I think Roberts post is excellent, but may I add something I feel is missed or misled here. And thats the immune system.

First, the immune system if compromised the second the monitor is captured. Being captured causes extreme stress, which effects the immune system.

From that point on, the immune system takes a beating. From the stress of capture to the stress of being tied up(very common with indo monitors) to being placed with all sorts of other monitors and reptiles in holding cages, to not having proper temps. And yes, these holding cages rarely include the ability to maintain proper hydration.

Then consider, the average captive temperature regime does not include the temps or conditions necessary to "build or strengthen" the immune system.

For instance, I pay little attention to common captive disease. I do pay lots of attention to supporting a captive monitors immune system.

As this is a huge problem with normal captive care, its an even larger problem with a WC individuals.

So yes, you can go back and forth about hydration, parasites, disease, etc, but without a functioning immune system all that is for nothing. As without fixing the overall problem, fixing the little problems is of no benefit.

In my opinion, hydration and supporting the immune system is of prime and first consideration with new acquisitions, CB or otherwise. Then follow by addressing the rest. Cheers FR

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