How to Tame Your Iguana at Home

Welcome to the world of owning an 'exotic pet'. Lizards aren’t as sociable by nature and don't travel in packs. They are naturally afraid of humans, who are bigger predators, and prefer to run away from us rather than interact. In addition to having special light and feeding requirements, an iguana can give you a nasty bite. If you care for it properly, you can have a large and potentially dangerous pet within about a year or two. Try to avoid giving it away, as nobody really wants them. Zoos and most reptile rescues are already overloaded.

Let Them Adjust to Their New Environment

When you first bring your iguana home, it's going to be a bit stressed as it has been moved from one place to another. Imagine being kidnapped; they don’t know where they are or who they’re in contact with. Leave food out for them, it can be salad, and allow them to explore on their own for a few days. Once they start to understand that your scent is good, you can begin to handle them, but be patient and let them come to you. They may not do it right away, but they'll eventually adjust.

Taming Your Iguana at Home

One simple way to start is to attempt to handle your new iguana regularly. After each handling session, reward your pet with a mouse. Iguanas tend to become more aggressive and defensive as they reach adulthood, so it is recommended to fence in a portion of your yard and let them roam freely to help acclimate them to their new environment. This will help build trust and reduce any defensive behaviors they may have.

Additional Tips for Successful Taming

Here are some additional tips to help you successfully tame your iguana:

Frequent Handling: Consistently handle your iguana while they are in their enclosure. This will help them get used to your touch and allow for a stronger connection to develop. Patience and Consistency: It's essential to be patient and consistent with your handling sessions. Regular positive reinforcement will make a significant difference. Warm Environment: Iguanas are sensitive to temperature and require a warm environment to feel comfortable. Make sure your iguana's enclosure is heated to their preferred temperature range. Proper Diet: Provide a balanced diet that includes fresh vegetables and a calcium supplement to maintain their health and happiness.

In summary, taming an iguana at home is a gradual process that requires patience and consistency. By allowing your iguana to adjust to their new environment, frequent handling, maintaining a warm and healthy environment, and providing a proper diet, you can successfully tame your iguana and create a strong bond with your pet.