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Taming
Sept 25, 2007 21:17:40 GMT -8
Post by mriswith on Sept 25, 2007 21:17:40 GMT -8
I didn't notice any posts about taming an iguana (sorry if I missed it), so I have a couple of questions as to what best works for taming. Is there a certain length of time that he needs to be held? And how frequently should that be done? Plus, is there any particular way in how I do handle him? Such as holding him close to my chest, simply holding in my hand, do I continually pet him or not, etc.
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Taming
Sept 26, 2007 9:25:49 GMT -8
Post by crazybaby on Sept 26, 2007 9:25:49 GMT -8
There's no limit to the amount of time you can spend with your ig. As much as possible without stressing the animal is always best. The less time you spend with them the more time it will take before they are accustomed to your touch, sounds, smells etc. I find the best way to hold an iguana (which doesn't generally work with the babies) is this: put your arm at a 90degree angle palm up, this will be his resting place. Chest should rest in the palm while a couple of fingers come up in front for added support.Tail should rest to the inside of your arm against your waist (not too tight) and his back legs will straddle your arm near to the elbow. I'm not sure where to find a picture of this, I'm sure someone knows if I don't find it first. This position is the safest for them and for you...You have more control of them this way and they feel safe. If you're dealing with a mini green in the palm with as much of him/her supported in your hand. While they are sitting there place the other hand gently onto their back to make them feel safe. Generally speaking there's no such thing as a "TAME" iguana as, they are all wild animals being domesticated but, socializing will help to accomodate your life with them and theirs with yours. Every day visits are best, starting with smaller periods of handling at first and then progressively increasing the time you spend with them. There are a great many things you can do to help the socializing process. -Sit in the same room with them and do what ever you normally do to allow them to asses that you're not a threat. - talk to them -Pet them while they are still in their enclosure (some, like mine will not tolerate your presence in there but with A LOT of patience and over time they'll learn you're no big deal) -Sit with them and alow them to roam through your hands or somewhere close to you in a calm quiet place (big noises will keep them on edge) Basically use your imagination and remember, it take A LOT of patience and time, Rome wasn't built in a day. Enjoy. And if you have any questions let us know.
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Taming
Sept 26, 2007 9:59:40 GMT -8
Post by prism_wolf on Sept 26, 2007 9:59:40 GMT -8
Excellent advice CB. For a large iguana...here's a holding position: It's basically the same technique for babies...just on a much, much smaller scale...:-) Yuo can also hold it before the lights come on when it's still cold from the night...or about an hour after lights out while you're watching tv. Some very successful cuddlers have come from the tv technique...:-)
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Taming
Sept 26, 2007 16:25:00 GMT -8
Post by mriswith on Sept 26, 2007 16:25:00 GMT -8
Sweet, thanks for the info and the pic. That is actually a big help. This makes me think of one more thing. How does one DISCIPLINE an iguana? If he tries to bite me, or has a habit of always wacking his tale at me, is there anything I can do? Since he is a wild animal, I know I can't discipline him in a "physical contact" way.
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Taming
Sept 26, 2007 16:39:36 GMT -8
Post by prism_wolf on Sept 26, 2007 16:39:36 GMT -8
Some say they can shout "NO" very sternly and it surprises them...or those with already fairly socialized iguanas...they seem to know they are attempting something bad...but mostly it's an "earn their trust" thing. There is no real discipline. The more you handle, the more they realize you are not going to eat them. It's just persistence an patience working together...:-)
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