Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am considering setting up an enclosure for some ackies.

I could set up an indoor enclosure, sure. I know that I could also set one up outside that is significantly larger. The only problem is (if it’s a problem, or an obstacle) it can get darn cold here in the winter (New Jersey USA).

Sure we have nice weather about 6 or 7 months out of the year, but when it gets cold, it can get cold. I was wondering if anyone has done any studies relating to the cold weather keeping of any varanids, I tried searching these forums, but the search option is horrid.

I am wondering if it is a matter of them surviving or thriving, I wouldn’t just want them to survive the cold. I would want them thrive (reproduce and be active). Would it be as easy perhaps as still providing nice hot basking spots and warmed hide spots, and perhaps warming the water?

Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Mike.

i do not keep acanthurus anymore but i do knoe that they are a arid desert monitor so even a jersey summer on the hottest day is a somewhat cold day for them, no u could not do this say u had a 60 degree day at night it will be say 40 next day 55 where as in the great sandy desert they ill get cool nights but still get dry 90 plus often even in winter. and they like extra extra dry. u may be better off with black and white tegus they live closer to your temps but would still need to come in in nov. burt langerwarf has cool pics of his hibernating under snow!!!! but i bring mine in in nov, and keep them in 55 degree basemen ton wet dirt and leaves over winter. here on new jersey shore.

So from you view point all year around would not be a possibility as far as reproduction goes?

I am thinking if they have access to the temps they need, they would be fine, I suppose it is a measure of how much additional heat I would like to provide for them.

Perhaps I am wrong, but your input is appreciated,
Thanks.

im just not sure how u would keep them warm outside in the winter? they would need some kind of large house with lights and a heat pads. if your gonna do that might as well keep them inside and be able to watch them, and enjoy all there behaviors and mating. plus they are a smaller monitor so most of the time they can be inside. how much room do u have inside. trust me look into argentine tegus they are sweet and can be kept outside in nj almost all yr round.

I have monitors set up in all manner of ways from outdoors to indoors to both. I live in southern Az., and it gets hot here. We also have fairly warm winters.

We can only keep them outdoors about four or five months a year. That is, where its of an actual benefit to them.

Basically speaking, its not hot enough until our air temps are around 100F in the shade. Also, above 60F at night. THis is EVEN if we put heat lites in the outdoor cages.

Of course you can make a outbuilding thats insulate and all such and has all manner of heating and cooling. But all that would be far more expensive and more work then indoors.

Besides, Ackies breed indoors without a problem, in fact, we put them outside to get a rest from producing. Outdoor ackie is a pain in the behind end.

Of course, as with all varanids, they all need space, indoors or out.

You could build an outdoor cage for the few day or weeks you have where the temps get near 100F, you have those days don't you???? If not, "forget about it!" Cheers

Yeah ive been reading this thread for a while and ive been wondering i want to get a Ackie (decided on one over a Nile monitor), but i live in northern Illinois, and the winter weather is probably similar to NJ or probably worse. should i get a tegu instead. Maybe i should be going on the tegu forum for this question, but idk to much about them, but you guys mentioned that they hibernate in the snow and stuff. My question is would they be better suited to live in this region, where it doesnt get very hot until July? Would an ackie be ok in this region,or would a tegu be a good choice?

i think your winters are worse then here in nj, but it is all what u like both lizards are very differnt. good thing about ackkies is they are small and breed inside no problem u can easily keep a trio in a 125 gallon tank and have good breeding results. where as argentine blk and white tegus get large and have large appitites and large enclosures but with hibernation only eat 6 months a yr. where u live id keep them indoors say till june and then put them out till oct. although burt has them out all yr even under snow i do not advise this plus he is in tenn. so winter is short and he is a expert. i just put mine in big plastic tub with damp leaves and dirt and put them in my 60 degree basement. if they go below 50 they get sick and die in hibernation. both are very rewarding but if u want a good display fun little lizards go with the ackkies. i prefer the tegus though i like big lizards....

I wasnt planning on putting my reptiles outside all winter, i was just asking which one would be better suited to live where i live. Ive been looking into tegus and they are very interesting creatures. So I guess either one would be ok.

If your not planning to keep them outside at all, how is it a question of which animal is better suited to live where you live? Provided your home is climate controlled, it really boils down to how much room you have, and your preferance.

well by keeping them outside i meant in the cold months, when it can get down to -20, which i wouldnt be doing. If i was going to keep an ackie outside, the majority of the temps in the warmer months dont really approach what an ackie is used to. so thats my concern. Even indoors, it can get kinda cold during the winter months, so im just making sure that the lizard i purchase will be happy and healthy. so its an important question to ask. One thing i like about ackies over tegus is their small size, so providing room for them would be easier. but it seems a tegu is better suited for a temperate climate.

id just keep the ackkies inside all the time, check out tegu form the do get big but if u got the room they are very rewarding i find the red tegus do a little better in nj and are a little calmer but the blk and whites get a little longer.

"plus he is in tenn"
Bert is in Bama.
I know, I go to pester him more than needed.

Scott
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Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and taste good with ketchup.