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I have two individual cages that are 12' x 12' each (4 meters x 4 meters) with 10' ceilings. Due to the design of the cages it is difficult to divide them. Should I give the male and female their own individual 12' x 12' cage? They can be connected in the middle giving the pair 12' x 30' of space. 12' x 6' of that space is a path between the cages or "neutral ground."

Here's my question:

I'd like to get another large pair of monitors but that would mean that the pair of Lacies would be together in a 12' x 12' cage all of the time with no good way to separate them. Am I asking for trouble if I do this? My priority is the Lacies and I'll forget about another large pair if the Lacies will need to be separated into their own large enclosures. Is 12' x 12' too small for a pair to occupy full time, all of the time?

Thanks and Merry Christmas,

John

Hi John, the problem is you do not know whats going to happen. So, how can anyone tell you what to do. If you have a sexual pair, they may get along at times, and not at others. Or maybe forever, nope, never forever. Sometimes, they do not get along at all. And most of the time they change as they age.

All monitors are no different then any other animals and people, they change as they age. In fact, reptiles change so much, they are not even close to the same, you know from hatchling to adult to old adult.

Then if you consider they continue to grow while they age. Female lacies lay eggs at around three feet in total lenght, then grow and continue to lay up to around five feet. A three foot lacie is not a five foot lacie. They require different things.

So I cannot tell you what to do, its your job to choose a direction and go with it. Then make adjustments along the way.

You also asked me about your outdoor cages. The answer is the same, who knows. I can tell you, I am constantly working(changing) mine and I have been breeding Lacies for many years.

Where I live, its much hotter then where lacies come from. I thought the heat would be a problem, its not. What is a problem is our seasons are backwards and too short. The problem with N. america is, we have longer winters then countries with monitors. Not so much colder, just longer. This has been a big problem. Cheers and Happy holidays.

Frank,

Thanks for the response. I think I'm going to keep both cages available for just the Lacies to be on the safe side.

Out of curiosity; Do you keep yours together all of the time or do you seperate them sometimes? I realize that every monitor is different and the temperment and compatibility of your pair might be totally different then my pair but I'm just curious.

If you ever feel like coming out to Colorado let me know. Plane ticket is on me!

Thanks and Merry Christmas,

John