Reptile & Amphibian Forums

So I got my first ig about 2 months ago. I work at a vet clinic and was dropping off puppies (long story) at the humane society when I saw that they had a beautiful 19 inch iguana that was in a 40 gallon breeder. It was a bit young to sex but they thought it was female. Long story short they didn't have the background or resources to take care of her/him and he was staring to get a lil less bright eyed. I have many reptiles so I took it and set it up in a converted dresser 4'x2'x20" (I will upgrade asap) She was very shy at first but I was slowly gaining her trust. this last week I took her out and let her walk around the couch. she loved it! she even let me pet her without tail whipping. she went back into her cage on her own after a bit and immediately began head bobbing (I thought it was awesome). since then she has continued head bobbing vigorously all the time! sometimes at me, sometimes at nothing. I also am seeing bulges, I think. She seems a bit more standoffish now and less scared. Is this normal/ what should I do? thanks in advance

Well other then probing which should only been done by someone who knows how, you could post some pics on here and we can take a better guess. As for the attitude, it may be now he/she is feeling more established and is starting to show his/her true self. Most people who see a really "tame" iguana at a pet store, rescue facility, etc, usually end up suprised at how quickly their attitude will change once they get into a better enviroment, better lighting (uv/proper temps) as well as a better diet. Their can be very hard to tame Iguanas some you'll never be able to tame, but that is not a reason to be put off by the little guy, it can take up to a full year before really taming an Iguana.

Iguanas who have been in poor conditions can tend to be defensive and might take a little longer to tame. The main thing to remember is to just keep social activity up and don't let HIM train you. Iguanas are very good at training their owners to go away by whipping, opening their mouth, showing attitude, and most people make the mistake of putting the iguana down and in turn giving him exactly what he wants. Once he learns that works, he'll just keep doing it.

So all in all don't get angry and give up, Iguanas have some of the best personalities and once you two find your mojo you'll find he can turn out to be a great companion.

Little tip: I prepare my Igs food ahead of time and keep the greens in ziplock bags. While I cut the greens I put a branch on the table behind the greens and put my Ig on their and let him munch on the greens while i prepare the food. It's just a simple activity that gives the Ig something he loves (food) and you get to have more "bonding time" with him.

Thanks for the tip! I also make my ig's food ahead of time, and adding the branch idea sounds great.

When I got him/her, she was very tail whippy and would open her mouth and whatnot out of fear but now she/he seems to be less fearful and more confrontational. This literally started about one week ago and I have read differing opinions on how to go about taming/earning his/her trust. I started out holding it every day, as gently as possible even though she fought at first every time. That lasted about 2 weeks. then I tried just putting my hand near for a few days, then only touching her leg for a few days, I got to the point where I could pet her head and she would close her eyes (go to a happy place) and I could even slip my hand under her gently and lift her. She seemed to really enjoy this slower approach as apposed to the former. My question is: is there a right way to do it, and what have people with difficult iguanas had success with? I'm worried maybe the more timid approach i've been using made him/her think she's boss (should I lay down the law Lol) I'll try to post some pics too.
Thanks everybody

There is no "true" 100% way to tame an Iguana or any reptile for that matter. Each one has their own personality and each owner has to find his/her own way that works best. I'd say just take all the info that various people have had success with and see what works best. I think the one thing everyone can agree on though is patience, and that's probably what ended up putting that Ig you have into a shelter. Someone just gave up.

So on that note, if you need any more advice or help, just let us know, that's why kingsnake is here.

Thanks for all the help. I'll keep at it and hopefully he/she will be happy and healthy.

Thanks again