Kingsnake.com
Robyn Markland of Pro Exotics
Monitors
March 2, 2006
PHFaust: On behalf of Jeff Barringer and all of us at kingsnake.com, I'm very pleased to welcome Robyn Marklund to our Eighth Annual Chat Week.
PHFaust: Robyn is best known for running the show at Pro Exotics. He has experience in a great many things including Monitors, Uros, Pythons, Boas and Gilas. He is open to all aspects of reptile care, the store, and all aspects of life and herps. Robyn has been with PE For 11 almost 12 years now. He is the behind the scenes man of the show. In his free time he likes to train for UFC Style fighting and he has a beautiful wife...
robyn@ProExotics: helloooooooooo rabbits!
PHFaust: Thank you so much for joining us, Robyn, and welcome!
robyn@ProExotics: 13 years believe it or not, and my wife is WAYYYYY hotter than me : )
RAG66: Did you ever reenter Ackies If so How are they doing? How about Albig breeding, a few years ago you had White Throats anything other then that new w PE
RAG66: in terms of monitors
robyn@ProExotics: we have fired up our Ackie groups again, but on a schedule to see new babies in late 2006. we took a break to concentrate on getting Gilas and Uro groups going.
robyn@ProExotics: as for Albigs, we only have a pair right now, and i was looking at those today, i would like to get them fired back up as well. so many projects, so little time! GA
RhacAttack_nr: I have 1.1 yellow ackies that are about 15 months old, they eat well on dusted crickets daily and mice weekly, and copulate a lot, but she never lays, I catch them about every month, but she wont lay. The substrate is fine, 6 plus inches of cocofiber and moss and soil, and the temps are good. they love it warm, what could be the reason for her not laying? Thanks
robyn@ProExotics: could be a dud male, could be poor substrate, i am not a fan of the bed a beast coco stuff at all. a healthy female in a good situation should lay SOME eggs, even if they are no good... GA
Tsuky_nr: I wanna know what monitors are fairly easy to breed and that look good?and I got a friend that is in love with uros, what advice can you give me to give to him?...and is ur site proexotics.com?
robyn@ProExotics: Ackies are far and away the best starter monitor, and best starter breeding project. go Ackie all the way.
robyn@ProExotics: as for Uros, we approach them the same way as our monitors. same temps, same substrates, same social groups, there is more detail in the FAQ at our site, proexotics.com. as for Ackies, red or yellow, either one is terrific. GA
Tsuky_nr: ok thnx
robyn@ProExotics: you're welcome : )
coastalherper: What is your favorite herp? What was your first herp?
robyn@ProExotics: favorite snake is Boelen's, favorite lizard is probably the Gilas.
robyn@ProExotics: the first one was a common boa baby, then quickly a second, then a ball python.
coastalherper: ok yah gilas are amazing thanks
king_dj_nr: hello thanx for joining us tonight : ).I have a savanna monitor and he's about 14 inches. what would b a healthy amount of fuzzies pur week to feed him? how long do timor monitors live?
robyn@ProExotics: i don't think we have had enough years with "state of the art" monitor husbandry to really figure out lifespan possiblities. that is something we will learn over the next 20, 30, or perhaps 50 years. i think the general answer is "a long time" : )
king_dj_nr: crickets are expensive. . .but i can get mice rly cheap from a breeder i know. is it ok to feed him just mice?
robyn@ProExotics: as for feeding a 14 inch Sav, it is hard to say, you just develop a feel for it. is that 14 inch body? or total length? 14 total length, i would start with 3 or4 fuzzies a day, and take it from there, working with the feedback that the monitor offers, if you know what i mean : )
robyn@ProExotics: lots of folks feed rodents only. your setup needs to be ideal, but it is done all the time, i prefer an insect based diet for babies and juvies.
king_dj_nr: 3-4 a day wow. . .alrighty thanks for ur advice
king_dj_nr: alright
king_dj_nr: total length
bps4ever: what do you suggest using as bedding for monitors?Thank you
robyn@ProExotics: a good diggable, burrowable soil is far and away the best choice, with cypress mulch a distant second. i don't think i would even consider a third : )
PHFaust: is that across the board with the species?
