Would you recommend an aguana for a first lizard pet?

[Herpenthusiast3]

Sorry about the bad spelling. Yes I mean Iguana. I thought they might be a bad choice for someone who doesn't really know reptiles. He wants it because he thinks they're cool but he doesn't have any concept of what it takes to maintain an animal like that. He's talking about putting it into a cage built out of boards and chicken wire and keeping it in the back yard. I told him that they are tropical animals and probably need high humidity. Summers in Arizona are extremely hot so I don't think that's a good idea. Anyway, I'm trying to talk him into a bearded dragon since they are desert animal and stay small but I'll be able to stop him if I have info to support my argument. All advice is appreciated.

That does not sound like an ideal setup for iguana what so ever. I have a Beardie and I absolutely love her but they do require both UVB and UVA lighting which can get expensive. Sounds like your friend wants a cool reptile but doesn't have a concept on the work it takes to take care of one. Print out a bunch of extensive care sheets on whatever he's talking about purchasing and give them to him. If he's detoured by the care that the animal requires then he shouldn't purchase one. :/.