I just got an iguana, and he was fine the whole night I got him. But now he's head bobbing at me, and when I pet him he's using his leg to push my hand away. I let him roam around a bit the night I brought him home, and that was 2 nights ago. Because of the new surrroundings, and the new cage etc., should I keep him in his cage or let him roam around for the next week? And how long will this last before he's friendly again? Only experienced answers please.
2007-09-23 14:57:54 · 5 answers · asked by Venomous 1 in Pets ➔ Reptiles
The more that you handle him the better. I recommend letting him out to explore his new home. I let my Iguana out all the time while I am home. The head bobbing and pushing your hand away will take some time. He has to get used to you and being handled. Hope this helped.
2007-09-23 15:17:48 · answer #1 · answered by maxevans256 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to give him time to acclimate to his new surroundings, noises and owner. Iguanas are creatures of habit and routines and become set in their ways. I would leave him be for awhile, not trying to hold him, but constantly being near him, talking to him, etc. He needs time to get used to new routines such as feeding times, roaming times, alone (while you are gone) times. Depending on his age, this could take awhile. Adults are a little harder. If you are comfortable taking him out and returning him to his cage, let him roam for a little while each day, near the same time if possible. Feed him daily at the same time. You will need to teach him a new routine with you as the "alpha" ( boss). This is not always easy and you should be prepared for a few scratches. Try not to have extra people around (showing him off to friends, etc.) during these few weeks or so. This will just confuse him more. Take it slowly, but positively.
There is an excellant book available, "Iguana's for Dummies" by Melissa Kaplin. Don't be offended by the name but pick this up, read it cover to cover and then refer back to when needed. There are a ton of great tips and tricks, insights into iguana behaviour etc in this book. It is really a very helpful book to have on hand for anyone owning an iguana. You can also visit her website at
http://www.anapsid.org/iguana/
2007-09-24 11:43:32 · answer #2 · answered by mochasr4me00 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Are you suppling him with a heat lamp or a uvb light?
Don't let him get cold and make sure it is not cold in the rooms you let him roam around in, also make sure he has a well balanced diet and fresh water.
2007-09-24 19:36:44 · answer #3 · answered by leah j 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just let it roam around for a while until it get used to its new environment...
2007-09-25 02:46:12 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Give him a little time to settle in before doing a lot of handling. Here is a website on Ig body language:
http://www.todaysplanet.com/pg/beta/lizardlover/page3.htm
Fave care sheets:
http://anapsid.org/
http://www.greenigsociety.org/credits.htm
2007-09-23 23:10:21 · answer #5 · answered by KimbeeJ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