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In June I took in a 5 year old male Iguana from a school. He is slightly smaller than 5' but weighs 14 lbs.
He was ultra nice for 2 months and did well around the house with me and all the other animals.
About 3 weeks ago he started attacking me for no reason. He has gotten so bad that I can never let him out of his enclosure and can only clean it at night while he sleeps.
I know it's breeding season. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Here's a pic.
To me, when you first got him he was nice because he was in new territory and around new people. Now he is familiar with you and his surroundings and wants to be the alpha (boss). Be carefull, but you will have to show him you are higher ranked. If he is in full blown season and real bad, you could leave him caged and take care of him while he is asleep like you are doing or early before he warms up. Here is some more info:
http://www.anapsid.org/iguana/testosterone.html
http://www.anapsid.org/iguana/breedingaggression.html
and another viewpoint (scroll down):
http://www.todaysplanet.com/pg/beta/lizardlover/
Along with the links, breeding season can be reduced by cutting light times.
Another issue may be that his health was iffy when you got him, he got on a good healthy diet and these are his true colors. Or perhaps the reverse and there is a health issue.
Has anything changed in his environment? Has your caging changed, the room changed, a new animal entering the group (even caged apart)?
While the issues are likely breeding season, these are other options. Breeding season isnt fun at all for males.
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Cindy
PHFaust
He came with a cage and it has remained the same. A couple more Bearded Dragons have appeared but none in his line of sight. His current cage is 6' x 4' x 6' tall. I am in the process of building a 8' x 9' x 7' tall enclosure. I cut his lights on another hour this morning. It's tough since there are 21 other reptiles that have their lights on enen though his are off. Thanks for the help and links.
>>He came with a cage and it has remained the same. A couple more Bearded Dragons have appeared but none in his line of sight. His current cage is 6' x 4' x 6' tall. I am in the process of building a 8' x 9' x 7' tall enclosure. I cut his lights on another hour this morning. It's tough since there are 21 other reptiles that have their lights on enen though his are off. Thanks for the help and links.
Are any males? Are your BDs dropping eggs or anything? Also when i said cut, I mean cut! Like work down to 5-6 hours for a week! Cover the enclosure with a sheet or blanket.
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Cindy
PHFaust
There's 21 BD's here, so lots of males. None of the new ones are in the same room. He is very close and can watch one on my m/f pairs. But nothing has changed he could always see them since he came. I don't breed animals, I'm more of a home for special needs, and all are on a natural schedule. 25% are brumating, the rest are not mating or laying eggs.
I'll continue to cut back on the lights as you suggest. I'm a little surprised by your sheet suggestion.
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>>I'll continue to cut back on the lights as you suggest. I'm a little surprised by your sheet suggestion.
When you shut down his lights, he can see see it is day time from the other lights in the room. That is when you cover with the sheet. Kinda like a bird cage, it keeps him in the dark. This is something I have done successfully for several angry males.
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Cindy
PHFaust
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