Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Well I was with a buddy of mine down at Strictly's and we were checkin things out. I've always wanted one of these guys! I know there are a few calm animals out there, it just takes lots of time. Well this was 1 of 2 I picked out. The other one although a little nicer in color just wasn't going to have any handling so I found him a good home. This animal has been Very good even when he's at temp under the 105 degree basking temp. For some reason he's just not a biter, which is a good thing. He's eatting great and will get his first cycle of worming meds tonight. He seems to like to ride around on my shirt or on top of my head. Not scared of anything he'll climb onto your hand! I may have struck gold with this one, I'll keep an update on his attitude but if he stays nice and calm he's going to be an animal I won't ever be able to part with. I call him my little croc monitor because of all the beautiful yellow. Monitors are my #1 favorite reptile!

Cool monitor! He's still very small and very young. Make sure you give him enough time to settle into his new home. He's stressing from the move, and you don't want to cause anymore stress by handling him. You should only handle him when necessary, for now. Bump your basking temp to 130F. Good luck on raising that little guy.

Se7en,

A few notes, which im sure you already realize:

1. Being a non-biter at under 12 inches is not indicative of the animals actual mindset. Ill give it a preliminary 90% chance that the aggression WILL turn up along the way.

2. Those colors will fade- though, Im sure you know, adult Niles are true beauties in and of themselves.

*sigh* I kinda miss the days of walking around with my Nile on my head and what not, and having her accept others readily.... but that changes, quickly.

The biggest suggestion I can offer would be to do your absolute BEST not to offend that animal in any way, or freak it out in any way that it might associate with you.

Still... make sure you are still going to be interested if that aimal decides to stop tolerating handling- its not fair to the animal if you are only getting it because you want to play with it.

I know how they can be. I've also been keeping reptiles for years, I'm not some kid that went to a store and purchased that cheap cute little animal. I've had many monitors in my past including an awesome adult 6ft argus monitor. Anyways...Sure hope it stays calm but like I said, we'll see how it "ends up".

I'm so glad you arent't one of those people. I hope he turns out the way you want him to. Good luck. O yea, make sure the basking temp is atleast 130, not 105.

Se7en,