Reptile & Amphibian Forums

HI EVERYONE I JUST RESUED AN INGUANA FROM A PET STORE I SAY RESUCE BECAUSE HE WAS IN A SMALL CAGE AND OUT ON DISPLAY.HE SEEMS TO BE FRIENDLY. HE IS 12 YEARS OLD I'M TOLD .I WAS HOPING SOMEONE COULD TELL ME HOW TO READ HIM .IS IT OK TO LOVE ON HIM WOULD IT BE BETTER TO LEAVE HIM ALONE FOR A WEEK ONLY BRINGING FOOD.I ALSO HAVE 4 BOYS MY OLDER2 WANT TO PET HIM ANY ADVICE?

wear a pair of thick leather gloves and test his temperment. don't harrass him. just see how he responds to you. some iguanas can be extremely aggressive, and can inflict a serious wound. were as others can be more docile than lassie, and would never harm a fly. with time you will be able to judge what kind of "personality" your new family member has, and what type of mood he is in at any given time. also, look out for that tail! I hope this helps, good luck

body posture, head bobing, head shaking, opening of the mouth, flailing of limbs, pupil dialation, and flaring of the dewlap are all signs of aggression! stay calm and never let him think he has the upper hand! it's all about gaining his trust.