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Post by Thunder380Lady on Mar 24, 2004 11:12:01 GMT -8
I have been looking over all the great pics of everyone's babies! How do you all have them out and being so still? If I didn't keep my hands around Lenore while she is out, she would be gone! I noticed even the tiniest Ig is ok with being out without making a run for it! I have other pets in the house. Could this be a factor in her being so jumpy when she is out? I don't let the other pets around her, but she sees them. When I took her out this morning to hold her she actually bite my shirt, and she has only bitten once before when I first got her. I am really getting worried about her behaviour. I thought I was making progress for awhile, but at times she goes back to being like she was when I first got her. She does calm down alot once she is out but then she will start squirming and opening her mouth. When she finds out I am not going to put her back or let her loose she calms down again. I am the only person that holds her and there are no kids here, just other pets. Please tell me she will eventually get over this!  Karen |
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Post by dominick on Mar 24, 2004 12:07:46 GMT -8
Hi Karen-
She will eventually get over this.
I've found that as the Iguana ages and matures the bahviors change accordingly.
In the wild they are easy prey for all sorts of animals. So it's very much in there nature to be squirmy, skiddish and very afraid and untrusting.
As they get old, bigger and more intimidating, they tend to relax and not be so scared of things. Plus, they won't waste energy when they don't have too. An older Iguana can certainly sprint to avoid a perceived danger, but there are few things they perceive as that dangerous.
When young, eveything is a perceived danger. It's meant for their survival.
So, give it time, the Iguana will settle down. Until then, keep a firm hold of her to insure she doesn't get into any danger trying to avoid it! LOL
Good luck.
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Post by Tesa on Mar 24, 2004 12:36:31 GMT -8
Karen, it just takes an enormous amount of time for them to stop being scared. Do you know anything about what her life was like before she came to you? Her natural fight or flight instinct could very well be intensified if she was in a less than friendly environment. It's recommended that you handle an ig at least 3 times a day for about 10 minutes at a time when taming. Never back down from her once you approach her with the intention of holding her. Speak softly, move slowly, be gentle but firm. Others may think I'm crazy, but I tried to avoid saying human words that have that "hissing" sound to them. Try to use one simple phrase repetitively so that she can learn to associate that phrase with being petted in a safe environment. It takes alot of patience, but you will both greatly rewarded when you finally establish that relationship.  (It may help when she gets a new house too...that aquarium is very small and likely to make her feel more "trapped and threatened." Keep your chin up! |
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Post by Tesa on Mar 24, 2004 12:44:43 GMT -8
also...
once she starts calming while you pet her, pay attention to her favorite places to be stroked. Soon, she will begin to relax and that's when you gradually decrease the amount of restraint. In the beginning, I had to wait forever for Thrasher to relax, but eventually she would close her eyes and give in. ;D
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Post by Thunder380Lady on Mar 24, 2004 12:46:59 GMT -8
Unfortunately Tesa, I bought Lenore at a local Pet Shop. The last place I wanted to get an Ig. But I tried all the shelters, and searched the internet for shelters and rescues that had Igs and other lizards, but none in my area, and the ones that did have them do not do out of state adoptions.  So I really couldn't tell you what kind of life she had before the pet shop. Probably not very good thats for sure. Karen |
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Post by prism_wolf on Mar 24, 2004 16:09:29 GMT -8
Pateince! Time! It takes a minimum of weeks to well over a year for some to tame. Continual holding...as much and as often as you can.
3 times a day 10 mins each is not easy for a lot of people...you can also use one 20 minute session...and whatever you do...don't put it back if it's throwing a fit. It will see this works for what it wants...being put back and left alone.
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sweetjlynn
Senior
~~~~Baby and Sweetjlynn~~~~All things in LIFE r lessons LEARNED!!
Posts: 121
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Post by sweetjlynn on Apr 6, 2004 13:11:27 GMT -8
Larrys is a baby and it is hyper we get snap shots fast and do what we have to it was okay when we first got it but it is wild as heck holding onto it lately has been a pain in the rear!! I was told that he or she would settle after it gets older so im guessing it would b the same for urs!! Just always be prepared LOL we ALWAYS have the camera on!!! Maybe its just from having kids LOLOLOL  |
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