Reptile & Amphibian Forums

ummm how do you hold on to almost four foot lizard?
i tried i really did!! (i'd be lying if i said i wasn't scared,but i don't think i showed her that)
still got away from me ran back to her enclosure though, whew!!wriggling, hissing, whipping,
i never had an iguana before never realized how strong they can be!
well i can be just has cocky and [bleep]y too,
but really is there a special way to hang on to a bigger untamed lizard???
she was nicer the first day i got her!which was yesterday at least she let me pick her up!!

As with any untamed "wild" animal, there is a process you have to go to in order to tame them, and make them comfortable with your presence.

Probably the best way to do it is over a fairly long period of time... several months maybe. Start by just being in the room at a distance, dont pay attention to it persay just let it become used to you in the room with it. Then slowly move closer and closer... if it works right the lizard should allow you to approach it at some point. When you are close enough, start mearly touching it, to let it get used to the idea, and show you are not a threat. Then slowly but surely it should allow you to pick it up.

Depending on how untame the iguana is it could take a long time to calm down and tolerate your close proximity. So just be patient and remember you wont do any good by acting and moving along faster then your iguana is ready and willing for. It has to trust you, if you take liberties with that trust by advancing too quickly you will only prolong the process.

You can also try offering treats by hand so maybe he will associate you with treats. It will take some time no matter what you do. Good luck with him. Do you know all of the proper husbandry for iguanas like uvb light,heat,food, etc.?

hey thanks for your(s) response,
bribery, works for kids and dogs hell it'll even work well on me, why not a lizard
i will try but she doesn't seem interested in her food yet she has only been with me for a day
but i will take things slower too (just excited i guess)
and she hasn't pooped yet either ( i have two tubs of water i saw her in one for awhile but no poop)
i know she knows where her food is she kept knocking it over
the cage light and temps are all ok(i checked with some care sheets)

Get a pair of thick, heavy socks. I myself use army socks. Cut the toes out for your fingers, and a thumb hole, and pull them up to your elbows to cover your forearms and hands to protect yourself. Tail whips and bites hurt much less this way Once your ig realizes that having a complete hissy fit doesn't work, and nothing bad happens when you come near anyhow, it should start to calm down a bit. It can take alot of time, Tempest can still be pretty quick after well over a year and a half! Even when he's calm I cover my arms with my sock-gear, deep scratches happen even by accident and if I jump, he jumps, and I get gored worse. Patience and time will work, really!