Jenny Jones

Darwin's first taste of freedom!

Wednesday, December 29, 2010 1:35:53 PM

Well, sort of!

Darwin 'asked' to come out by digging at his vivarium door, so I opened it for him. The first few times, he retreated back onto his log. But he kept coming to the front again once I closed the door and moved away. Then finally, one time he didn't back off. I opened the door, and offered him my arm to climb up on... and he climbed up!

Without being tempted by any food either, as he'd already eaten that day. He climbed up onto my shoulder and then onto my back. I sat on my bed and let him climb down. He very nervously explored my bed.

He was a bit scared of the big space around him, and kept his body very flat and low, but he was very interested in exploring his new surroundings

After about 10 minutes, I noticed him looking back over towards his vivarium, I could see him trying to figure out a way back over there! So I picked him up and lifted him back over. He didn't try to whip me at all! He did struggle a little bit, but stopped after a second or two. Yay Darwin!

Hopefully he will learn to associate being handled, or human contact, with more exciting things and places to explore.

Darwin is growing up fast!

Comments

Adele BrandSittingFox # Wednesday, December 29, 2010 8:36:15 PM

Wow, he really is getting greener in colour, isn't he! Will his orange come back?

Words # Wednesday, December 29, 2010 11:37:04 PM

He's a brave boy! It's been a long time coming but it's good to know that he's getting used to his home.

Jenny Jonesmountainlion_wales # Monday, January 3, 2011 9:10:17 AM

@ Adele - he's still orange - I think this might be a weird camera effect from the UV light behind us!

@ Words - he's getting there, slowly

Chamaeleo # Sunday, February 27, 2011 5:07:37 PM

It is very interesting for me to read your blog posts. I will come back from time to time. I have had for 1 1 / 2 years, Yemen chameleon and he is also keen to explore everything. Have a look.

Jenny Jonesmountainlion_wales # Sunday, February 27, 2011 5:14:18 PM

Thanks - just had a look a your chameleon - he's lovely! And some beautiful photographs you take

Chamaeleo # Monday, February 28, 2011 5:39:25 AM

Thank you very much, Jenny. What's the latest of "Darwin"?

Freereaderfreereader # Wednesday, March 2, 2011 5:30:20 AM

I like your iguana. Are you familiar with bearded dragons?

Jenny Jonesmountainlion_wales # Wednesday, March 16, 2011 9:17:12 PM

Originally posted by Chamaeleo:

Chamaeleo # 28. February 2011, 05:39

Thank you very much, Jenny. What's the latest of "Darwin"?

Darwin is doing well thanks, he's still gradually being tamed and coming along bit by bit

Jenny Jonesmountainlion_wales # Wednesday, March 16, 2011 9:18:12 PM

Originally posted by freereader:

Freereader # 2. March 2011, 05:30

I like your iguana. Are you familiar with bearded dragons?

Thanks... I know a little bit about bearded dragons, but I have never kept one.

Freereaderfreereader # Thursday, March 17, 2011 12:13:00 AM

I have one. But you have to be careful when it "beards". Those things hurt. All my kids love it.

Chamaeleo # Thursday, March 17, 2011 5:19:37 AM

Originally posted by mountainlion_wales:

Darwin is doing well

Thank you for the answer. I wish him all the best.

Jenny Jonesmountainlion_wales # Sunday, March 20, 2011 7:12:07 PM

Originally posted by freereader:

Freereader # 17. March 2011, 00:13

I have one. But you have to be careful when it "beards". Those things hurt. All my kids love it.

Yeah, they can hurt! Adult iguanas are definitely capable of putting someone in hospital!

Jenny Jonesmountainlion_wales # Sunday, March 20, 2011 7:13:40 PM

Originally posted by Chamaeleo:

Chamaeleo # 17. March 2011, 05:19

Originally posted by mountainlion_wales:

Darwin is doing well
Thank you for the answer. I wish him all the best.

No worries - and thanks