Hello all I am currently going through the battle of tameing my sons green iguana down and was wondering if there where any handleing tips that you wonderful people could let me in on. I know that talking has alot to do with it.(Thanks Dom) So I talk to while I am holding her. I think today we might have took a few steps back though When I got her out she opened here mouth several times, Is this just a defenseive posture? And how long should I handle her at a time?? Thanks
Matt

Hi Matt!
That is going to depend on the ig. I would give her at least 10-15 minutes at a time maybe even a half an hour. When handling do not put her down while she is struggling or fighting you. Wait until she is being still to release her. Always let the session end by your choice not hers. if you allow it igs are very good at figuring out what it takes to make you leave them alone! You might try wrapping her in a towel and cradling her like a baby against your chest (head up and tail hanging down, not laying on her back) and walking around talking softly to her. You can also take her into a small bathroom or closet and sit down and just let her walk around on /near you. However if the room is large enough that you have to chase her down to catch her you will lose ground so wait on that or you will be behaving like a predator. The open mouth may be a threat or it may be due to the stress of you taking hold of her. At this stage I would guess it is a threat posture. Just be patient and remember you are dealing with a wild animal that has absolutely no idea of your intentions. For all it knows you may be preparing to have iguana for dinner!

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Merlin,
What's Life Without A Little Magic!

Thanks Merlin, THats about the length of time I usally spend with my iglet. I have alwyas ended the handleing sessions on my terms. I maily asked because being new to the iguana side of the world I am not to fimilar with stress levels and that sort of thing. Its usallly about 5 minutes into the handleing session that she calms down, but she still always has her dewflap out so I still know that she is uneasy about me holding her. Thanks agian Merlin.

Hi Matt-

Those posturing behaviors will go on for a long time. Look at it this way, the worst threat they can do is a bite. If it does that, they are simply terrified and want you gone (still, you don't put her down). The least threats are dewlap flares and gaping. It tells you that it is worried, but not feeling any true danger.

Some igs, even as adults will flare and gape when first held. It's not too serious.

Keep handling daily. The stress will be replaced by trust.

Good luck!

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Regards,
Dominick
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"Do you watch too much television? Did you do so as a toddler? Evidence tonight that it could be the cause of learning disorders, like attention deficit and hyperact-Ooooh, a kitty!" - Keith Olbermann

Thanks dom I think As soon as I can get my web cam back up and running I will post some pics of the little green for all to see. Thanks agian and I am not going to give up on this one I haven't met a reptile yet that I could handle and she is not going to be the frist.

When I had my baby iglet, I would work everyday just to pet her. She got to where I could pet her IF SHE felt like being petted. Otherwise I would have to grab her to calm her down and MAKE her be held for awhile.
She never bit me but tried her darndest to wiggle out of my hands. lol
Is you baby eating enough? My iglet was a PIG! She ate a 1/2 a bowl (sometimes more) of a breakfast bowl size full of food/greens everyday! I got her to take grape pieces out of my flat hand too.

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Some think they can. Some wish they could. Some do.

Thats a good question I have never actully seen her eat yet but everyday there is new pile of poo in her cage. I am currently offering her collard greens and butternut squash. She seems to be eating quite a bit now that I have been putting the butternut squash in the mix.

Have you read the care sheet here on this forum? Igs eat lots of different foods. Maybe someone can post the link for Mellisa Kaplan's site or the Green Iguana Sociey's site for you. I can't seem to post a link for you right now

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Some think they can. Some wish they could. Some do.

Here's the GIS Food Chart. I think it is one of the best out there. It has pictures!

GIS Food Chart

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Regards,
Dominick
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"Do you watch too much television? Did you do so as a toddler? Evidence tonight that it could be the cause of learning disorders, like attention deficit and hyperact-Ooooh, a kitty!" - Keith Olbermann

Hi Jem-

That's actually a good sign! It's not so much she felt like being petted but more that she is beginning to realize you mean no harm and is tolerating the interaction. Those times will increase in frequency over the first year or two. IT takes a good year of constant work to get them to the point that they don't scurry around everytime you reach in the cage for them.

Good for you!

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Regards,
Dominick
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"Do you watch too much television? Did you do so as a toddler? Evidence tonight that it could be the cause of learning disorders, like attention deficit and hyperact-Ooooh, a kitty!" - Keith Olbermann