robyn@ProExotics: check out more info on soil at the FAQ at our site, proexotics.com, there is lots more soil info there : )
robyn@ProExotics: some Indo monitors do very well with leaf litter on top of the soil, but "soil based", yes. what makes a good soil? that is the "hard" question for someone new to soil to answer.
bps4ever: thank you again
robyn@ProExotics: welcome welcome welcome
bmelv24: I have been thinking about getting a monitor for a long time and really like that look of the black throats. How difficult are they to care for and how are their temperaments(generally)?
tjsreptiles: i got some black headed monitors can you give me any tips,
robyn@ProExotics: Blackthroats are an absolute fave : ) one of the best temperaments and personalities of any monitor. "easy" to care for, bomb proof. as long as you want a big monitor, they are an amazing choice.
catwomen: what causes the difference in temperment between different monitor species, like the savanah is so docile and the nile tends to be aggressive?
robyn@ProExotics: largely due to the nature of the species. some are more defensive than others, some are more aggressive. there are exceptions to the rule, so it is a generalization, but the natural inclination of the Nile monitor makes is a typically poor captive choice. beautiful though!
catwomen: thank you, had a nile once got ride of it due to aggression
robyn@ProExotics: cat- that is a very common experience, unfortunately
tjsreptiles: i got some black headed monitors got any tips, they also are very scard of people and run like crazy when the see me,
robyn@ProExotics: we haven't worked with black heads, so i can't comment specifically, but the same basics apply, but lots of GOOD hidespots and burrows, security goes a LOOONG way : )
tjsreptiles: yes they hide a lot
herper_nr: incubation temps for savannah moniters.i need more females.any other breeding tips.thanx
robyn@ProExotics: temp based incubation does not work the same way with monitors as it does geckos. we cook Ionides eggs at 82-84, i would do the same with Savs.
robyn@ProExotics: as for breeding tips- high quality stock, starting in social groups as young as possible. a terrific diet of rodents and insects, great soil substrate, great temps, really no differnet than great husbandry : ) GA
catwomen: I manage a pet store, and have people ask me about the monitors that we sometimes carry, if we have the niles I do not recomend them to beginers or to people with young kids, is that a proper thing to do, would you do the same? The reason I got rid of mine is because of my daughter.
robyn@ProExotics: when we had a retail store, we took a stand (as we do on our site) against inappropriate reptiles. we want folks to have the BEST possible experience. Niles are not going to offer that experience. if they want a large monitor, a better choice is Blackthroats or Waters. of course, the real question is, do you REALLY want a large monitor? the size thing wears off really fast. something like the Ackies, a small monitor, are a better beginner choice, and a more realistic choice for most keepers.
catwomen: thanks again
robyn@ProExotics: steer your customers to a better experience, you will be happy you did. this is a HUGE part of our philosophy, you can read more about it at our sites FAQ, or give me a call, i am very passionate about it, and happy to talk about it : ) GA
bps4ever: what do you think about feeding hissing cockroaches to savannah monitors? And what is considered an adult in savannah monitors? Thank you
robyn@ProExotics: you can have a sexually mature Sav in a single year, capable of breeding and producing, assuming terrific care. full mature size in 2 years. most of the feeder roach species are very well received by monitors and lizards in general. our Ionides go koo koo for hisserpuffs.
king_dj_nr: an adult savanna monitor is 3 1/2 to 5 feet and they would love hissing coach roach's : ). 3 1/2 is very rare but if fed only insects he may only reach that size.
