the right keeper can keep ANY type of reptile, monitor or otherwise.

but who is the right keeper? what is their intention? what is their capability? does the simple interest in keeping a Nile, or a Croc Monitor, make them the "right" keeper?

out of 1000 Nile babies that are sold, how many go to a qualified and knowledgeable keeper? how many live past 2 years old?

the answers to those questions are not positive, they are horrible, and i cannot recommend the Nile as a first (or second, or third) monitor to anyone.

Jobi you are an experienced Nile keeper. Jeff Lemm has lots of experience with Niles. Rob Faust is a talented keeper, and has had some great Niles. but they are the super rare exception to the "I'm gonna get a Nile monitor! They're cheap!" rule.

so Jobi, you keep and enjoy Nile monitors. right on. they are extremely beautiful, no doubt, and they can make interesting captives, under very particular conditions.

but your enthusiasm, and casual anecdotal posting now has this neophyte monitor keeper stoked about being able to keep a Nile for years in a 55 gallon tank, so it stays small- "i really dont want it to get to full size in my parents house. id like to have my own place by then?? "

come on man, this is NOT the way to approach a Nile monitor purchase, one of the largest, most dangerous lizards you can possibly buy.

i am not against the species, i am trying to steer folks into making a better decision, a knowledgable decision, and making a choice that will lead to long term success, not more disposable animals.

the price and convenience of the initial monitor purchase should be one of the LAST factors in the decision.

to the original poster, monitors are terrific to work with, and i don't want to discourage you from doing so. but this "I'm gonna get a Nile/Sav/Croc Monitor" post has been made a thousand times before, and it ends tragically more often than not.

choose wisely Indiana.
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robyn@proexotics.com

Pro Exotics Reptiles

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