Rescued Iguana?

Question

I rescued an Iguana that was going to be ditched. He is quite unruly, and because of his size (about 15" without the tail) he is hard to handle. What is the best way to tame him and get him to be calm? Thanks

Answer 1

Patience is the key. His enclosure should be large enough and he need to get settled in. this could take some time. try not to handle him too much at first. Spend time looking at him and let him know you are there, from there you just need to take it slow. Adult iguanas tame the same way as juveniles, it just takes a bit longer. when my igg gets out of hand I just give him a bath and that calms him down right away.
check out www.iguana.com and www.dummies.com/WileyCDA/DummiesArticle/id-2143,subcat-PETS.html
I purchased both books and I have to say the info in these books have helped me allot
www.greenigsociety.org

good luck

Answer 2

The only way to tame it is to handled it everyday, this will lead to lots of scratches and bites so wear long sleeves. It is going to take awhile but it will eventually settle down. Here is some info I give all Iguana owners and they websites at the bottom will have more info on taming.

They should be feed:

45% leafy greens such as escarole, dandelions, endive, mustard, and collards, NO lettuces or spinach! They aren't good for him.
45% hard mixed veggies such as an orange flesh squash the harder the better(acorn,pumpkin,butternut... fresh green beans, fresh peas, parsnip, and green bell peppers, NO broccoli or cauliflower, or avocado!
10% fruit such as figs, papaya, mango, pear, and berries. NO bananas, only very rarely as a treat.
NO ANIMAL PROTEIN such as bugs, meat, eggs, or cheese!

Cage size:

Minimum length (side to side): 2-3 x
Minimum depth (front to back): 1.5-2 x
Minimum height: 1.5-2 x


Temperature:

They need a basking area of 95-100 and normal temps of 75-85. NO heat rocks!

Lights:

They need a 5.0 UV light.

Hydration:

They should also get baths everyday or so. And should have a water bowl in their cage.

Vet:

You should take Your Iguana for regular vet checkups to make sure it is in good health. Reptiles can have internal parasites that can harm them so you should make sure the vet checks that.

Here are some good sites, the first one was recomended by my vet.

http://www.anapsid.org/iguana/index.html
www.greenigsociety.org
www.triciaswaterdragon.com/igcare.htm
http://www.baskingspot.com/iguanas/igbook/
http://www.reptilecare.com/IgCare.htm

Good luck and thanks for rescuing him.

Answer 3

Lots of good advice. The most important is to handle him every day and not let him intimidate you with his unruliness.

These might help, I love mine

http://iggear.com/

And a high five for rescuing an Iguana.

Answer 4

Check out my other iguana answers. If you put him in a cage, he will always be unruly and eventually mean. Mine are free roaming and potty trained. If you check out my answers you'll see the set-up I have.

Be patient and even if you do keep him in a cage (so sad) let him out everyday for exercise.

http://www.drkreger.com
http://www.anapsid.com

Thank you for rescuing him. I hope you treat him with kindness, patience and love.