|
Post by WillemsMom on Jan 3, 2005 9:10:55 GMT -8
Egads, I had better get those sun strips that IK suggested might hold off psychoses.
Willie has been such a love and seemed to really enjoy our tv time togther in the evening. Last evening he was a little more resistant to the idea and struggled with me more as I went to pick him up. My MO is to cajole him back into a good mood with rubbings,scratchings, soft words and kisses. Well, that wasn't going well last night and as I was kissing him..chomp!!! he bit me on the lip. I wanted to scold him for it, but at the same time I was happy that he let go instantly. It would have been like scolding a runaway dog who came home on his own.
Willie never did mellow out last eve, so I put him back after about 45 minutes.
This post is about do iguanas have bad moods? I guess they do. I think I had better be more aware. Secondly, what is the best way to handle a quick bite with an instant release?
|
|
|
Post by IguanaKing on Jan 3, 2005 11:02:09 GMT -8
Yes, iguanas definitely have times when they're not in a good mood. The best thing to do when he bites you or tries to bite you is to scold him, they can understand from the tone of your voice that you're not happy with them. He'll see that as an unpleasant reaction to his behavior. Now, it won't guarantee that he'll never bite you, but if you don't scold him, he'll be more likely to continue to do it.
How is your lip, Nancy? I know Will's not very big yet, but it wasn't a super huge iguana that tore half of mine right off my face. This is definitely behavior you want to nip in the bud, before he gets big enough to seriously injure you.
|
|
|
Post by Merlin on Jan 3, 2005 14:49:31 GMT -8
Cripes Nancy! This could have been bad,....REALLY BAD!!!!!!!!!! I'm just glad that Willem isn't bigger and that he didn't hold on and croc roll! We always need to keep in mind the fact that these are WILD animals and a reptile at that! No matter how docile they may seem to be you can NEVER completely trust them. I fear you are getting far too trusting of Willem and that is asking for trouble. Its very easy to put too much faith in them. Please be more cautious!
|
|
|
Post by Diane on Jan 3, 2005 16:24:16 GMT -8
I agree, once again, whole heartedly with Merlin. Even though i once trusted Narcy entirely, i will never do so again. Of course, this last year Narcy hasn't given me much reason to trust him . . .but even if he were to mellow out, i would never ever be completely 'at ease' with him. You can enjoy the times that they are being docile, but don't let your guard down completely. They really really can mood change at the drop of a dime. Please be careful, and i hope you are not hurt too badly. sounds like it was a warning bite more than 'i want to really hurt you' bite.
|
|
|
Post by WillemsMom on Jan 3, 2005 19:59:31 GMT -8
Thank you all. I thought you were kidding at first Merlin, but then I realized you weren't. I think you're right Diane. It was just a warning bite. When I lick my lower lip I can feel the broken skin. Not too visible though. When Willie was young he was a total love, but now..after his first season it's a different story. I appreciate each of you expressing your concern and suggesting that I trust less. I'll do that before anything worse happens. And Sean, you're always right on. how do you protect yourself now from bites. What precautions do you use.?
|
|
|
Post by EsotericComposer on Jan 3, 2005 21:19:19 GMT -8
They really do have mood swings. Eki bit my finger last night. I let my gaurd down when I was putting him away. He's been in a pissy mood lately and yet we've given lots of good fresh foods, I even bought a $5 mini fruit bowl for him no syrup so that he can have some fruit int he winter. he's still pissy and trying to bite. I scold him. He looks confused and stops. I raise my voice, wave my finger and firmly say no. Or lightly push his head downward to assert dominance.
|
|
|
Post by IguanaKing on Jan 4, 2005 6:56:33 GMT -8
Nancy, unfortunately for me, I have had to give a lot of blood in the process of learning the language of Iguana iguana. I have been bitten at least 5 times, 3 of them quite serious, requiring numerous stitches and many months of healing. But...I have learned how to read them and my last actual bite occurred about 7 years ago. When Will seems like he's not quite himself, which he will fairly often, just remember to stay away from his mouth. You'll still want to socialize with him, regardless of his mood, just stay away from his mouth. One place to study on Will, as you're learning his language, is his eyes...you'll notice they look a certain way when he is upset. That was how I avoided the last attack by Hercules (which happens VERY RARELY). He really showed no outward signs of still being upset, but his pupils were little pinpoints and he had kind of a crazed look in his eyes. Then, all of a sudden, he charged right at my face. I was ready for it though, and I rolled out of his way, grabbed a broom, and proceeded to fight with him with the broom until he ran away. As far as your interaction with Will, just try to remember that there is a fine line between respect and fear. You don't want to fear him, he won't react well to that either. Just learn his "language" and stay away from his mouth when you know he's upset.
