Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Thanks to everyone who posted or emailed me great info since my recent post for the new Nile. Although I have lots of experience with smaller monitors/tegus, it is deffinitely another world with the big guys.

He is doing great so far. He loves to soak, which is helping with his retained shed. He ate the first day and doesn't seem to be stressed at all by the move. He is really like a big puppy the way he just climbs right in your lap. I can't believe how much fun and sociable he is. I think I'll call him Larry.

A couple more questions. Is there any way to sex niles, short of probing? And what is the difference between niles and ornate niles? Is it something with the number of bands on their back?

I wanted to share some pics for everyone who asked.
Let me know if you have any thoughts after seeing pics.

Thanks,
Jesse

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Jesse Rothacker
Forgotten Friend Reptile Sanctuary
www.forgottenfriend.org

The Ornate has a much more robust build, the head is more boxy than the common. Also the Ornate has four or five rows of ocelli, while the common has six or seven. They are actually quite different. That is an awesome lizard! He looks pretty good other than the shed problem. Where did you get it?

This monitor came from a very caring owner who was moving and was very sad to give him up. From the picture, would you guess this is a Normal or Ornate? Would you have to count the rows to know for sure?
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Jesse Rothacker
Forgotten Friend Reptile Sanctuary
www.forgottenfriend.org

That is an ornate.

Great monitor. Don't try to rush the shed. Get is eating well, has to have nice hot temps and good humidity, and the shed will take care of itself. Sometimes stuck shed like that can take weeks in not months to come off.

n/p