Reptile & Amphibian Forums

There is a nile at the Local Pet shop. It seems almost lethargic. I was told that I could get a heck of deal on it. Is it worth trying to bring it back? I just love niles, and this one happens to be a very bright colored one almost glows with yellow. It would be my first nile. I am sure most will think this a bad idea. I know I could give it a much better home. You can almost go in a just pick him up, but he still has a little puff little in him. Very Sad to me.

The decision is obviously up to you.
Have you had other monitors before? Are you familiar with their
husbandry and requirements? Niles & Ornates need lots of space,
heat, humidity and food along with time and dedication.
A healthy Nile can grow to 4' in it's first year under the right
conditions.
To me the Nile sounds ill. MOST healthy Niles, especially a recently collected animal should be very alert, nervous, flighty,
and/or defensive. I am guessing here because no details of it's
history were given - like was it a trade in? If so that may explain it's apparent relaxed demeanor.?
Also, if temps are too low that will cause it to become less active.
If it is a recent WC then it is probably ill and the shop owner
knows this, hence the reduced price. It could have a respiratory infection or digestive tract infection. RI's will
cause labored breathing or squeaking sounds when breathing and
plugged nostrils. The nostril area she be clean - no crust or anything seeping out. Gaping, or breathing with open mouth is also an indicator of both infection types. Both types require
antibiotics to rid the animal of infection. A vet visit would
be imperative.
As I mentioned, more details would help.
Good luck!
E

Temps dont know. It has eco earth and basking light with a large water dish. I am going into tomorrow to see if it will eat, the owner said it was. Yes I am pretty sure it was a trade in, the store owner does not keep any niles/waters in stock. I am trying to see if she will just let me take it home. Yes other monitors, ackies and argus. This would be my first nile or monitor this big. I have built a large cage for the argus so I figure I could the same or buy a water tank. But first would be to get it healthy. I am going to examine and go from there. I have a good local vet for reps so I will take it in and see what he thinks. I have been around niles large and small and this one does not act like them.

Sounds like it may not be warm enough.?
Hopefully it just needs some heat and the proper conditions to bring it around.
Your description makes it sound fairly good sized, it should
definitely pound down a few mice or rats given it has a normal,
healthy appetetite.
Keep us posted and send or post some pix if you pick it up
Best regards,
E

Ya, I am going to pick it up, hopefully for free. I am going to start it off in a 6x3 trough and go from there. It is in the 3ft range. Hopefully heating it up will bring it back.

Thanks

Did you get the nile? If so, post some pix!