Reptile & Amphibian Forums

andrew

They were my first, and I would like to think I did ok.

I think they were a good choice!

Bawaa Herps

im going to go pick up a 8x5 board from menards ive heard but dont know if its true that to big of an enclosure isnt the best
should i just work from that board or should i have them cut it down some
and what would anyone recommend a front opening or top opening enclosure

personally if it were up to me i would build an outdoor enclosure but wisconsin weather tells me otherwise lol

andrew

Some people use 6 foot cages, I do not recommend it, monitors need as large of a cage as they will use, argus will use the largest cage you give them. With that said, I think that mine do ok in an 8x4, but they could be housed in a much larger cage. Build an 8x5, they will appreciate it. I am moving soon, when I do I plan on building a very large cage, I will keep everyone updated on that. Cheers

(ps, I am raising up a baby I bred here in a 7x2.5, she is housed along with a goulds flavi cross, they use the whole cage, but I plan on keeping them in that cage until they are large enough to be introduced to my pair, but all of that will be played by ear).
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Varanus Creations

It just depends on what you want in a monitor. If you want something that will get mellow and lay around...an argus will not give you that. They will probably be nervous and skittish, at least while they are young. My second monitor was an argus and it was never content to hold still in my hands for more than a minute or two. Other monitors that might give you a more laid back personality are blackthroats, savannahs, and eventually water monitors (though huge).
Argus' are also garbage disposals...expensive to feed. They need a very large enclosure as adults because they are so active. A cheaper venture would be ackies, which are very active as well and don't usually get over 2-3 ft.
If you want a monitor that will keep you on your toes as to what they are going to do next...an argus you should consider.
Personally, I like the best of both worlds so I have a blackthoat and an argus. Both are great animals.
Hope this helps,
Tim

hi,

u mentioned that as a baby its skittish... well my baby water moniter is definately that! She is used to seeing people near her enclosure but she gets really nervous when i make any sudden moves and she wont let my hold her without her getting a little insane. When i stick my hand in her cage she snifs me and doesnt mind it.. is this behavior normal? I've had her for 3 months now... she eats though... u think she'll get comfortable being outside her enclosure when she gets older?

thanks soooo much!!

My first monitor was a baby water monitor. I new very little except that water monitors were known to be big and tame as adults. So I was a little upset when I saw my water being very secretive, never eating around me, biting, defecating on me, biting, always hid when I came in the room. So I traded it for my blackthroat. After much research (after the trade), I heard that this was very common in most young waters. I wished then that I would've waited a year or two, but I don't regret getting a blackthroat. Most monitors in general are going to be more skittish and nervous while small. Sexual maturity usually calms them down a bit, along with much handling. Though no monitor is exactly predictable. Som may stay psycho and that's the gamble you take.

So to answer your question, from what I've researched...yes this is normal behavior. You should just make sure you monitor is still eating to ensure that he is not too stressed from the handling attemps. My advice is be very patient with it, and be consistent.
Tim