How to Tame a Green Iguana

When a green iguana is mature it will be anywhere from 4 to 6 feet long. In the wild they can be found in Brazil, the Caribbean Islands, Mexico and Paraguay

Instructions

1. When you are working at taming your green iguana you need to think about it’s natural defense system. Nature made sure that the green iguana would be able to take care of itself with its teeth, claws, dorsal spines and powerful tail. Although you shouldn’t let your green iguana intimidate you, you do need to be careful when you first start to handle it.

2. Don’t be lulled into thinking that taming your green iguana will be a cake walk when you get home. It isn’t unusual for an iguana to be subdued while they adapt to their new environment. It isn’t unusual for iguana’s to turn more aggressive once they are comfortable in their new surroundings.

3. Before you really start to handle your green iguana, take some time and simply study the iguana. Try to learn as much of his body language as possible. The better you are able to read your iguana, the easier the taming process will be.

4. When you are first starting to tame you iguana you need to remember that there is such a thing as pushing to hard. If your iguana acts like it is getting cranky or seems more aggressive you are probably asking it to do more then it is ready for. When this happens the best thing you can do is put it away and give it some time to relax.

5. While you are doing your day to day iguana like chores, such as feeding the green iguana or cleaning its cage you need to talk to the lizard. The more familiar the green iguana is with your voice the more relaxed it will be when you start to handle it.

6. Before sticking your hand in your green iguana’s cage, first let it rest on the side of the cage. This will soon become a signal to the iguana that you are about to do something. Placing your hand on the top of the cage is often perceived as a threat.

7. When the iguana no longer acts threatened by your hand in its cage, you should gradually move your hand closer to the green iguana. Your goal is to be able to gently stroke you new pet.

8. Once the iguana allows you to pet it on a regular basis, the next step in the iguana taming process is to be able to pick up your iguana. Pick up a green iguana by scooping your hands under its belly and lifting. This keeps your hands out of reach of its considerable arsenal, and also makes your iguana feel secure and supported.

9. If the iguana gets upset when you first pick it up, continue holding it until it calms down. Putting it down the minute it begins to thrash will only teach it to behave badly every time it wants something.