how long should i wait to let my iguana hang out on my shoulder?

Question

i hold him alot and how long tel i can trust him to just set him down and he wont run just asking i dont want him to run off me

Answer 1

The others have really good advice. I would be careful of what kind of harness you choose. I use what's called a hind-end leash. It's a cord with a barrel clasp that stays extremely secure without slipping. This is important. You don't want the cord to slip making the loop tighter. The ones around the upper body can do some serious damage to spikes and if the ig decides it wants to croc roll...you caould have a very tangled ig requiring the leash to be cut off or having the ig suffer stragulation. These are not meant to walk your ig like a dog. Igs go where they want...;-) It's just to keep a handle on them in case they decide to bolt.

It can often take up to a year to properly socialize an iguana. Once you do I would never suggest allowing it on your shoulder. There have been a lot of facial injuries to iguana keepers from them allowing their ig that close to their face. Iguana teeth can do some damage when their still young...as adults they can literally take a finger off. Soft facial tissue would be nothing to do serious damage, too. Instead...hold him on your arm close to your body. This allows for stability, control and safety.

Answer 2

How big is he? when you can hold him in your hand, or on your lap without him running away, then you can put him on your shoulder. If you want; go to a pet store and get an iguana harness, that way, you can get the ig used to not being in your hand, that way if he jumps off your shoulder, you still have ahold of him. Don't take big steps all at once, it takes a long time to properly tame an iguana..... and a whole lot of patience. If he is still running away from you when you reach into his habitat, then letting him 'chill' on your shoulder is probobly not a great idea. they are rediculously fast as babies, and you don't want to lose him.

Answer 3

how old is he? You should have him awhile. start out in your bed room so he will not run far. He will be scared also. stay in your bedroom until he is very calm. then move out just a little so he can get used to the noice. Small step at a time. Not just put him on your shoulder and go out. He need to trust you.

Answer 4

you can let him alone after afew months of owning him. you want to be able to let him down without him running off. when you hold him you can start to let him down while you are in the room with him and see what he does. i own iguanas and i let them run around in my room amd i have one that is 6 ft long and she hangs out on my couch, soaking up the sun. you just have to know when you can let him down. you will know when that day comes. use your own judgment not what other people say for you to do.

Answer 5

It only depends on his mood. Some days mine will sit for eons, then somedays not long at all. It all depends on his disposition and his mood for the day. If he is very small, then only try ut for a few minutes. Mine almost removed my ear once sitting on my shoulder, my earring was shiny and pretty to him I suppose. Be caref ful of your ears, Most of the timeif you feel him touch your ear with his tounge, it's time to reach for him. I was liked twice, then bit. I don't think he ment to hurt me. I jerked my head, and it caused the sharp teeth to slash more. If I has een still, it might not have hurt. Be careful!

Answer 6

I have to agree with prism_wolf about not allowing them on your shoulder. An attack from an adult iguana can require plastic surgery to repair...seriously. Mine often sat on my arms, on my lap and even had one that liked piggyback rides. But they were never allowed anywhere close to my face.