I am in the market for a new monitor lizard. I have had Timors before but am looking for a monitor that is more active and not as docile as Timors, which are usually very shy. A type of monitor that is active, able to be handled and outgoing, not one that hides all day. The max size should be aroun 3.5 to 4 feet. If anyone could please steer me in the right direction towards a few differnet monitors that meet this description it would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
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Help me pick what monitor please!
ryanhayes96
Apr 07, 2009 01:16 AM
Replies (6)
robyn@ProExotics
Apr 07, 2009 11:25 AM
There are not a lot of choices, it doesn't work like that : )
Argus/Flavi family perhaps, but I wouldn't say, at all, that Argus enjoy handling. Active though. Really really active.
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robyn@proexotics.com
lwcamp
Apr 07, 2009 07:28 PM
>>I am in the market for a new monitor lizard. I have had Timors
>>before but am looking for a monitor that is more active and
>>not as docile as Timors, which are usually very shy. A type
>>of monitor that is active, able to be handled and outgoing,
>>not one that hides all day. The max size should be aroun 3.5
>>to 4 feet. If anyone could please steer me in the right
>>direction towards a few differnet monitors that meet this
>>description it would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
I would recommend looking into flavies. These are active, hardy, but handleable monitors. Males get around 3 feet, females are maybe 2 feet. They stay smaller than arguses, are not as high strung or in-your-face, but are still attractive and active.
(Also, despite Robyn's recommendation, all the adult male arguses I've had have exceeded 4 feet.)
You might also look into Dumeril's monitors. I have more limited experience with Dumeril's than I do with flavies, but those I've cared for (briefly) have been good natured animals although less active than flavies.
Savanna monitors, of course, meet your description as well.
(and Timors docile? Ha! They wriggle like demons to get away when handled, cutting your hand with the death of a thousand paper-cut like slices from their sharp little claws. I've never seen a more flighty or squirmy monitor except for perhaps Niles. I love mine, but I'd never describe them as docile.)
Best of luck,
Luke
drzrider
Apr 08, 2009 01:18 AM
Like Luke said, an adult male argus will not be much for holding. I could barely control mine when I moved him to a new enclosure last week. His tail is as thick as my arm with more muscle. Even the neck was hard to hold on to.
Dumerils can be great if you a proper enclosure. their main problem is the high humidity needed and that most are WC. They can be hard to acclimate. If you are lucky you can have one like this.
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Ed
robyn@ProExotics
Apr 08, 2009 01:22 PM
Argus are definitely on the large side of the medium species : )
More than a handful!
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robyn@proexotics.com
BSM
Apr 07, 2009 08:43 PM
If you some space you should consider argus, flavi or even crosses as rob said
bryan
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2.0 argus/flavi cross
0.1 flavi/argus/gouldi
0.1 Argus
0.0.2 savannahs
0.0.2 Argus
SHvar
Apr 08, 2009 01:54 AM
I have a flavi-argus cross, years ago FR used to suggest them as a great captive, I agree, they teach you what a monitor is and can be all about. Mine is like many, not handleable, and will chase you for food, or if they think you might have food, or even if you are too close and not paying attention.
Just watch any body parts that get too close, they like to taste things.