PHAlex: Hi Robyn, is it difficult to breed and get fertile eggs from white throats? There never seems to be CB babies available. Thanks
robyn@ProExotics: it is harder than it seems, yes. no harder than other monitors. the problem really falls into finding enough time and effort to committ to such a group. a lot of private hobbyists don't stick with it long enough to truly achieve success, losing interest and moving on before establishing a healthy group.
robyn@ProExotics: at PE, we always struggle to balance time and labor. some groups are more time demanding, which takes away focus from other groups. at this time, we have 4 staff for daily animal care, and i have a number of groups that just don't get the full time and focus they need. if it was JUST a few pair of Ionides, i think it would be easy to breed regularly. but it is Ionides, Gilas, Uros, Balls, Boas, Coxi, Prasinus, Mandarins, etc : ) GA
robyn@ProExotics: i talk too much.
PHFaust: ahhh but you type so fast grasshopper
PHAlex: LOL thanks Robyn
herper_nr: are goldfish a good supplement for moniters.thanx
robyn@ProExotics: goldfish might be the WORST choice for a feeder. they are "dirty", meaning they often carry lots of parasites, and nutritionally, they are garbage. there is no benefit, except to maybe yourself. they sure don't benefit your monitor.
herper_nr: thanx
robyn@ProExotics: i am a BIG believer in a nutritious, proven, healthy, economical, easy to provide diet. for monitors, that is rodents, and feeder insects, idealls. definitely no pet store fish : )
catwomen: what is the most commonly sold monitor species, and what is the average price on that?
robyn@ProExotics: most common PET STORE monitor? Savs and Niles. prices are all over the place, sometimes Niles are free with a cage purchase. great : )
catwomen: wow
catwomen: what is your most commonly sold one?
robyn@ProExotics: for PE, our most popular monitor has been the Ackies, we have bred and sold over a thousand. next would be Waters, then Ionides. but the online customer is a much different creature than a walk in retail store customer.
catwomen: ahh, thank you
robyn@ProExotics: retail store customers tend to think that a $100 animal is "high end". they are often looking for "disposable animals". bummer. our online customers are true hobbyists and collectors, and are willing to spend the money for caging and setup. they are passionate about their animals. my kind of folks : ) GA
jiffypop: Robyn, some monitors keepers are offering basking spots of over 160 degrees. Is this something that you do with your monitors? That just seems a bit extreme.
robyn@ProExotics: 160F? sure, we offer it for all breeding setups, including monitors and Uros. for babies, in 10 or 20 gallon setups, i can get a temp gradient of 84F to 125F or so, and that works well for those.
jiffypop: do you see the animals using those basking zones?
robyn@ProExotics: take a temp gun and go outside on a WARM day and temp out "basking surfaces". stones, asphalt, the type of stuff a lizard might bask on. in Denver, at 75F, we pull "basking temps" on the ground of 125F plus. at 75 degrees! guess what it is in Afrika or Australia when it is 95F out : )
jiffypop: Thanks Robyn, guess i'll raise mine a few degrees 
robyn@ProExotics: yes, they use the wide range. if it is properly setup, allowing the whole body to bask at once, they can more quickly elevate their body temps, accomplishing the goal more quickly, and then they can get back to a "safe zone" (hidespot) quicker. GA
robyn@ProExotics: 130F is the MINIMUM we shoot for : )
SRX: I love the avatar selection! ... anywhoo, Robyn, what are your thoughts regarding Indo types in captivity? It seems that most truly captive bred monitors are arid types (Aussies and Afros). The turnover rate seems to be a hit or miss with a sporadic clutch here or there when someone does successfully breed and incubate an Indo type. Does it just boil down to humidity levels (or lack of consistent levels) in captive conditions? And lastly, what species of wingless roach would you recommend for V.rudicollis hatchlings(or would you use roaches for this species' neos)?
robyn@ProExotics: i think by and large the lack of captive monitor breeding is due to lack of good knowledge, and not enough healthy, established, long term groups to work with. you can't just buy a group of baby Melinus and expect to be up and breeding in a single year. there are subtle details to work out for each species, and it takes time, patience, and FOCUS.
robyn@ProExotics: larger breeders like PE or Frank Retes can only realistically work on a few groups at a time, there is a limited supply of mental energy. Indo specific, i think there needs to be more fine tuning on substrates. as for roaches, the lobsters have worked very well for us. they climb, but don't fly, and breed like crazy : ) GA
Adam105_nr: Does Kimberlies' flattened snout serve a purpose for them in the wild? Like is it an adaptation of a sort? By the way, on your comment about measuring temperatures on basking surfaces outside... I have tried to explain that to people on a certain bearded dragon forum but to no avail!
