Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Okay I finally found a taming method that worked for me and I figured I would share for those of you that are frustrated with an antisocial iggy. I have had trouble getting baby ig's to calm down in the past but I have had this method work pretty well with my current three.

I know others on this forum have loads more experience than I do with cyclura so if you disagree with my method feel free to post so we can all learn. What I do is set up a kind of iguana "perch" in an area that I spend some stationary time where you can keep an eye on your ig(like by the computer,TV, and yes, the bathroom). You can set up a few in different areas if you want. The perch consists of something that your ig feels comfortable sitting on(similar to what he would bask on in his enclosure). I like the hollowed out half logs since they are simple and provide a semi-open retreat if the ig feels more comfortable hiding. Depending on how nervous your baby is you may want to make a barrier to discourage charges. The important part is that you are able to keep a close on him and be nearby to interact. Then all you do is go about your business and try not to make quick movements near iggy. Let him explore a little bit, but slowly and gently redirect him if he tries to venture too far away. He may puff and hiss at first but try to nudge your hand up under him and move him back to his perch with as little restraint as possible. The less force you use usually means the least resistance from ig. You can talk to him and as he calms down move in slowly for the occasional contact(Pet if if he allows, but if he puffs or threatens, just touch his back gently and leave your hand there until he relaxes a little, then back off). I will also offer treats as bribery. If he doesn't take them from your hand you can just leave them on or by the perch. If you feel he's getting too stressed you can bring him back to his enclosure, but try to have him out a couple times a day and he should become used to the routine and be more comfortable when out. I also find that when the ig is cooler he tends to be more likely to stay at the perch so I'll give mine a lukewarm bath when before he goes to the perch if he's too warm, and as he dries off he will cool down. I sometimes take them out after they bed down since they seem to be calmer after the sun goes down, and if they fall asleep at the perch I let them sleep until I have to put them back in their enclosure.

This method has worked especially well on my 8 month old rhino Walter. Since he was about 4 months old I have been able to handle him and he seems to enjoy being out. He doesn't run when I pick him up out of the cage or poke around to clean, feed, etc. None of my 3 little ones do. He enjoys being pet, eats nearly anything out of my hand, and frequently falls asleep on me. He's so trusting now that I can even pull him out of the cage first thing in the morning and offer him a snack, and he will eat it from my hand while half asleep!

Okay I wrote an essay but thanks for reading and hope this helps!

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Bri

You definitely are on the right track. When I acclimate [tame] any Iguanid, Varanid, etc I at first put them in an enclosure without any hiding places and within their flight distance. I pay no attention to them except at feeding time or to service the cage. Our cages for them are lined up so that the lizard see folks all day and no one harms them. I do not try to touch them or ever try to pick them up unless it is necessary to do so. The lizard will eventually come to you especially at feeding time. About 8 months ago a friend gave me a pair of Varanus spinulosus and already when you walk into the enclosures they climb on you hoping to be fed. Breeding is taking place right out in front of you with no running away when you walk up to observe them. Every lizard is an individual and some take longer than others before they get REALLY TAME. Many of mine now are so tame you can allow them to free roam outside with no supervision. I've found your approach to work well..thanks
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Tom Crutchfield
www.tomcrutchfield.com

Thank you Tom for your advice as I always appreciate input from other herp owners and handlers... escpecially from someone with your amount of experience. I got my first iguana over 18 years ago and I still consider myself a novice!
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Bri

I totally agree with you on the perch thing. Thats what I have been doing with my baby rhino and it really does work wonders..He is about 6 months old and has a perch by the window that he sits on for about an hour or two every day..He just chills there and watches everything. I really do think this has contributed to him being calmer and not as high strung. I use to do the same thing back in the day when I had green iguanas about 10 years ago.

Here is Sam on his window ledge today

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-Robert

"The difference between 'involvement' and 'commitment' is like an egg-and-ham breakfast: the chicken was 'involved' - the pig was 'committed'."

Yes, he looks quite content and relaxed in his window setup. Windows are an excellent way to keep an ig occupied for hours! Nice looking fella=)
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Bri

MINE IS ABOUT 1 1/2 YEARS OLD AND HE IS ABSOLUTLY SCARED IF ME. EVEN THOUGH I GOT HIM ONLY A FEW MONTHS AGO. ANY HELP FOR ME?

Years ago, my guy just sitting looking out the window; like you say, for hours.

Yep that's a familiar sight in our house too... Here's a picture of Marley getting his daily dose of window time =)

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Bri

Here too. Kismet is outside a lot but it's an ugly nasty day today so she is hanging out at the window instead.