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Post by Jen on Sept 4, 2007 10:16:21 GMT -8
past couple weeks Iggy has been trying to nibble at my fingers. When I hold him in my hand I have to tuck my fingers or he will try to nibble them. There is no sign of aggression. He just seems to think I am always offering food. He chews my hair when he is on my shoulder. He trys to eat stuff off the floor. I try to pet him and he trys to get a taste. Is there anyway to discourage this  ?? He is fairly small yet but I am worried about when he gets bigger and stronger . |
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Post by prism_wolf on Sept 4, 2007 13:07:40 GMT -8
Maybe he's still hungry? Offer him as much food as he can possibly eat. Do you use a fruit scented shampoo or lotion?
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Post by Jen on Sept 4, 2007 13:13:34 GMT -8
I feed him twice a day, and there is usually a little left over after the second feeding. yes to shampoo and lotion but my husband doesnt and he does it to him too. Ive tried washing my hands first but doesnt seem to help. could it be because of hand feeding him sometimes? could he be thinking I always have food for him?
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Post by prism_wolf on Sept 4, 2007 17:15:40 GMT -8
It's very possible since you hand feed that this is what Iggy is expecting. If that's the case then maybe you need to offer treats in the enclosure for awhile until you break the cycle. Lay the treats on the shelf instead of it coming directly from your hands.
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Post by Jen on Sept 4, 2007 18:13:32 GMT -8
oh pooh that stinks I love hand feeding but if it might stop him from eventually taking a real bite out of my fingers then it has to be done
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Post by prism_wolf on Sept 4, 2007 18:46:52 GMT -8
Once he realizes you don't always have food in your hands and he stops trying to eat what he thinks is there...then you can hand feed him again. This is just to break his mind-set and get him to realize you do not have food growing from your fingers...;-D
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Post by Jen on Sept 4, 2007 18:53:57 GMT -8
lol!!!! omg if that was the case food would be FREE ;D
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Post by greenfixed on Sept 5, 2007 13:14:47 GMT -8
Ya know, when ever I give Tiki a treat, he'll try to keep eating long after the treat is gone! I started approaching him saying the word "goodie" and offered the snack. As soon he ate it, I immediatley said " FINGER" when he went for my hand again..then petted his head and loved on him some. After about a month, he would still try to get more food, but a slightly loud, but gentle "finger" would stop him in his tracks! It also worked for when I come home smelling like 10 females from the reptile humane society! It might be the Mating season aggression code word, when he really gets the hang of it!
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Post by Merlin on Sept 5, 2007 15:36:07 GMT -8
It might be the Mating season aggression code word, when he really gets the hang of it! But I wouldn't bet my "finger" on it!  |
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Post by greenfixed on Sept 6, 2007 15:11:48 GMT -8
Mind you Merlin....Crazy I'm not! I don't take my eyes off him for a moment when he's acting like a little devil..I've seen too many nasty scars and bites, and respect the fact that he may never change, and will forever be a wild and beautiful creature, that I could only hope to understand. When he's large, I'm hoping he'll be one of those gentle sweet igs, but I'm still prepared if he doesn't turn out that way. But he won't be abused, yelled at, or be allowed to become neurotic like some of the sad little ones I've seen, given up by their owners who thought a reptile is akin to a pet fish..!
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Post by Jen on Sept 6, 2007 18:34:38 GMT -8
I dont want to risk scaring him, I think Ill just stop hand feeding and see how it goes.
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