We've all seen them right?
That's what lots of people think anyway, If that was the case my house wouldn't be over run with 6 foot green iguanas with metobolic bone disease and foul tempers. The truth is the only thing correct about the above is the price, They are around $15.00 .. For the lizard. When you see them at the pet stores they are usually very small at around 3-4 inches but that doesn't last long.
Iguanas quickly double in size and they don't stop till they are about 6 feet long. They do not eat lettuce, Rather they need a variety of fresh veggies every day with calcium added to it. They need a basking lamp, A UV light, And an under the tank heater to help digest food. They need room to climb and unless you want to lose a finger or be tail whipped, They need to be handled DAILY to remain tame.
Trust me, That's just the start. Don't get me wrong they can make great pets but only for serious people who have done the research and can make the commitment, And I don't suggest them as a first reptile. Go with a Bearded Dragon who needs pretty much the same care but on a smaller scale and they are normally docile even if they aren't handled much. Bearded Dragons don't get very big and areeasy going when it comes to being handled.
If you find yourself on easy street with your beardie after a year or two and have done the research then by all means look in to an Iguana, But please please, Make it a lifelong commitment and try to get one from a breeder who specializes in Iguanas and screens people, Someone who wont let you out of the store till you have everything you need and then some. I have nothing against pet stores most times but I haven't found one yet with the proper resources to handle Iguanas and most people who have done the research on one wouldn't buy from their local store.
Please take that extra effort, I love my work but I would rather not have to do it.
Those cute little green reptiles in pet stores for $14.99, Look how cute and sweet they are, So tiny, How much work could they be?
The pet stores have them here in 10 gallon aquariums with some lettuce and I don't see any poop, They must be so easy to care for.