Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi Everybody,

About 3 and 1/2 years ago, we adopted a 2 year old male Iguana. He was returned to a pet store because of his "attitude". The people at the pet store didn't want him because he was too big. He really was just a little thing, and they offered to give him to us. So, home he came, we named him TicTac.

We built him a cage in my office, and since I work from home a lot, me and TicTac spent lots of time together. I took a lot of time to get him used to handling, and it seemed like we had a good relationship. As he grew, we decided to let him free roam in my office. Things were fine.

Fast forward to this year. One day, out of nowhere, while cleaning his room, he stood up real tall, gave me the hatchet stance and started hissing at me. I knew what that meant, so I decided to make my way out of the room. He was on some cages that span the room, and as I walked out of the room, he dashed across the cages and lunged at me, missing me by inches. After that, every time I walk by the room, and he catches site of me, it enrages him. He tries to get out of the room, climbs the screen door we installed when started free roaming, tries to bite me through the door and bobs uncontrollably at me.

At first, I thought it was breeding season. But this has been going on for half the year. Also, he doesn't display this aggression toward anyone else but me.

Obviously, I've moved my office to another room.

Has this happened to anyone else? My husband can walk in the room and walk right up to him and scratch him on the head. I can't get one foot in the door without a threat. I was hoping this would change... do you think it is due to breeding season, and likely to change at all?

Any thoughts?

Thanks!
Christine

Just so I get this clear you are female, right? Cause male iguana in some cases pick up on human female hormones and react negitivly towards it. The solution may be a little strange. you could use heavy amounts or purfume to cover you scents. or you could buy Either human or iguana pheromones and put a little on you every time you go near him.

You can get male human pheromones here:
http://www.nextag.com/human-pheromone/search-html

not sure where you can get iggy pheromones though.

My best guess: He's dominating you.

You probably have moved down on the totem pole a notch below him in his opionion. I doubt he sees you as a mate, but he sees you as a push-over.
I'd take him out of that room where he's the boss, and put him on the floor below you. Be aware of any submissive behavior or signals you might be giving off to him.

You could record your encounter before and after moving him with a digital camera. He may be giving signals to you that you are missing as well.

Those phermones for humans are a big gimick.