Reptile & Amphibian Forums

This forum seems like the best place to find people with tons of large monitor experience. In your opinion, what is the best monitor species when it comes to "natural disposition"? I want to get a large monitor species and I wanna know which one will the easiest to "tame". Though I know that you can never really tame an animal that is so instinct driven, I want a monitor that has a naturally calm demeanor. Thanks in advanced.

None.

I've been hearing that alot lately.

Monitor keeping is a labor of love and patience. Some species have reputations of being more wary than others but all in all they never really become tame, at least not by the dictionary definition of the term. Of course people have a way of defining things according to what pleases them personally.

Some monitors can become somewhat tractable, but only if they are given the upper hand, and interaction happens on their terms, not necessarily those of their keepers. They have very good memories and don't soon forget being threatened by humans. They, as many wild animals, instinctually see humans as a threat to their survival. Repeatedly grabbing them from the cage and force handling will only reinforce this instinct. Slowly allowing them to become used to human presence, at the same time allowing them to learn to equate us with food is the key. Even then, individual monitors vary, even amongst the same species as far as this goes and some will always see humans as a threat.

Well said Roger. Been awhile.

I would go with ackies as a first monitor.
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www.frogfreaks.com

Howdy Tommy!

Yes, long time no hear from!

Yeah, I can't get on septiczone anymore. I guess the frog noobs don't like the truth. I lurk on John A.'s site and on here alot, but most of my time has been on my site and dealing with my frogs and toads. You catch the lace hatchlings I posted on John's?
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www.frogfreaks.com

Thank you. I really appreciate your explanation.

I would get a savannah if I was you. They are mid size and pretty calm for monitors. I have 2 savs and they never attempted to bite or tail whip. You mite want to purchase a baby I think thats a good way to start.

Can we see some pictures of your savs and their enclosures please?
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www.frogfreaks.com

I dont know how to add it here but I do have some pics in the gallery. I also have 2videos on youtube

This is a great question. I have been reading many different things. It seems that Black Throats, White Throats, Savs, and Waters seem to be what everyone says is the greatest if you want a big monitor. If you where going to go that route. I wanted to see what people thoughts on this was. I hear in this forum all the time that you can not tame a monitor, however I read diffrently on many sites. Now is that just a ploy to sell those or is it true? I think Tame also means you can work with? Am I wrong?
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0.2 Rotts
1.0 Super Tiger
1.0 Amel Retic
0.1 Ball Python
0.1 Red Tail
0.1 Blood Python
1.0 Green Ananconda
1.0 Emerald Tree Boa

Are you using sand as a substrate?
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www.frogfreaks.com

yeh got alil top soil mixed in it. Works pretty good

It doesn't look like it would hold a burrow very well. But it could just be the pics.
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www.frogfreaks.com

I've read that a "tame" monitor in some cases is an unhealthy monitor. I definitely don't want that, I'm just looking for one that will be calm around humans and not try to tear me apart every time I try to clean it's cage.

the word tame means different things to different people. some hate the word, but i understand what you are asking, and there is indeed an answer.

Blackthroats make the best large monitor from a handling standpoint. Waters can also become quite tractable, typically. Niles do not, typically. Argus are on the big side of medium, and while not aggressive, are so active and strong feeders that they would NOT fall into the same class.

i sell 10 Waters for every Blackthroat i sell. i wish it was the other way around, the Blackthroat/Ionides is a better choice for most most in a large monitor, my #1 recommended choice overall for a large monitor.

but a tame monitor is not a tame puppy dog.
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robyn@proexotics.com

Pro Exotics Reptiles

So whats your thoughts on the white throats?
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0.2 Rotts
1.0 Super Tiger
1.0 Amel Retic
0.1 Ball Python
0.1 Red Tail
0.1 Blood Python
1.0 Green Ananconda
1.0 Emerald Tree Boa

I wouldnt expect any different temperaments from a white to a black.