Reptile for a 7-year-old?

[jennifer242]

My 7-year-old son has asked for an iguana for his 8th bithday in November; and I am not keen on the idea. I have no doubt that he would take responsibility for a reptile as a pet - he currently has rodents and fish that he does an excellent job caring for on a daily basis - but I don't like the idea of an iguana. From what I have heard, iguanas can be aggressive, grow large, and aren't the most sociable of creatures. Does anyone have another suggestion for a reptile pet for our family? Also, does anyone have any comments contradicting my views on an iguana as a pet for a 7-year-old?

[Cerebella]

I personally think that it is cruel to keep reptiles as a pet and that a boy's fascination with a reptile should not overshadow common sense......................reptiles are not pets. They are wild animals forced into captivation by man. Teach your son respect for wild creatures and encourage his understanding of them, rather than pandering to his desire for one. Maybe for his 8th birthday, take him to a reptile house or adopt an animal on his behalf.....an animal that is allowed to live as it should, as nature intended.

[gelda]

Well said Cerebella, wild animals should be in the wild where they belong.

[wildwood]

An Iguana is very unsuitable as a pet, especially for a child. They grow quite big and need plenty of space - like a whole bedroom to themselves. There is also the heat lamps and air conditioning to consider. You obviously already know that they can become quite vicious.

For a 25 quid you can get a whole setup with a couple of small geckos or salamanders, a lot more suitable.