Green Iguana
From The Reptile File Wiki
(Difference between revisions)
(→Handling) |
|||
=== Handling === | === Handling === | ||
| - | + | Iguanas MUST have constant interaction while in their younger years. As babies they can be flighty because, as with many baby lizards, they are at the bottom of the food chain. Extreme patience and a lot of time are the keys to gaining the trust of this wild animal. Without this interaction these animals can be unpredictable and dangerous able to inflict serious damage including loss of finger and permanent scarring. [http://exoticanimalrescue.fotopic.net/c1457511.html GRAPHIC pictures of injuries] | |
| + | |||
| + | The socializing process can easily take up to a year for some while others seem to take to it within a few weeks. Place your hand in the cage where the ig can see it first. Going in from overhead or behind only triggers the flight instinct once the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parietal_eye parietal eye] catches the shadow. For all it knows, you are a giant bird coming down to eat it. These animals still rely on strong instinct and these reactions are hard-wired. So placing your hand where it can be seen may still get a reaction, but in time it will realize your not going to eat it. Slowly inch towards the ig. You will learn at what point you can get to before the ig bolts. Once you learn this - you can stop your advance - allow it to settle again - and inch forward some more. You will eventually be able to touch the chest. Picking up gently is the next step. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Bribery doesn't hurt either. You don't always have to hold it once you get to that point. Talk to it - and offer a treat of cut blueberries. It will learn to associate your hand with something good. | ||
| + | |||
| + | You can use these same techniques with larger igs. Larger igs can inflict a lot of damage with their tail, claws and teeth. You need to use more caution here, but the basics are the same. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Males in breeding season is, however, a different story. Hormones are a powerful thing in wild animals. Some males go through relatively calm seasons. There are others who may be the most gently ig in the world during the off-season - then when breeding season hits they are the Hyde of the ig-world. These are the most unpredictable and sometimes just need to be left alone. A fully charged male iguana weighing 20+ lbs can be pretty intimidating. In this case a towel could become your best friend during cleaning and feeding sessions. If the iguana begins to charge - tossing the towel over the head will stop him in his tracks. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Once you have gained an iguanas trust - you must work at keeping it that way. If left without interaction for too long - iguanas do revert back to their wild ways. It is an ongoing process...but one well worth it once you have that ig who enjoys a cuddle. Not all igs are easily manageable. Some never become something you can handle, but never stop trying. | ||
| + | |||
| + | --[[User:Prism wolf|Prism wolf]] 22:30, 28 February 2008 (EST) | ||
== Housing == | == Housing == | ||
