Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've never kept a monitor before, but would like to sometime in the future. Not in the near future because I don't have the money, time or space so it would probably be at least a year or two (when I'm done with college). However, I'm curious about them now, so I've been trying to read here and there about different monitors. The thing is that all the information on the various care sheets and articles seem to be different so I don't really know what's true and what isn't. So I'm hoping if I can describe what I would probably be looking for in a monitor, someone could recommend a species (or a few) that I could further read up on. I'm thinking I want a medium sized monitor (~4 feet) that has a more slender build similar to the tree monitors, but doesn't have the same strict husbandry requirements. I have experience with snakes, so I have dealt with humidity/heat issues, so in that aspect I don't think it's like I would be jumping in head first, but I still don't want to start with the emerald tree boa of the monitor world. I've been reading a little bit about jobiensis. Would that be a good choice for what I'm looking for? Also, what is the range of temperaments for this type of lizard? Aside from an oddball 'tame' specimen, are all/most monitor species generally defensive/aggressive? I'm sure I have more questions, but that's all I can think of at the moment. Thanks in advance for any feedback.

Jobiensis are not a good monitor to start with. I would go with ackies or flavis. Tyler.

i have mangroves. they are a joy to keep. i hold them a bit and have only been bit a few times like back a few months ago when i thought leash training was a good idea. they grow to be around four foot and are a slender monitor although their tail is half their length at that size. they were my first monitor and have been a joy to keep since i got them. im currently building a cage out of a 10 foot diameter horse trough for when they hit about 3 foot.

I have recently purchased some flavis from Frank R. They are now my hands down favorite species. They have great personalities. Mellow demeanor and easy to handle. They have a great feeding response (will eat in front of you but will not try to eat your face when you open cage). They are absolutely beautiful and they make a great show animal. My wife loves them. My friends love them. I really cant say enough about them. I have kept a few indo species, ackies, guildi crosses, and an albig. I like all of them but the flavis are just strait up bad ass! The best thing is you can get them captive bred and support those who help keep this hobby progressive and rewarding. Good luck and post pics when you make your choice.

I used to have a beautiful pair of flaiv/argus crosses. Truly great animals. If possible, it would be great to see some pictures of your pure flaivs.

Regards,
Lou

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dragonbreeders.com

Start small. I guarantee you will not be prepared if you jump right in to a medium sized monitor. With a smaller Monitor you'll be able to see what kind of space they really need and utilize, and with experience be able to gauge the next step up. Which, in reality, alot of people can't handle. Stay away from any Indo or African Monitors. Start with Ackies and graduate to the bigger Australians. Once you have some base experience to start with, then move to the more difficult, or less forgiving, Monitor types.

albigs are great. but, like you said, most people won't be able to handle a 5 or 6 foot monitor lizard....or a 4 footer within a year of purchase of a hatchling.