Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey all!

I am seeking helpful advice to start my new adventure into monitors. I have been keeping snakes, venomous and non-venomous, for 15 years. That doesn't say much, but just know that I am willing to go above and beyond for my animals. I recently moved away from snakes and am looking to care for one monitor. I was pretty heavy into snakes at one point, having as much as 40 of them. It was a chore to take care of them properly, but I really enjoyed it.

I am looking for a large lizard to research and monitor (no pun intended!). I prefer a female so that I can breed her in the future if the situation is right (I'm going to say at least 2 years (or suggested breeding age; referring to greater than 2 years) down the road and ONLY if I have the proper resources to care for an entire clutch). The species that have caught my interest are Savannah monitors and Nile monitors. I am sure there are some amazing species that I am not aware of - I would not mind suggestions. I prefer to not feed rodents, but I don't have a problem doing so if necessary. I wouldn't mind breeding roaches. I don't mind spending thousands of dollars on medical care. I'm looking for an animal that can be tamed, even if it takes years to do so. I want to have it around for years to come.

I am looking forward to hearing from you all!

Thanks very much.

Best regards,
Dustin J. Cox

Oh, I also wanted to ask for resources! I am looking for some very reputable and in-depth articles on any monitor species that users here recommend. I have been searching for articles for a while but I haven't found any that stand out.

Thanks!

look into the Blackthroats/Ionides and Whitethroats.

i think the Blackthroats make the best choice in a large captive monitor. the Niles are just about the worst choice, aside from Croc Monitors.

check out our site, caresheets and FAQ, there is lots of info there.

best of luck.
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robyn@proexotics.com

Pro Exotics Reptiles