is the best. If you use hot water in the misting bottle and spray the water will come out as a nice warm shower. He may even come to enjoy that part of his day. And try feeding him a treat while doing it. Make it something to enjoy.

DO NOT use mineral oil or petrolium, these are unnatural chemicals. Instead use virgin olive oil. It is natural and safe.