Here is my take on keeping herbs of any kind:
Like fish, be sure to cover all the bases before you leap into keeping reptiles. Do the research, read the books, join a rep forum, be sure that you know everything about the reptile you wish to keep before diving into getting one. This is particularly true of reptiles that grow very large. Don’t just go to the pet shop and pick up a rep while you are window shopping. Don’t get one for your kid, until you and s/he have done your homework and know what you are getting into.
Realize that many reptiles will live a very long time. Some 30+ years. Keeping a reptile can be a lifetime commitment; keeping one should not be viewed as a passing phase.
Keep in mind that if you have children, or will have children in the future, that there are other risks involved with also keeping a reptile. Danger, parasites, salmonella.
Be ready to put money out up front to create an appropriate environment for your reptile. Granted, unlike fish, once you set up an appropriate environment for your herb, it usually is not an ongoing expense, but these animals do require specialized care, and you have to assume the responsibility of providing them with that care. Reptiles that get very large will need a room of their own some day, so keep that in mind. Reptiles can not be left outside either, or in enclosures outdoors where temperature is not regulated.
Know that your reptile needs regular care from a herpetological vet. Herps are animals just like cats and dogs, and they need routine checkups and the availability of a knowledgeable vet to take care of them. Don't underestimate the importance of this. Illness and diseases in reptiles, unlike cats and dogs, can easily go unnoticed until it is too late. Your pet rep should be seen annually for a checkup. You should also take your rep to a vet as soon as you get it, so that parasites and incoming diseases can be nipped in the bud right up front. Don’t fool yourself into thinking that your rep is healthy. Most reps coming from stores have parasites. A good herp vet can help you learn how to detect problems and deal with them.
Reptiles are great pets. Fun and beautiful. But feeding time with many reptiles can be a significant downside, so if you are squeamish or hate sacrificing live prey, then you may need to consider a more traditional type pet.
And lastly, any herp owner needs to take on the responsibility of keeping their reptile pet's living area very clean, with adequate water. Just like fish tanks, a dirty, inappropriate environment will quickly lead to a sick herp. Keep things clean, and change out water at least daily.
I also lost Dragon to another supposedly certifeid vet. Dragon had started changing to a sickly orange color. It crept up her legs and slowly corvered her body. The vet diagnosed it a metabolic bone disease. A very tipicle problem with reptiles, a lot of owners aren't feeding their green friends enough calcium causing dicoloration and fragile bones and eventually death. I knew this was not the problem with Dragon, but I trusted the vet to do what was best. In the end a long over due exray of her corpse revealed that Dragon had died of impacted eggs. Her own body had poisoned her......the vet apologized many times over. That was many years ago. Iguanas take a lot of time, almost as much time as having a 2 year old. A beautiful animal.