|
|
|
Post by WillemsMom on Jan 4, 2005 7:38:05 GMT -8
Thanks, Sean. I knew you had alot of experience with bites. I was thinking how I would handle this. Willie was a love last night during our TV time together. Giving me kisses all over the place. One of our dogs was laying next to us and he was fine. I was reminded of that child hood poem..'when she was good she was very very good and when she was bad she was horrid' Seems to fit Will. I think looking for signs is an excellent approach. I will study his eyes. Did you have to continue the struggle with Hercules? Did you think he would continue attacking. I'm sure this is the time to learn more about Will's signals. I hope one day to have a relationship with Will similar to the one you have with Audrey and I know it takes work..BTW, Willie has begun tail whipping. That's harmless now, but I'm sure it could be wicked when he's bigger.
I remember Diane saying if she had been watching Narcy more carefully, he wouldn't have bitten. If you're reading this Diane, what is you look for so that she know to keep your distance.
Merlin, if you're reading this, have you been bitten and how do you handle that now?
|
|
|
Post by IguanaKing on Jan 4, 2005 8:26:17 GMT -8
Yup, I had to continue the struggle with Herc. I don't know if we would have attacked again that day. But, I still had to do it, so he would know that if he attacked me that he was going to be in for a fight. Iguanas don't actually like to fight, they prefer to intimidate their opponent, my taking his challenge is how Hercules learns that I am the alpha iguana. He knows that he can't intimidate me. Just like an alpha iguana, I tolerate him in my territory (they do this in the wild, I actually love having him around of course ), and when he challenges my position (as subordinates do in the wild from time to time), I show him that I am still the boss. ;D
|
|
|
Post by Diane on Jan 4, 2005 9:05:56 GMT -8
y'know when i think back on the leg bite incident it's hard to remember Narcy's actions prior to the bite. I know he was very tense, rigid in his posture. Probably shaking the head a bit. Pretty obvious signs, so i was just having a moment of supreme stupidity when i laid him on my lap and relaxed my hold! These days he is seldom 'relaxed' when i hold him anyway, so i always have to maintain a good hold to show him i am not letting him have his way, but he certainly keeps trying
|
|
|
Post by Merlin on Jan 4, 2005 11:00:21 GMT -8
I was bitten many years ago by a small one, luckily nothing serious, as well as some other types of snakes and lizards. I am fortunate in the fact that Zok does not have a tendancy to be aggressive to the point of biting,... possibly because I have never allowed her to get that close to a dominant position with me where she feels up to challenging me. I have "had my bluff in" on her since she was tiny. But I still watch her closely at all times. I have worked with a number of different species as well as being experienced with obedience training with german shepards and am well aquainted with the alpha male concept. I am also very good at reading animal body language. Dealing with lizards and snakes, you tend to learn or you spend a great deal of time mopping up bodily fluids,... yours! Now watch, by saying this tonight she'll try to bite me!
|
|
|
Post by SurvivorSteph on Jan 4, 2005 14:23:10 GMT -8
Do you think that males tend to challenge more often? Merlin, maybe that's why you haven't had trouble with Zok... but then you're pretty alpha
|
|
|
Post by Merlin on Jan 4, 2005 16:26:05 GMT -8
I think that would be a fair statement. As a general rule males of most species tend to be a bit more pushy than females (Unless its a female with young!). They are by nature the ones that have to stake out territory and defend their breeding rights on the local ladies. Why thank you Steph!.... errrrr,....I think!
|
|
|
Post by WillemsMom on Jan 4, 2005 17:48:28 GMT -8
I did a Google search on Iguana Aggression. Lots of stuff came but the first two seemed the best. The second one was MK's which I didn't read and the 1st one was very thorough. BUT..I think the most helpful information is right here on this site. Sean, I understand now why you went for the broom as an illustration of your dominance. Diane, when Willie is good I just let him hang out on my shoulder. I don't know if that wise or not. I like your idea about maintining a tight grip. might be a reminder of your dominance. You mention dominance again. Merlin. That does seem to be the key, but I have to add that you have been cracking me up lately. First soaking the tub with that log. Now tonight you mention mopping up bodily fluids..your own. ROFL
|
|
|
Post by Diane on Jan 4, 2005 18:19:02 GMT -8
i used to let Narcy do the very same, he liked to ride around with his front legs/feet on the top of my head. His attitude is such now that i fear for my face and ears, so i don't let him get that close to them! I don't know, maybe enjoy it while you can if you know he is being receptive to the socializing, but always be wary. . .i don't think i will ever have Narcy up by my face to cuddle again Maybe when we are both old and toothless ;D
|
|