Okay guys, I have a problem here. Sometimes, I look at my iguana, and I just wanna squeeze and cuddle the begeejus out of him. But I don't!!!

First, I just keep walking. If that doesn't work, I tell myself that iguanas shouldn't be handled too much. Then I think of Lenny and the bunnies. If all else fails, I just leave the room.

But that impulse is always there....

I let him come to me, after enough outside time he'll eventually come over and lay his head across my lap or climb up me and rest his fat head on my shoulder. I consider that a little victory when I don't have to go to him. It's taken years to achieve.

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Those who say it can't be done should get out of the way of those who are doing it.

~*~Lacey~*~

My Photos

Ummm...why shouldn't an iguana be handled too much? Just curious here. The more you handle them the less likely they will become a large and dangerous lizard later. Handling is a good practice to keep on top of...;-)

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

Little steps at a time. Being aware of their moods and capitalizing on the good ones.

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Mike
"Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time, and always start with the person nearest you." - Mother Teresa

I love cuddling with mine.. just sometimes he doesn't want to lay there and nuzzle my neck and decides to claw his 10 pound self up the side of my head. He's so cute when he thinks he's about to get a nice neck massage though, he lifts up his whole upper body, raises his head up, and gets a big closed-eyed smile on his face.

Mosh: My iguana hasn't done that yet. But a few times he has stopped whatever he is doing, walked over to me, and just touched me on my leg or lap with one palm. He will stare at me for a minute and then leave.

Prismwolf: I totally agree. I meant to say that I can't cuddle him on my every whim. Then he wouldn't leave my side (and wouldn't get enough heat and UV).
Also I recognize my iguana needs his space and solitude sometimes otherwise he gets in a really bad mood.

MWebb37: That is too cute! Do you have a pic of that look?

So your saying that you don't hold him because of the lighting not being available? Well...here's an easy solution while the weather is getting wonderful for everyone!! Take your ig outside 20 minutes a day. 4 hours a week is the minimum recommended for the weekly UVB allowance from real sunshine. Of course, more is fine...but you can huggle and cuddle your ig for the outside time...AND...once you're back inside you can huggle and cuddle him more often. Heat is important...and so is chill-time...but you'll know he's gotten his allotment of UVB going outside and offering more holding time for you both inside.

A hint - many people (me included) turn off UVB sources when they can get their ig outside during the warm months. This helps save on the cost of replacement bulbs....

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

Just be aware that being outside can cause their behavior to change!
Many igs, once outside in the real sunshine, can get a bit more,.... erm,... rambunctious!
So have that hip leash on!

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Merlin,
What's Life Without A Little Magic!

I'll attest to that! Zair chooses to croc roll with outside time. He gets the most fantastic colors though! His head turns very blue.

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Veronica
,,
/_^.)///////////,,,,,
...\\\_#_#_#_//_#_#_#_#_#_£_£_&_&_
..._//......_\\
Exotic Animal Rescue of Henry Co.
~~Rescue - Rehab - Rehome~~

No, I didn't say that or mean to imply that.
I take him outside 2 hours everyday, either in his sunning cage or on a hip leash.
I didn't know about that 4 hour thing. Good to know. thanks! now I won't feel so guilty taking him out of his cage for social time!