Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just purchased a new Peachthroat from ProExotics and it's the most beautiful animal. I want it to have the best home possible... So here it goes.. For now it's in an old display case converted to cage. It measures 5'x2.5'x3' tall now, but I'm thinking of raising the top a couple of feet. It has limbs for climbing temps on cool side 78-80F. warm side being around 85 deg. A basking site of around 120-130 as per proexotics care sheet is provided. Dirt mixture for substrate with silk vines etc. for ground cover. Also, a large water dish. Any advice and any pictures of adult animals would be greatly appreciated.
My reptile experience has been with snakes(mostly pythons) and some B. Dragon etc. but no monitors. Thanks in advance...

Gravid Adult female

--Robert

I wouldn't go changing anything too quick. Just give any change time, and see if the monitor actually uses it. Each of my individuals have preferences which change, and I try to modify the enclosure to suit their preferences.

Good Luck,

--Robert

Thanks for the picture, very nice. No changes in the near future, it really seems to be getting comfortable the way it is. He/She is active most of the day digging around and basking but eating is just OK, I've tried crickets, roaches, and ground turkey. It has only eaten the turkey once. I guess this too will come with time... Any advice on handling(do or don't) and how much? Thanks again.

I don't handle my monitors very often, except for the ones that don't mind. I would worry more on getting it to be the chow hound it really is at this point. I don't follow the forced handling/taming routines that some advocate. I prefer positive interaction which is mainly feeding. Trust does seem to come with time, at least it has for me. Patience is a very useful thing to have lots of (too bad I don't).

Best of Luck,

--Robert

At this point I've only taken it out of the enclosure a couple of times. So long as I'm alone with it he/she is calm but will jump if someone else walks into the room. I'm trying to keep it mostly hands off at this time but I also lack patience.