Iguana acting weird

[erawtik]

Well Iv only had him for a week or so and first few days he had to stay in a small tank till i got his cage built. Well in the tank he would lay up near the light and eat a little. Now that i have cage done he will not lay on the board i have made for him under the light and he sleeps hanging sideways on the cage. Plus he hasnt ate for 2 days. Any suggestions? Pet store said his about 8 months and the cage i built is about 4' high 5' wide and 3' deep.

[reptilez]

How big was the holding tank you had him in? How big is he/she?

[erawtik]

The holding tank was a 10gal and he is about 2 feet head to tail tip. Its almost like he would rather go back in the small tank.

[marisa]

Hi- Iguanas HATE change. And I mean they really hate it. Some iguanas are better with change than others. Some worse.

My iguana who doesn't mind small changes, i.e. changing the branches around, new bowl, etc. Really hate a new cage. When we moved her to her new cage she layed on the cage floor for three days before even moving at all. Then it took her another few days to regain her appetite.

Just make sure your ig stays warm. I wouldn't doubt it if he started eating again within 2-4 more days...anywhere in there...its just up to the individual. Its really hard on them.

I think in your case forcing food on him or forcing water on him will do more stress. So just leave him be, offer food and water in bowls near him, and no holding or petting. He should perk back up in no time.

Marisa

[marisa]

And BTW, its not a big deal if he is staying on the cool side for a few days. An 8 month old iguana should have no problems with this, but like I said they react bad with change. So its normal. :) Update us in two days.

Marisa

[reptilez]

what does BTW mean?

[marisa]

By The Way. :)


I just wanted to clear up the part in my post that said "keep him warm" as many iguanas choose the cooler end in times of stress, and its normal for a couple days after a move. :)
Marisa

[erawtik]

You know even when i first brought him home and put him in the 10 gal in the morning i would feed him and he wouldnt touch it till mid afternoon. I thought that they usually eat first thing in morning cause by the time he eats his food has sat all day and dried out.

[marisa]

Sometimes they do eat their food first thing. But if they are nervous about going to the food bowl, or slightly stressed they may wait until everyone is gone to eat, or the are really nice and warmed up before getting an appetite.

Either way, your iguana should start eating soon after the stress of changing cages has passed. Just make sure about the food and water being available as well as heat and a UVB light and he will do fine.

Marisa

[Burmies]

Give him time, it is just a new home and he will get used to it. So if I were you I would just keep putting new water in his cage and wait a few days and try putting more food in then.

Burmies