Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My friend wants to get a monitor, and I dont know much about them so I wanted to ask you guys..

Most of the monitors all reach the 3-5 foot range, right?
Also, what do you guys use to house a large adult? Extremely large tanks? Or do you make pens for them?
My friend was talking about setting up some kind of pen in his home using a short wire gate, kind like the ones used with pet rabbits, only longer. I wasnt sure about this, I didnt know if they could climb out. What do you guys think?
Last question: What species tend to make the best pets? Allowing for interaction and such? Oh, and whats a better choice, a monitor or a Tegu?
Thanks alot guys.
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1.1.0-Tokay Geckos
1.0.0- Leopard Gecko
0.1.0-Irian Jaya Blue Tongue Skink
0.0.1-Armadillo Lizard
0.0.1-Pyxie Frog
0.0.2-Pacman Frogs
1.0.0- Fire Salamander
1.2.0-African Giant Millipedes
2.0.0-Madagasgar Hissing Cockroaches
0.0.1-Desert Hairy Scorpion
0.0.4-Florida Bark Scorpions
Grunngg@yahoo.com

Looks like you've still got a ton of homework to do. Try Google for your general care info. This site also is a pretty good place to start:

http://www.kingsnake.com/monitorfaq/intro.htm

A monitor will escape from a pen. You'll need something with a locking lid or locking doors. As for size, it varies with the species. Some monitors will grow much larger than 5 feet.

Be sure your friend does lots of research before he/she gets one. If, after that, they know they can care for such a demanding animal, make sure they have everything they need and all set up BEFORE the animal arrives.

Hope this helps!

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1.1.0 Leopard Geckos (Booger & Gimp)
1.0.0 Veiled Chameleon (Lucutis)
0.0.1 Quince Monitor (Pollux)
1.0.0 Thayeri Kingsnake (Corbin)

Yeah, I told my friend I don't know much about monitors. I figured i'd ask for him since he thought it was such a good idea.

He was really liking the Savannah Monitors. If I remember correctly, they don't get to huge. Still pretty big though.
I suppose his best bet would be to build his own cage with a wooden frame and thick fencing for the walls and lid.

Thanks for your help, i'll pass that site on to him.
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1.1.0-Tokay Geckos
1.0.0- Leopard Gecko
0.1.0-Irian Jaya Blue Tongue Skink
0.0.1-Armadillo Lizard
0.0.1-Pyxie Frog
0.0.2-Pacman Frogs
1.0.0- Fire Salamander
1.2.0-African Giant Millipedes
2.0.0-Madagasgar Hissing Cockroaches
0.0.1-Desert Hairy Scorpion
0.0.4-Florida Bark Scorpions
Grunngg@yahoo.com

if you use fencing for the sides he will either break out or rip himself apart on the metal, use plexiglass, tell your friend to go with a smaller species check out frilled dragons and bearded dragons, seems more down his alley.

PS have you noticed veryone is "interested" in savannahs, thats all crap, its just becuase you can get them for 30 dollars.

Only use plexiglass if you don't care about all the scratches it's going to get from the monitor's claws, or if you plan on replacing it if you do care. I suppose you could trim the hell out of the claws, but the plexiglass would probably still get scratched.

Nah, my friend really likes the Savs. He really wants to get something on the bigger side. Don't worry, I would keep him from getting one until he has everything he needs for it to be happy and healthy.
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1.1.0-Tokay Geckos
1.0.0- Leopard Gecko
0.1.0-Irian Jaya Blue Tongue Skink
0.0.1-Armadillo Lizard
0.0.1-Pyxie Frog
0.0.2-Pacman Frogs
1.0.0- Fire Salamander
1.2.0-African Giant Millipedes
2.0.0-Madagasgar Hissing Cockroaches
0.0.1-Desert Hairy Scorpion
0.0.4-Florida Bark Scorpions
Grunngg@yahoo.com

I have always kept this species and have NEVER had any troubles with them. They always seem to be very docile, and I have never been biten once by one. I love this species. Good luck!!
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Greg Holland
GM HERPS
www.imageevent.com/gmherps
gmherps@sbcglobal.net