Re: got a new ig

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Posted by vicky on February 09, 2002 at 09:26:39:

In Reply to: got a new ig posted by dennis on February 09, 2002 at 07:45:07:

I would first leave her alone for the first 3-4 weeks. Let her get totally relaxed in her new surroundings and used to your face and hands entering the cage. Taming an iguana takes a lot of time and patience.
People have different opinions about taming an iguana, some say that you should 'force' handle her a lot so that she will eventually realise you arent planning to hurt her, but I find that to gain her trust through feeding is a kinder way.
Every time you feed her, try to offer her by hand first. Do this EVERY time you feed her. Dont expect her to take in the beginning, infact give her at least a month before she will even consider taking it. Eventually after a lot of time and patience, she will start to feed from your hand. When this has been achieved, you can try to tempt her onto your hand by pulling the food away from her that if she wants to eat, she has to climb. Do not move your hand around until you can see she is completely confident. Eventually, you will see when she is ready you can start moving your hand around with her on it, but I wouldnt take her out yet becasue she could take the first escape route possible.
Either way, take it slowly. Talk gently to her all the time (even if you look like an idiot!)starting now already so that she can recognise your voice. This also helps to calm her.

This process could take 6 months, it could also take a year. Just be patient and one day you'll be rewarded.

What type of cage setup do you have her in? Lighting/heating? What are you feeding her? Are you supplementing vits/minerals?
GOOD LUCK!!!

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Re: got a new ig dennis 02/09/02 (0)

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: I would first leave her alone for the first 3-4 weeks. Let her get totally relaxed in her new surroundings and used to your face and hands entering the cage. Taming an iguana takes a lot of time and patience. : People have different opinions about taming an iguana, some say that you should 'force' handle her a lot so that she will eventually realise you arent planning to hurt her, but I find that to gain her trust through feeding is a kinder way. : Every time you feed her, try to offer her by hand first. Do this EVERY time you feed her. Dont expect her to take in the beginning, infact give her at least a month before she will even consider taking it. Eventually after a lot of time and patience, she will start to feed from your hand. When this has been achieved, you can try to tempt her onto your hand by pulling the food away from her that if she wants to eat, she has to climb. Do not move your hand around until you can see she is completely confident. Eventually, you will see when she is ready you can start moving your hand around with her on it, but I wouldnt take her out yet becasue she could take the first escape route possible. : Either way, take it slowly. Talk gently to her all the time (even if you look like an idiot!)starting now already so that she can recognise your voice. This also helps to calm her. : This process could take 6 months, it could also take a year. Just be patient and one day you'll be rewarded. : What type of cage setup do you have her in? Lighting/heating? What are you feeding her? Are you supplementing vits/minerals? : GOOD LUCK!!!

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