When feedng live, you need to consider the health of your monitor. If its not healthy, then feed dead items.



If its very healthy, then you can feed live.



THis is a touchy subject. Folks somehow think we(people) are the only killers around. Monitors appear to take pride in killing prey, I would say "enjoy" but thats a bit anthropromorphic. hahahahahaha it all is.



Anyway, more accurately, the are expert in killing prey and in knowing what they can or cannot kill. Its their design and they are good at it.



But do not leave larger items that were not killed in the cage, if reptiles choose to not eat them, they do not kill them out of danger. And they cannot escape so, make sure larger items are not left in the cage.



In captivity, we tend to take everything away from "what makes them monitors" captive life is not exciting. Monitors may differ from other reptiles as they are very behavioral. They require behavioral stimulus. Feeding live, is just one of them. I gives them something to do.



Normally, a monitor either ignores prey items that are too large and pose a problem or make an attempt, then ignore it. If that occurs, remove the item.



Also, killing prey is an inhereted skill and a learned skill. So start with smaller items so the individual can practice its skill. Some species are pack hunters and several animals gang up to kill large prey. Which is also a learned and practiced skill.



The learned skill means, do not start with really large dangerous prey items, let the individuals practice their craft before that type of challange. Cheers

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