Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Just as the title states.. what can I do to help the little guy out? He's (I think it's a he I don't know) about 1 year old probably? He either puffs out his dewlap or whips or gets flighty when taken from the cage. Any tips?
Brian

I have the same problem with my Zippy, who is about the same age as yours. What I do is talk very softly to him and reach under him, or if he runs, I just wait till he settles down, then I reach for him again, once I have him in my hands, I rub him on his head or wherever your enjoys it until he calms down. Once he has calmed down I take him out of the enclosure, and let him sit on my arm, slowly moving around and rubbing and talking to him very calmly and softly. Sometimes he will sit for a while, other times he waits for me to move my hands and he jumps off my arm into the floor and runs, if he runs, I wait till he has had time to calm back down, and I start over, just make sure the room your in is iguana proof, so that he will not get hurt, if he escapes your arms. It will take a while, but once he doesn't feel threatened by you and you have his trust, things will be great, until breeding season, have fun while you can.

when we first purchased our iguana at 6 mnths. old he was very zipidy... and the people at the pet store told us "to reach right in and grab him, show him that you are boss"... and I just don't believe this... If you were an iguana all little, would you like some huge person (thing, cause he don't know what you are) to just come in and pick you up? I sang to my lizzy everyday, throughout the day and as I did I would put my hand into the cage, and every 5 minutes or so move my hand in closer to him... this doesn't mean i touched him every day, some times I never wound up touching him,,,, more like getting him used to my hands and my voice before i would ever pick him up... you have to teach them to trust you, that you won't hurt them, and the more you talk to and handle your iguana, the more it will enjoy you... however I would never pick the iguana up if he doesn't seem to want you too, they can get very stressed and this can make them ill... so my advice, be soft voiced and take your time before you touch him...
hope this helps
nicole