| Iguanas in the wild are very independent and solitary | | | | held yet. Give him more time to get used to you. |
| animals. They do not particularly care to socialize with | | | | Every iguana is different, just be patient. He will come |
| each other, much less with humans. Domesticated | | | | to realize that you feed him and take care of him, |
| iguanas, or as domesticated as they get, are more | | | | and that you mean him no harm. Of course, |
| adapted to humans and more willing to allow handling. | | | | everything does ultimately depend on the personality |
| This depends largely on the circumstances, conditions, | | | | of your particular iguana. |
| and the iguana's personality. | | | | Start by feeding the iguana slowly by hand. Extend |
| Iguanas do not like sudden unexpected movements | | | | your hand to your iguana when you wish to pick him |
| or loud noises. These creatures are not like dogs. | | | | up, and allow him to walk into it. Each day, gently pet |
| They don't want you to pet them like a dog, or | | | | your iguana on the back of his head and on his sides. |
| whistle for them like a dog. Do not kiss your iguana, | | | | Continue to offer him your hand, and allow him to |
| either. Always wash your hands after handling your | | | | crawl from one hand to the other. |
| iguana. | | | | Do not attempt to handle a male iguana when he is in |
| Your iguana should be approached slowly. Don't sneak | | | | his aggressive stance. Older male iguanas in particular |
| up on him, but don't startle him either. Instinctively, | | | | should be avoided in this stance. Signs of aggressive |
| iguanas interpret sudden and fast motions and | | | | posture are standing high on his legs, his spines raised |
| movement as those of a predator. If you move | | | | and rigid, and his mouth wide open. If his dewlap, the |
| slowly and deliberately, the iguana will not think of | | | | "thing" under his chin is enlarged, do not handle him. |
| you as a threat, and might even ignore you | | | | Use your common sense; aggressive signs are not |
| altogether. | | | | that hard to detect. |
| As time goes by, your iguana will become used to | | | | When you do hold him, support the tail and chest. Do |
| you, his new environment, and he will come to trust | | | | not hold him like a baby. You will commonly see |
| you. It will take time, be patient. | | | | iguana owners holding their pets under their chest |
| Iguanas, like other creatures, have unique | | | | with one arm and the tail with the other. The iguana |
| "personalities." Some iguanas may interact much more | | | | basically lies along their forearm, while their other |
| than others, and allow you to pick them up and carry | | | | hand supports the tail and hind legs. |
| them around with you. Others may be indifferent to | | | | Remember to start out slowly, allowing the iguana to |
| you altogether. Yet again, some iguanas just do not | | | | get used to you. Give him time to come to trust you. |
| want to be picked up. You will discover over time | | | | Always proceed with caution. No sudden movements, |
| which type of iguana you have. | | | | no grabbing, be firm yet gentle. Given time, both of |
| Do not grab your pet iguana by the tail. Do not grab | | | | you will become more relaxed and comfortable |
| him by the leg. If your iguana runs or hides from you | | | | around each other, and you'll be handling your iguana |
| when you enter his living area, he is not ready to be | | | | like a pro. |