Re: IGUANA PSYCHO 101

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Posted by Reb on September 14, 2002 at 17:38:30:

In Reply to: IGUANA PSYCHO 101 posted by IGUANA JOE on September 14, 2002 at 16:45:42:

Oh my gosh, thank you so much for all that information!!! I learn something new about iguanas every day! When she is up there she does claw at the mirror trying to get to "herself" but no tail whipping. I will keep her away from the mirror for a month and see how she does. Btw, I am not Greek, but she was named by the girl that I got her from and I will look into how she got the name (it is pronounced like Zoe, but I never knew that that was a Greek spelling). Man, still learning!!!

:First off, welcome to the forum!

:Iguanas, like other reptiles, are not born with the part of the brain that makes us mammals feel and/or seek companionship, or similar feelings. In the mind of the reptile, to be alone and have food, water, and a private territory is a dream come true. Which is why many people state that properly housed and cared reptiles are "happy" reptiles.

:Which brings us to you Zoi (by the way, are u Greek?).
:U mentioned she stares at her reflection and bobs her head all over. It may seem amusing, but head bobbing is either a sign of "hello" or "F#%&@ off". ;-) Most of the time it's the latter.
:Which means there is a good chance that she is trying to tell "the other one" to leave her alone, especially another female.

:Psychologically, iguanas only seek a mate for procreation, which is mostly triggered by natural insincts that take place during the season. The other days in the year they pretty much not care about the fellow iguana.

:A good way to know if ur iguana is really hating her reflection is to notice any color changes or changes in beahvior or appetite. Darker colored iguanas are either cold or stressed.
:Another issue is how long do u let her (r u sure she is a 'she'?) stare at herself at that mirror. Does she rub her nose? Does she claw at it as if trying to get to the other iguana? Does she tail whip? Does she infalte the dewlap or hre body? The head-bobbing alone is enough to let u know that this may very well be a disply of territoriality, which means she's not too happy about her other self.

:Tell you what, why don't u keep her off the mirror for a month, and see if she changes in any matter. However, most people I know avoid exposing their iguanas to mirrors, whether they are tame or aggressive. This is not a dumb question, actually it is a topic rarely covered since a lot of people find it entertaining without considering long-term consequences.

:Remember, iguanas are not like people, dogs, birds, apes etc. In her head, she's having a life-long vacation of solitude, relaxation, and good food, with exceptional room service.

:Once again, welcome to the forum, any more Q's just feel free to ask.

:I J

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