Hi, I just need some help with mainly taming this iguana, I got it from a shelter, and its pretty wild =(, and it doesn't have much fat on the start of his tail. But, the people at the shelter said hes healthy, and to just fatten him up. I have been feeding him collard greens and dandelion greens and he loves figs xD. Oh, in case you are wondering, hes not very big, lady at the shelter said it was about a year old.

But anyway, the problem is his behavior. It's very wild and whips when I just walk past him in the tank, its even worse when I pick him up and try to pet his head and the side of this head, two of my friends have iguanas, and they are very calm and just walk around the room with out being afraid of people. How can I get mine like theirs? I understand it will probably take awhile, but I really want him to be cool like my friends. Thanks.

First you have to realize that all iguanas are different. Some tolerate us and some don't. Add to this is you have no idea how this animal has been treated in the past and it may have been abused.
It takes a lot of time and patience, to socialize an iguana.

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Merlin,
What's Life Without A Little Magic!

Welcome to a lifetime commitment. In order for us to give you taming hints we'll need a little information from you.

First off, kudos on adopting!

Next how big is the new addition?
How big is his cage?
What is his lighting set up?

You are going to have to be patient, your iguana will never become 'tame' he will just learn to tolerate you better. Bear in mind that they are wild animals and like to make sure you don't forget it!

How long have you had him? We usually recommend you give them a couple of weeks to settle in before trying to tame them.

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"If you're not falling, you're not trying." - Sonni Trotter

~*~Lacey~*~

My Photos

Keep in mind that they have had theres for awhile and those igs have been accustomed to the goings on in the home. Yours...you have no background I assume. You don't know the conditions it came from. Obviously it may have been at least neglected. Thin thin tail was lack of feeding...wild behavior an obvious sign of someone not taking the time to do what's needed. It's even possible your ig is well over a year old. An iguana with poor care will not grow well. I have seen 5 year old iguanas the size of one year olds.

Let it get used to a routine first. Just go in and feed and clean. Do the same thing as close to the same time as possible. Gently place the food dish in. After some time of this it will realize you are not going to hurt it and he should calm down...but not NEAR to being ready for being social. There are so many ways to do this the right way. Direct handling is what I use fairly quickly in receiving a wild ig who's been surrendered. As long as it's eating and doesn't need medical care...I begin to hold them after just a week. Do not put the ig back if it struggles. This will let it know it has won the battle. 20 mins minimum daily. Hold it securely and not too firm.





This hold works for about any sized ig...even the very small. Just make sure his mouth is nowhere near anything it can get a hold of. Another way is to wait until it cools down after lights out...or before the lights come on in the morning. The sluggishness will give you a small advantage. I know someone who sat with her ig after lights out while she watched tv. He eventually came around and would snuggle under her chin. It's a good thing because he ended up close to 6' and she is only 4'5"... It doesn't hurt to just offer pieces of it's fav. food for bribery. Let it know you don't always want to hold it. Earn some trust by being the "goody hand".

Patience, patience and more patience. It can take up to a year...and not knowing this ones background...or genetic makeup...even longer...or never.

You need some variety to the diet, too. You want to add a few things. What you have is very good...but not enough as they are for good nutrition. Add turnip OR mustard greens, parsnips, green beans, a squash, and a colored bell pepper...:-)

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Veronica
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Exotic Animal Rescue of Henry Co.
~~Rescue - Rehab - Rehome~~

Hi There,
If you're like me and need to look stuff up there's a good book called "Green Iguana - The Ultimate Owner's Guide" by James W Hatfield 111. Chapter 8 is all about taming etc.

And that is the best iguana book available!

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Merlin,
What's Life Without A Little Magic!

Next how big is the new addition?
How big is his cage?
What is his lighting set up?

1. He is about 17-18 inches from head to tail
2. He is currently in a 55 gallon tank, and I already have the materials to build him a bigger enclosure.
3. My friends recommended me a bulb from reptile UV which came yesterday and he seems to be enjoying...heres the link to it...
Mega-Ray SB 100 watt Self-Ballasted Flood UVB Lamp - ReptileUV

welcome. Time, time and more time.

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My name is Liz
Do what's best for the animal, not what's best for you.

Welcome to HC, Touche!

You've been given very good advice... and your friend is right on target with the brand of lamp that was recommended. In fact, that's the brand that many of us use and recommend.

Critter's mom suggested that you get "Green Iguana: The Ultimate Owner's Manual" by James W. Hatfield, III. Do you have a copy of it? If not, I will be more than happy to send you one. If you'd like a copy, please use or private message system to give me your address, and I'll get one in the mail to you.

TIME and KNOWLEDGE are your best assets.

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~~Steph

"This I believe: That the free, exploring mind of the individual human is the most valuable thing in the world." John Steinbeck