Instructions
Give your iguana a few days to get used to her new surroundings. During this time, talk to her and let her get used to the sound of your voice. Even if you can't see her, she can hear you.
Don't let him win. When you go to pick him up, he is most likely going to run from you. Don't give up, no matter what he hides under or how determined he seems when he's running.
Your iguana will feel threatened the first times you handle him, and he's probably thinking he's going to be lunch. He'll try to make himself look big and threatening, he'll try to roll out of your hands, he'll probably even try to bite you. The key is not to let him win. Your iguana needs to respect you as the alpha leader and if you put him down and let him get comfortable on his own terms, you're putting him in charge. Wait until he has calmed down and stopped trying to get away before you put him down.
This battle of wills is the first step to making your iguana social and fulfilling the natural need she has to existing in a hierarchy of power. The most important thing is that she knows she is not going to win by kicking, biting or scratching. From there, begin handling your iguana on a regular basis, in addition to talking to her every day. The more contact she has with you, the more adjusted she'll get. Pay special attention to her tail; it's a sensitive area, and it's almost a guarantee it's the first thing a child will try to touch. It's best to make sure she's used to it.
Once you are comfortable with handling your iguana, spending time outside of her enclosure with you is a quick way to help build a bond with her. Let her hang out on your desk while you're working, or hold her while you're watching TV. All the time you spend with your iguana will help reinforce her natural need for a position in the group; just make sure that you are the leader.
How to Meet Iguana Social Needs
A socialized iguana is a happy iguana. It can be a long and trying process to socialize an iguana, but it's as rewarding for him as it is for you. In the wild, iguanas live in social groups where they eat, bask and sleep with others. In captivity, you are the iguana's social experience. A social iguana will seek out attention every time it sees you walk by. It'll love you holding it and petting it, it will be open to experiencing new places and people. Just how do you go from frightened lizard to happy companion? Take a look at some tips to make your iguana work with you instead of against you.