I must say, the niles are by far the most rewarding captives in my collection. In my opinion much of the bad reputation comes from the fumbling newbs who generally buy them under the false pretense that daily handling will eventually result in a tame monitor. I hear all this stuff about "the best first monitor". The best first monitor is the one that really catches your fancy, and is within your means to support, period. Niles, waters, albigs and the like get very big and require a large amount of support, both financially and physically. If you cant affort to keep them properly, or dont have the space or time don't get one. Never get a monitor, any species, under the pretense of it becomming tame. I have seen the same kind of defensive behavior from every species I keep. None are any worse than the other. Each individual has it's own quirks.

These are quite outgoing and curious. They don't hiss bite or whip since I changed my ideas about handling and "taming". When I stopped offending them, they became quite a joy to keep.



Don't get something you are not truly interested in. You'll likely be unsatisfied and add to the whole problem of the disposable pet syndrome when you get rid of it.

[ Show Entire Thread ]