getting my iguana used to me

[neonviper]

hi there my names paul and I live in scotland. I just got my first iguana id say he's a year to two years old. he is a little feisty around humans likes to gape and tail whip. just wondering are there any easy methods I can use to calm him down. just any tried and tested methods. I keep venomous snakes at the moment also so the iguanas a big jump lol. any help would be much appreciated

[JennaAndIguanaGwen]

Each iguana is different but it usually takes time until they become more comfortable. Young iguanas are usually more agitated and uncomfortable being held than older iguanas (usually). I have found that the most calming way to pick up an iguana is to show my hand facing my iguana and move it back and forth until she closes her eyes and then move my hand in slowly from the side and pet the top of her head above her eyes before I slowly pick her up. She is easily startled by quick movements and loud noises so I make sure these will not be an issue when I hold her (keeping things quiet and making sure no one is going to run by or no other pets will be around). If your iguana gets too feisty then you could wrap him in a towel leaving only his head uncovered so there won't be any sharp claws or whipping tails to worry about (well after you get him wrapped you won't have to worry but its not always easy). With some iguanas they just want to be at a higher elevation so holding him over your head may work but this has never worked for me (plus its hard with a full grown iguana). My iguana likes to hang out on my bed sometimes so I sit on my bed with her and let her walk around. In this way she can feel comfortable with me around since she is free to wonder as she pleases. I'm not forcing her to be around me and I'm just sitting in her proximity. Hope this helped out a bit be sure to check out the rest of the forum and don't hesitate to ask more questions ;D pictures are ALWAYS enjoyed.
-Jenna