Since about a week and a half ago, my Ig has refused hand feeding. He's eating really well, but he used to accept treats from my hand with no problem, just eating like crazy what I hand it, which is a nice bonding thing, if not helpful for nutrition, but now he just closes his eyes when I hand him some food. After a while I give up.

I know I should show him who's boss. But what should I do? Stand there for hours until he eats it? Open his mouth somehow and put it in?

Please advise. I want him to eat most food himself but accept some food from me occasionally.

Hello,

Don't try to force feed him. That will just make him more fearful of you. The best approach is to stand there with the food and talk to him. If he doesn't take it after a few minutes, just put it down and let him eat it on his own.

That doesn't mean you stop trying though. Continue to offer the hand fed foods. Each time, make sure you talk to him so he knows you are still there.

Socializing an iguana is a process and not an event. It takes a great deal of patience, dedication, and time. Keep trying and keep talking to him. Once he realizes you are not a threat, you will see a very different iguana.

You should also try sitting in the enclosure and reading as suggested in another thread. You want the iguana to familiarize itself with your voice and presence.

__________________
.:: Rich ::.

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What you said has been exactly what I'm doing. Talking gently, holding the food there for a few minutes. It seems though that it has learned that by closing his eyes, I give up after a few minutes. I should keep doing just this, right?

If Rich says so, lol. Rich knows what hes talking about, and I KNOW that iguana socializing can be a very long process...

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Jayr & Mandy Robinson
J&M Herp Shack
"Are you watching closely?"

try the handfeeding before you feed him. If he isn't hungry he isn't going to eat. You might also try the handfeeding with treats that he doesn't get as a normal part of his feeding.
Try a small peice of water soaked bread. Most iggy's go nuts for bread and the water soaking will get more moisture into him. But don't make it an every day thing.

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Merlin,
What's Life Without A Little Magic!