Re: a slight concern now...

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Posted by xta on May 10, 2002 at 21:00:57:

In Reply to: Re: a slight concern now... posted by shanna on May 09, 2002 at 20:31:56:

Well it sounds like you've got most of the bases covered with your care. Is your UV light 12" or less away from him (and not through glass). Or if you have one of the newer Powersun's or Active UV lights then it can be further.

One thing you can't count on is the sun through the window---it filters out the UV light unfortunately. If you can get him outside sometimes, that is great for him. Just make sure he doesn't overheat..they always need shade. Igs can overheat from being near a window too unless he is in a wire cage (less likely). Here in the South, there are many deaths of animals in aquariums near windows & babies and dogs in cars. It doesn't take long.

As far as petting...I think each ig is different so just study yours and you will figure out what he likes. I think it is still a good idea to pet them and socialize them whether they like it or not! None of my igs (past/present) have a problem with being petted under the chin on the dewlap. I start out when they are young and they seem to maybe like it or at least tolerate it well. None have liked the neck touched a lot.

In my opinion, if they keep their eyes open wide (not glaring slits), their dewlap tucked in, are relaxed with their body, and stay still, they probably are enjoying the moment. If any of the above are not happening, then I think they may just be tolerating it. Now their are times they rub against you, scratching their itchy skin, and I think they like a little rub then...but it is obvious because they move back and forth. When they lean hard or push, I think that is more aggressive body language (the equivilent of shrugging someone off of you)..."don't touch me!"

Anyway, I love discussing people's opinions on this subject. I am very good at observing my lizards and love how they all have different personalities. It is interesting to try to find out what are common traits among all of a particular species or are specific to an individual.

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ignore this one, posted it above nm xta 05/10/02 (0)

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: Well it sounds like you've got most of the bases covered with your care. Is your UV light 12" or less away from him (and not through glass). Or if you have one of the newer Powersun's or Active UV lights then it can be further. : One thing you can't count on is the sun through the window---it filters out the UV light unfortunately. If you can get him outside sometimes, that is great for him. Just make sure he doesn't overheat..they always need shade. Igs can overheat from being near a window too unless he is in a wire cage (less likely). Here in the South, there are many deaths of animals in aquariums near windows & babies and dogs in cars. It doesn't take long. : As far as petting...I think each ig is different so just study yours and you will figure out what he likes. I think it is still a good idea to pet them and socialize them whether they like it or not! None of my igs (past/present) have a problem with being petted under the chin on the dewlap. I start out when they are young and they seem to maybe like it or at least tolerate it well. None have liked the neck touched a lot. : In my opinion, if they keep their eyes open wide (not glaring slits), their dewlap tucked in, are relaxed with their body, and stay still, they probably are enjoying the moment. If any of the above are not happening, then I think they may just be tolerating it. Now their are times they rub against you, scratching their itchy skin, and I think they like a little rub then...but it is obvious because they move back and forth. When they lean hard or push, I think that is more aggressive body language (the equivilent of shrugging someone off of you)..."don't touch me!" : Anyway, I love discussing people's opinions on this subject. I am very good at observing my lizards and love how they all have different personalities. It is interesting to try to find out what are common traits among all of a particular species or are specific to an individual.

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