Hey all,
I've heard a few say that ackies make for a better first lizard than say a bearded dragon or a gecko of some sort. But the general things I've heard about monitors are that they are more difficult to keep in general. I can't get anything big for quite some time but I wanted to have thoroughly researched my options (and be able to save up). So what are your thoughts? Ackies as a first lizard?
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Ackie as a first lizard
snaggle
Jan 29, 2010 10:47 PM
Replies (4)
grogansilver
Jan 30, 2010 02:36 AM
Ackies are the best monitors to keep if you just want to stay small. Then in the future you can try for a larger monitor if you have the room but i can tell you this, once you go for ackies you will always love them.
bhopp
Jan 30, 2010 09:07 AM
I don't think that they are better than a beardie or even a uro. I have a red ackie and 2 uros. If you have kids, the uros are the best choice in my opinion. They don't run really fast and my kids love to play with them. I put my hand in the uro tank and they actually climb onto my hand to come out. The ackie takes off as soon as you set him down and it can take awhile to catch him.
I recently got my ackie about a month ago. He was very shy at first and wouldn't come out unless I covered the cage glass door with a blanket, but he is starting to warm up a little bit and coming out more with the blanket off.
Good luck to you in whatever you choose.
SpyderPB6
Jan 30, 2010 04:44 PM
Keep in mind Monitors are highly individualistic (real word?). Not all are shy and vise versa, I have a male who loves to come out, even scratches for me to open the enclosure for him, while others are not so outgoing.
So, in short, not all Ackies will run from you. They all act different.
Cheers,
Mike.
robyn@ProExotics
Jan 31, 2010 01:55 AM
They aren't as easy as something like a leopard gecko, but for an overall lizard experience, I think they are the best choice. They make a really rewarding captive lizard experience.
They aren't "hard" to do, but you need to be prepared and keep them properly. If you are considering a monitor, get a copy of the Bennett and Ravi Savannah monitor book, available here on the classifieds, it has the most up to date captive monitor husbandry in print, and applies 95% to all monitor species. It will give you an excellent understanding of what is going to be needed for success.
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robyn@proexotics.com
