Sadly iguana's are selling for under $20.00 in our local pet store too. A good friend of mine allowed her daughter to get one and they quickly found out the high level of care these lizards require to thrive. She's often said to me it's basically like having a needy human infant 365 days of the year for the rest of it's life. Their iggy is doing supremely well but it was work, work and more work getting up to speed fast on what they were told was an "easy lizard" to keep.

Having said that, if you decide to keep the iggy there is no real reason with education and dedication you can't provide it with a caring, healthy home. I'd say do a ton of research online, make a pile of notes and then come here and check specific things like good husbandry practises as far as caging, heat, lighting, foods both good and bad, proper handling, etc.

If you don't know a good herp vet, I'd say locate one and keep the number handy. Iggy's have very specific requirements and you may well need a vet trip at some point so best to have a number handy.

Best of luck with your decision.


~~Joanna~~