does he hate me?

[Jenna]

Every time i try to hold my iguana or try to touch him he either trys to bite me or puts his dewlap out. Am i doing something wrong? maybe he just hates me

[Tesa]

No hun...you aren't doing anything wrong. This is normal behavior. Your baby is in a new environment that is scary to him. For all he knows you might be a predator planning to turn him into lunch.
It takes a long time for your iguana to learn to trust you. Try going to his cage and just talking softly to him several times a day without trying to pick him up.
You can still also handle him, but just be very quiet and gentle. You can't let him learn that if he acts mean toward you it will make you go away. Be persistent......If you go in trying to pick him up, make sure you get the job done.
It takes alot of time and effort to tame an iguana. Just show him lots of love and remember he's scared. Don't take it personal.

[prism_wolf]

Just as Tesa Said...you're going to eat him... This will pass. Every day handling...10-20 mins a day...for up to a year. Yup...it's possible. Some tame faster than others. I hope yours is a fast learner... ;D

[Tammy]

We had the same problem with Rambo when we got her home. Every day either my oldest son or myself would hold her. In the beginning I had to hold her because I was treating injuries she sustained from poor previous care. As I was holding her I would talk calmly to her, scratch her behind the head (never putting my fingers near her mouth) and hold her close to my body. After several weeks she got a lot better and stopped lunging to bite, even though she would open her mouth a flare her dewlap. Soon after she even stopped opening her mouth.

If you are worried about getting bit, try putting a sock over your hand for protection or using a glove. As with all igs, patience is key.