How to Train an Iguana

Iguanas can make great pets but a lot of training is required. They are wild animals and, without proper training and taming, can be aggressive and even dangerous. So if you are thinking of getting a pet iguana, it's important to learn how to train it.

Things You'll Need

  • iguana
  • patience
  • cage
  • box or cave (for the iguana to hide)
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Instructions

  1. Training an Iguana

    • 1

      Properly set up a habitat for your iguana. Your iguana needs an environment that is not too hot or too cold. It is also important that it have an appropriate amount of light. Also make sure that your iguana has a place to hide such as a box or you can buy a cave made for iguanas.

    • 2

      Place your iguana inside the habitat and observe your iguana as it watches you. You have to make sure that your iguana is used to and comfortable seeing you. Sit across the room from your iguana and watch your iguana watching you. Don't surprise the iguana by making sudden movements, and don't get close enough to the iguana to make it feel threatened. With time, as the iguana becomes more comfortable with your presence, you can move a little closer, but make sure to do this gradually.

    • 3

      Introduce the iguana to your hands once you've been able to move close enough to your iguana to enter his territory. Do this slowly and introduce one hand at a time. Don't shock or scare your iguana and attempt to grab him.

    • 4

      Hold your young iguana at least two to three times on a daily basis for about 15 minutes each time. While you're holding your iguana, stroke her back and neck. This is to get her accustomed to you holding and picking her up. Exercise extreme caution while doing this, as iguanas are very territorial and aggressive by nature.

    • 5

      Moving the iguana: Once you have built trust with your iguana the next step is to be able to handle and hold your iguana outside of the habitat. This is a very important step and should be done slowly and carefully. Start with only a few minutes at a time and gradually increase the time spent outside of the habitat.

    • 6

      Research and talk to other owners. If your iguana is now comfortable with you both inside and outside of the habitat then you are on the right track. At this point, if you haven't already, it would be a good idea to buy some books on iguanas or talk to other iguana owners to learn what has worked for them. Some iguanas are easier to tame than others. With patience, you and your iguana will develop a connection that will provide you both with a great deal of joy!