reptiles need calcium and other bits and bobs...you will end up having to do everything yourself Stiff...you could get him a Mantis,he can feed it and watch it grow, awesome little pets and only lose £20 if it gets squashed??
my Mrs is petrified of spiders but will let a f***ing great big Mantis Climb over her face,kids live them too,kid it any insects you find around the house?