Post by prism_wolf on Nov 27, 2007 20:22:24 GMT -8
Here's a thread just for you. You have been asking in every thread about how to socialize Rex...so...here's a thread just for you... ;D.
One thing you need to keep in mind first: IGUANAS ARE WILD ANIMALS. Yes...I used CAPS...
. This is for emphasis.
You are trying to take the wild out of something wild...and it's not always easy...and is never truly accomplished 100%. You earn their trust, but it can easily take up to a year to do. You mentioned some things you have done - or do. They're all pretty good.
There are some things that may help it go a little faster. There is no one way to earn the trust of an ig...so others may have ideas of how they socialized their igs.
It's easy enough to NOT get bitten if you're paying attention to where his head is at any given time. When you hold him - don't be afraid to hold on firmly. There is a way to hold them that can help you have more control. You may want long sleeves or cut up some tube socks for arm protection.
This is the safest way to hold an aggressive ig. You have a lot of control with your bottom hand under the chest and fingers being used as a brace in front of the chest. This prevents forward motion. The hand coming down on the top prevents croc rolls and movement to the sides. The face is always facing forward. You don't want to hold close to your body - this will prevent him from biting your chest or chin.
Remember - don't be afraid to hold firmly. I have kept large igs from croc rolling using this method.
To CATCH the ig can be tricky, too. I used to have to go into the large enclosure with my holding arm up guarding my face because the perch was at face level. I would press the body of the ig down with the hand I would use to hold down on the ig in the above hold until I could get my other arm under and scoop up from underneath - back to front so he's already sitting on your arm facing forward. All this is done quickly to help prevent more tail lashings than anyone should have to put up with from the Cretans... ;D
Give that a try and see if it works for you. It takes a little practice, but it becomes second nature once you do it enough.
Anyone else up for giving some tips?
One thing you need to keep in mind first: IGUANAS ARE WILD ANIMALS. Yes...I used CAPS...
. This is for emphasis. You are trying to take the wild out of something wild...and it's not always easy...and is never truly accomplished 100%. You earn their trust, but it can easily take up to a year to do. You mentioned some things you have done - or do. They're all pretty good.
List of things I tried to tame him.
. Holding him every once in a while his reaction whip, scratch, and he will snap at your hand!
. Hand feeding it is a way for me to get close as long as I have food! That idea works! ;D
. Moving slow, but not too fast its ok he lets me go touch him like one time then he's like "ok im out thats enough" and then he runs away from me to the corner of his cage.
. Baths seems to work but handling it to the tub is rough!
. Now matter how much he snaps, whips, scratch I still love him! It's not that bad!
. Just for a notice he doesn't whip that much he just runs away lol.
. Holding him every once in a while his reaction whip, scratch, and he will snap at your hand!
. Hand feeding it is a way for me to get close as long as I have food! That idea works! ;D
. Moving slow, but not too fast its ok he lets me go touch him like one time then he's like "ok im out thats enough" and then he runs away from me to the corner of his cage.
. Baths seems to work but handling it to the tub is rough!
. Now matter how much he snaps, whips, scratch I still love him! It's not that bad!
. Just for a notice he doesn't whip that much he just runs away lol.
There are some things that may help it go a little faster. There is no one way to earn the trust of an ig...so others may have ideas of how they socialized their igs.
- Hold your ig at least 20 minutes a day.
- Keep offering treats.
- Instead of holding - sometimes just stroke Rex. Move very slow so he can see you - if he looks ready to bolt - stop - then go again and repeat until you touch Rex's foot, or side, or neck....very gently.
- Talk to it...sing a little. This will get Rex used to your voice more.
- When you do hold him, make sure Rex is comfortable and you are, too.
It's easy enough to NOT get bitten if you're paying attention to where his head is at any given time. When you hold him - don't be afraid to hold on firmly. There is a way to hold them that can help you have more control. You may want long sleeves or cut up some tube socks for arm protection.
This is the safest way to hold an aggressive ig. You have a lot of control with your bottom hand under the chest and fingers being used as a brace in front of the chest. This prevents forward motion. The hand coming down on the top prevents croc rolls and movement to the sides. The face is always facing forward. You don't want to hold close to your body - this will prevent him from biting your chest or chin.
Remember - don't be afraid to hold firmly. I have kept large igs from croc rolling using this method.
To CATCH the ig can be tricky, too. I used to have to go into the large enclosure with my holding arm up guarding my face because the perch was at face level. I would press the body of the ig down with the hand I would use to hold down on the ig in the above hold until I could get my other arm under and scoop up from underneath - back to front so he's already sitting on your arm facing forward. All this is done quickly to help prevent more tail lashings than anyone should have to put up with from the Cretans... ;D
Give that a try and see if it works for you. It takes a little practice, but it becomes second nature once you do it enough.
Anyone else up for giving some tips?
