Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have had my Iguana Zookie for about 1 year. He is now about 1 year 4 monthes old. I handel him a lot but he just won't seem to settle down. He always whips me or flares at me. I'm starting to get really frustrated with him. I'll take him out and pet him or let him rest on me for 15 to 20 minutes at a time but the whole time he tries to get away or gets reallt stiff, turns black and closes his eyes. What can I do? some one please help me.

Mine did that when I 1st got him. The way I over came that was I took him in to a bathroom every day and closed the door. Then I just sat him on my lap and tried to hand feed him. He eventually started to move around me and crawl around. I let him crawl around for a bit and then just try to pet him. I did that until I was able to pick him up. Eventually he started to eat out of my hand and picking him up wasn’t a big problem. Also I always put him on my shoulder and walk around the house with him. We used to be in that bathroom for hours some times hehe. I haven’t got whipped since then. Hope this helps.

My Ig is the same way except when he's away from his cage. I find singing softly to him really calms him down. I sing " you are my sunshine" to him every morning when he gets up and when ever he starts acting like a brat! Seems to help.