Cost of feeding?

[Bagheera]

It's been awhile since I've had a chance to log on. I very recently had my baby girl so haven't really had the time to post. I'm still considering rescuing an iggy sometime next summer or before the end of next fall.

I'm wondering what are the weekly and monthly costs of feeding an iggy? This is a very important question for me because I want to make sure I have the money to care for one alone. Luckily, the only other pet I have is a dog so I'm hoping it's not too bad. I hear they eat a lot but luckily, they don't need live food

[JennaAndIguanaGwen]

Hello!
Honestly the cost isn't that expensive. Where I'm at in Washington; collards and mustard greens are each about $2 per bunch, other greens have a similar price, and when I buy two bunches they last me about a week. The squash I buy tends to be around $6-$8 and it lasts me a few weeks (I shred it and freeze it so it lasts and it's easy to prepare on a daily basis by soaking a small handful in warm water). Other various fruits and veggies usually range from $2-$6. Depending on what you buy they could be mixed in the meal for a week or some could be frozen and stored for later (some don't freeze well; like kohlrabi).

The lighting and enclosure is really where the expense comes in (and vet checkups [be sure to find a good vet!]). I pay about $60 per bulb from Reptile UV www.reptileuv.com/megaray-sb-160-watt-self-ballasted-flood-uvb-lamp.php I replace bulbs every year or 8 months or so.
Gwendolyn's enclosure cost a bit over $100 and that was being very frugal and using spare materials when available (like spare linoleum, plywood, and rope from friends and family).

If you have any more questions or want me to expand on anything just let me know.

Thanks for posting

-Jenna