Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a male green tree monitor, originally wild caught, that seems to be very picky. I've read that they should have a mostly insect-based diet, but this guy would much rather eat mice. I've tried silkworms, supers, and crickets. He'll eat them once in a while, but he never eats very many. I've tried holding off on the mice for a while, and he still didn't want the insects. Should I just give in and throw him a fuzzy once or twice a week? Or should I keep trying to find an insect he will eat? If I go to a mostly rodent diet, how often should I feed? Any other ideas?

Most montiors love roaches. I know mine do. Mike Stefani sells a few different kinds. They are easy to keep to and they breed like crazy so you can have your own colony of feeders. Go to the feeder classifieds or the link at the top of the page to find him.
Hope that helped.

Mike S

Not yet, but I've been thinking about it. My husband's not thrilled with the idea of having roaches in the house, but I've been thinking about picking up just a few to see if any of my lizards like them. Does any one know if Mike Stephani has a table at the Streamwood, IL swap?

Yes,
a majority of Green tree monitors (V. prasinus) diet are walking sticks (Phasmatids), katydids, and rodents too - bottom line is: if it is eating you've won half the battle, so feed him what he will eat. Offer him other things to eat, and if he does, great, but as long as he is eating, he is far better off doing that

Good Luck,
mbayless