Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello Everyone,

I recently acquired a hatchling Cuban Rock Iguana (Cyclura nubila). I have read that these guys tend to be flighty when young, and this one definitely lives up to that reputation. My question is: Should I engage in regular handling sessions to facilitate the socialization process, or keep handling to a minimum and allow him/her to grow out of it?

My eperience is with green iguanas, and both of mine were pretty calm even as hatchlings, so I would be very interested to hear from those of you who are experienced with Cubans. Any advice would be appreciated.

Leave him/her alone until it is eating; priority one. After that's fully established, I took the advice of the guy who bred my hybrid: the teeth and claws only do more damage the older they get: go through it sooner than later. Having said that, mine only bit me once, but tail whipped like crazy. The key is patience (and treats). Others have lots of further advice to go along with that.

DON'T force them... cyclura have long memories.