Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm thinking on a second lizard and was considering a Collared lizard, but then got to researching other animals and wondered if I should get this over a Collared, Lacerta or BTS!

For me the decision is easy but chances are...if we have to convince you to want one, you probably shouldn't get one.

Monitors are my first choice of lizards to own(or any reptile for that matter), but they can also be a lot to handle. If you get one, make sure you have done your research and are properly prepared. Don't be that guy that just brings one home on a whim and finds it a new home within the year because you were ill prepared.

Its not a whim I've always wanted a Monitor but balked at size and temperment on many. I'm just getting some feedback on this animal compared to other choices! In terms of temperment and size dwarf monitors seem ideal.

Why are ackies prefered over other monitors.

You can read lots of care sheets and posts to see why this is. Size, cost, breeding and so on. Dwarfs are not for everyone, and neither are monsters. I have been in the same struggle as you going through from wanting the biggest to the smallest. Right now I am in the med range, wanting a white throat or sand monitor. It also depends on what you want to do with it. Just watch it, or take it out on occasion.

Everytime I want a water monitor I go and read Pro Exotics care sheet and say, ya not ready for that.

By asking people to convience you, sounds like your pushing yourself to buy one. This may not be the case, and you just needed a filter to your question.
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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

Not all dwarf monitors are ideal for everyone. I love all monitors and prefer the larger ones such as Argus, Goulds, tegu, black throat and more. Timor monitors are small but they are more flightly while ackies are social but they do require quite a space. I would not have an Ackie in no smaller than this 4'x2'x2' since ackies grow around 2 feet or smaller and very active compared to most of the other monitors. I would suggest you research more. I Have always wanted an Ackie and I still haven't owned one after several years of researching them due to their activity level that I feel that I won't be able to satisfy because I work all the time. This is my opinion

good luck

>>"I Have always wanted an Ackie and I still haven't owned one after several years of researching them due to their activity level that I feel that I won't be able to satisfy because I work all the time. This is my opinion">>

I fail to see the connection between the fact that you work all the time and a monitors need for activity. All a keeper need do is set them up with the proper environment. They really don't need any help to be active beyond that. They are naturally active when they are healthy and have ample space to move around along with some cage fixtures for climbing and such. They're not like apartment dogs who need taken for walks in order to get excercise. Large monitors are much more time consuming and keeper demanding than any dwarf species. I don't get it?

>>>>"I Have always wanted an Ackie and I still haven't owned one after several years of researching them due to their activity level that I feel that I won't be able to satisfy because I work all the time. This is my opinion">>
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>>I fail to see the connection between the fact that you work all the time and a monitors need for activity.
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Mike Heinrich,
Mike@amazontreeboa.org
www.amazontreeboa.org