Reptile & Amphibian Forums

After viewing several threads and seeing numerous "adult monitors for sale", i would like help from experienced keepers. I'm interested in getting a monitor, but i dont know which. Heres what i'm looking for; a monitor lizard that can be fed on rodents since i already raise my own for my large boids. Something that gets medium sized and not crazy like a nile monitor. any suggestions?

When you say "not crazy like a nile monitor" are talking about trying to take them out of their enclosure and hold them and stuff like that?

Monitors (like tree boas, which I am totally into) are best suited for keepers that like to set up an enclosure that meets all their needs and then to just get their joy and satisfaction just watching and observing them in their enclosure. Some open door interaction is great, but pulling them out for handling isn't recommended. My best Bud Mike let's his Peachies walk out onto his arm once in a while, but he never pulls them out for handling or free roaming or anything like that.

I love Amazon Tree Boas, they have a ton of "personality" and are a lot of fun, but if not respected they'll make you bleed.

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Mike Heinrich,
Mike@amazontreeboa.org
www.amazontreeboa.org

i was kinda vague on my request. I am looking for a monitor that i can get out and interact with a lil bit. I looked at asian waters but they get huge, and like i said i dont want to be a statistic. So with that said what are the suggestions.

Start from the bottom and work your way up. DO your research and brain storm on the ins and outs of owning a monitor(no matter what size).You have to take everything into consideration at this point before you buy anything. The things you have to think about would be space, money, time.There are other things that i cant think of right now but thats a good start. Remember that many keepers usuually do months or even years work of research before they ever go and perchase a monitor.There are a few sites you can hop on to find out all the info you need, from species of monitors all the way to housing them correctly.
I'd really recommend you start off w/ a small or dwarf monitor.
Readily CBB and much easier for you to manage.

If you want handling get a bearded dragon for exact results of what it sounds like you are looking for.

As far as monitors go an ackie is probably your best bet, or a savannah because they can take some abuse of a first time monitor keeper. if you are lucky you will get one you can decently handle but the majority of the time (true for most monitors) you will not be able to handle them like they are a dog or a cat or even a beaver. beaver handling.. Hm.

Ackies are expensive (around $200) but you will save more money in the long run seeing that they won't be needing 10 rats a week (to say the least) like a bigger monitor or an entire room size enclosure or 150 lbs of dirt every month.

I can tell you this from someone who is in the same boat. I have looked at everything, and just when you think you know and are ready to get one, you don't. I have looked at Peach Throats, Blue Tails, Ackies, White Throats, Black Throats, Waters, and on and on. Also looked at many dwarf monitors. Here is what I have conclusion I am coming to.

I thought I wanted one I could interact with, and same things you wanted, med sized, rodent eating. I figured out a white throat is the way to go. I thought I had it nailed and then thought of somthing else.

Well, now my thought is how often do I interact with my snakes, not all that much, so is that important. So now I say, I can go with a peach throat since I would rather just watch.

I have been on this cycle for over a year now. Take your time, people will always have things for sale.
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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

Hey buddy!
Considering everything you said I say look into getting a Tegu. I honestly think you'll be much happier with a Tegu than a monitor. "holygouda" can fill you in on the differences in relation to the concerns/desires you mentioned. Look for one of his posts and contact him. Tell him I sent ya. And if he gives you any lip, just let me know. Hahaha!!! Nah, he's a good guy.

Catch ya later!
Mike
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Due to political correctness run amuck,
this ol' hillbilly is now referred to as an:
Appalachian American

www.natures-signature.com