robyn@ProExotics: kims in the wild? i am SURE it serves a purpose, but what is it? off hand i have no idea : ) that would be better to ask someone with real wild monitor experience, like Frank Retes. he has been to the habitat, and handled wild Kim's. all we have done is (ignorantly) killed some Kim's. they are a weird monitor. as for those surface temps, i agree, most folks really struggle to grasp what i am talking about on that subject, or at least how to apply it to their animals. once you do though, it is like opening up a whole new world of terrific applicable info : ) GA
robyn@ProExotics: Frank Retes has temped out ACTUAL Australian monitor/bearded dragon basking surfaces, the ones the actual wild monitors use, and found temps nearing 200F...
Adam105_nr: Ahh gotchya! And I just could not agree more with you on surface temps.! Its gets me so angry when people just dont seem to understand the concept or think it will kill their beloved pet!
Adam105_nr: Thank you though for your time!
UAWPrez: I once had a savannah monitor but I'm not real famiiar with the other species..I'd like to read more about these Ackies you mentioned, what is it's scientific name?
robyn@ProExotics: Acanthurus. you can read our basic caresheet at our site, proexotics.com, as well as quite a bit of monitor info in the FAQ. there is not a lot of good monitor literature out there, but check out the Aussie Monitors book, available still at our site (it is out of print, we have the last stock). it covers Ackies, as well as other Oz species. GA
robyn@ProExotics: Ackies are an extremely rewarding and fun species. as for temps, they are the most important detail to a good setup. and SO misunderstood by lizard keepers : )
artogator: whats up Robyn, do niles need enough water in their cage to swim around in or just enough to soak? I put him in the tub from time to time to let him swim, he seems to enjoy it. Also, I feed my nile the same as my gator usually, including raw meat, is this ok?
robyn@ProExotics: we use water bowls with our large monitors, but no pools or circulating water. we also have a soaking program, to keep them well hydrated. circulated, filtered water is SUCH a nightmare. it is NOT necessary to a good setup. as for "raw meat", we feed rodents and the raw ground turkey diet. if i had just a handful of monitors, meat selection would be limited to rodents, no other meats. it is a healthy, proven, nutritious diet. no need to mess with it : )
quietstorm: When will you start taking deposits on the Ackies? Thanks
robyn@ProExotics: taking deposits and pre payments only seems to jinx me : ) we don't take payments until animals are hatched out and healthy : ) you know, the whole counting your chickens before they hatch thing : )
robyn@ProExotics: you can email me about the Ackies and get on our email notification list, that is the best way to stay on top of current availability. those email folks are the first to know about any newly available species : ) GA
robyn@ProExotics: oh, and we are expecting to start seeing Ackie babies again in late 2006
nickv88_nr: What, in your opinion is the best monitor as pets?
robyn@ProExotics: best pet monitor? Ackies all the way, check out more info at our site, proexotics.com, check out the caresheet and FAQ section.
UAWPrez: Great job, Robyn, thanks for your time!
PHFaust: On behalf of Kingsnake.com, Jeff B, and myself, I want to take a moment to thank Robyn for being part of our chat week. Robyn, thanks for taking the time out to chat with us on monitors.
robyn@ProExotics: thanks to everyone for hanging out, feel free to call or email with more questions, i am always happy to talk about reptiles.
PHAlex: thank you Robyn!
Adam105_nr: Robyn you can expect a call from discussing temps.! I need someone to vent to LOL!
catwomen: thank you Robyn
Adam105_nr: Thanks so much for coming tonight!
Slacker6848: thanks robyn, i didnt ask anything but enjoyed hearing what you had to say
robyn@ProExotics: big thanks for KS.com for having me on chat. thanks Adam, thanks Cat : ) and thanks for the support you Slacker : )
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Cindy
PHFaust
