I have acquired a Sumatran water monitor. It is approximately 1.5-2 years old and only 36" long. Previous owner had it in a small tank (30-40gallons) but fed it pretty well. However, this animal is way under sized for its age, I have had it for about 2 months and it has put on weight (it wasn't ever thin, just thicker now). Its a great animal, eats like it should, basks, hides, and swims like normal. It is very strong, if I didn't know better, I would say its a very healthy juvenile. This animal was one of my customers so I have witnessed its whole captive existence, I gave them advice and they listened. They tried their best but simply could not afford to properly house it and now they are scared of it so were willing to finally gave it up. It was given supplements in the beginning, then stopped when it went to a full rodent diet; is this a big deal? It had some exposure to UV, but not constant or consistent. It eats 1 adult mouse 5-6 times a weeks and has been that way for half a year or so. I'm feeding 1-2 a day now.



Has any one had experience with undersized animals? Will it still grow once its needs are met properly, or just get fat? Do you think its growth has been severely stunted? I thought it would be cool if I had one that didn't turn into a monster though I am ready if it does. I have raised a pair from newborns and the female is just over six foot and the male is well over that in 3 years. I will not attempt to introduce the new one to them, just wanted to know what I'm getting into with this guy/ girl.

[ Show Entire Thread ]