Reptile & Amphibian Forums

She likes to make me feel as guilty as possible before I go to work. She can tell when I get ready and she puts on her getting sick act. Or turning totally dark and go to the corner with head cast down being depressed.

Another day she dragged her leg around like it was injured.

Today she turned dingy dark grey and started shaking. It looked like a seizure of some sort. It did scare me, so I picked her up and miraculously recovered. Of course she wasn't happy to be put back in her 100 gallon thermostatically controlled tank (controlled with four separate under the tank heaters). By herself.

Mind you she has a clean bill of health--this only occurred when I'm about to leave for work. I get her examined quite regularly and do fecals every 3 months.

But leaving for work is like a battlefield of inflictions of guilt to the max. I even feel guilty visiting a friend because she pulls the same acts when I'm about to leave and I worry about her. She wants me ALL TO HERSELF and nothing else matters.

JadeFox

It would help both of you if you would visit some of the animal behavior or clicker forums. If indeed the animal realizes you are about to depart and is now doing this all the time, you are probably reinforcing the behavior by picking her up when it happens, or showing concern. It is not good for either of you to support such scenarios and since the lizard cannot save herself by proactive behavior it is up to you.

Taking a photograph of yourself and record your voice on a tape recorder? Or just film yourself going about daily chores and stuff (with a lot of face shots), then hooking up a TV and VCR nearby. Have it loop the show for her to follow, and she should be happier. You can also put in a piece of fabric for her to smell, sit on, etc... that can help with the illusion.

My lizard fell in love with my fleece pullovers, and I had to tear one up a bit to give him something to be close to. So I definitely know how you feel.
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Dl

I like your idea-though she is miserable until I pick her up, still it can offer some comfort for her. I'm so happy to hear I'm not the only one who has this problem! Thanks for sharing!

JadeFox

you are right about that-but she is a big charmer. And she even knows how to well up her eyes and look sad on the verge of *crying*. where she picked that up I have no idea though I did see her enjoy watching television.

I try not to reward her for such behaviour before I go to work, but apparently she doesn't forget and continues this behaviour even when not reinforced.

I appreciate the suggestion

JadeFox