Help! My Green Iguana Became “Aggressive”! What Do I Do, and How Long Will It Last?
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One of the most common pet reptile species involved or implicated in these sorts of handling or “aggression” issues by far, have to be green iguanas. This is most commonly, and likely because by around 1 ½ or 2 to 3 years of age, green iguanas, as well as many other large lizard species, will become much more defensive and territorial as they undergo hormonal changes, and sexual maturity. Unfortunately, there is not much else (aside from the above) which can be done to prevent these behaviors entirely, and other, entire articles have been written on these behavioral issues in iguanas. One can try allowing their iguana to “free roam” in another secured area of the house or facility so that they are less likely to injure themselves within a more confined or smaller enclosure. Techniques such as castration (removal of their reproductive organs) or hormonal therapy are costly and expensive for reptiles, and rarely are that effective.
One can also try reducing their daily light cycles to simulate a shortened or reduction of their breeding season. Sometimes, adding a surrogate, such as a blanket or a towel to simulate another iguana is also sometimes suggested. One might also try creating additional visual barriers for your iguana, particularly if it is around other reptiles or other pets in the household. Many iguanas might just not like certain colors, shapes/objects, certain noises or too much noise and commotion, or actions or movements which may be in the household.
Unfortunately, there is no being able to tell “when” or for “how long” this behavior is expected to last except to say eventually. It could be weeks, or months. Even if, or when they do, once iguanas reach sexual maturity, these behaviors will happen again every year, also. Ultimately, however, these are the realities of owning a pet iguana, and one should certainly not take owning or acquiring an iguana lightly to begin with. Owning these animals requires a considerable amount of time and patience, and the only way of really dealing with it is through patience and monitoring their behavior.