Lots of work and tons of patience

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Posted by Joan on December 31, 1999 at 10:45:41:

In Reply to: Needs help with baby iguana which is pretty big. posted by Matt Hampel on December 29, 1999 at 21:47:27:

I also agree with iZ's mom. Take it slow. First let your baby get used to his/her new surroundings. At least a day or two. Then go up to the cage several times a day just stand there and talk to baby. When baby doesn't flip out on that, put your hand in the cage (again several times a day for 10-15 minutes) but don't try to pick baby up. Just talk to him/her. Keep moving your hand a little closer each time. Always talk to baby while doing this. If baby flips out, cause you came to close, just stay where you are. Don't remove your hand or retreat. If you remove your hand after your ig acts badly it will learn thats how to get rid of you. End each session on a good note. Only after he has remained calm while your hand is in the cage for 5-10 minutes will you go away. Always move very slowly and talk gently.

This is really going to be a test of your patience. There will come a time, maybe within a week/maybe longer, where you can put your hand right up to him and he will remain calm. RESIST the urge to grab him at this point. I know that he looks so calm, but it will undo everything you have accomplished. When you get this far, put your hand, palm up, with your fingers touching his chest. Hold that position, do not push it, and remember to be telling him what a good boy he is. Over the next couple of days(?) you should be able to slide your fingers a little underneath him. Only move a little closer at a time and if he is being good freeze in that position and let him see you are a good thing. Eventually you will be able to slide your hand all the way underneath him. Again, RESIST the urge to go faster that he is ready for.

This only seems like it takes eternity, but it is well worth it. If at any point you have moved closer than he wants and he flips out, just remain where you are and don't move until he has calmed down for a while before retreating. Another hard thing is not flinching when being tail whipped or bitten. That is really hard, your instinct is to immediately pull away. Try to just hold your ground. He will learn that it doesn't do him any good and its much better to take the abuse now then when he gets older.

The time frame of when to do things is different for other people. Some say to wait a week or two to let your ig get used to his surroundings, others say start immediately. You might want to make sure your baby is eating and seems comfortable with his cage before starting the training.

Joan (been there done that)

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: I also agree with iZ's mom. Take it slow. First let your baby get used to his/her new surroundings. At least a day or two. Then go up to the cage several times a day just stand there and talk to baby. When baby doesn't flip out on that, put your hand in the cage (again several times a day for 10-15 minutes) but don't try to pick baby up. Just talk to him/her. Keep moving your hand a little closer each time. Always talk to baby while doing this. If baby flips out, cause you came to close, just stay where you are. Don't remove your hand or retreat. If you remove your hand after your ig acts badly it will learn thats how to get rid of you. End each session on a good note. Only after he has remained calm while your hand is in the cage for 5-10 minutes will you go away. Always move very slowly and talk gently. : This is really going to be a test of your patience. There will come a time, maybe within a week/maybe longer, where you can put your hand right up to him and he will remain calm. RESIST the urge to grab him at this point. I know that he looks so calm, but it will undo everything you have accomplished. When you get this far, put your hand, palm up, with your fingers touching his chest. Hold that position, do not push it, and remember to be telling him what a good boy he is. Over the next couple of days(?) you should be able to slide your fingers a little underneath him. Only move a little closer at a time and if he is being good freeze in that position and let him see you are a good thing. Eventually you will be able to slide your hand all the way underneath him. Again, RESIST the urge to go faster that he is ready for. : This only seems like it takes eternity, but it is well worth it. If at any point you have moved closer than he wants and he flips out, just remain where you are and don't move until he has calmed down for a while before retreating. Another hard thing is not flinching when being tail whipped or bitten. That is really hard, your instinct is to immediately pull away. Try to just hold your ground. He will learn that it doesn't do him any good and its much better to take the abuse now then when he gets older. : The time frame of when to do things is different for other people. Some say to wait a week or two to let your ig get used to his surroundings, others say start immediately. You might want to make sure your baby is eating and seems comfortable with his cage before starting the training. : Joan (been there done that)

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