Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've been debating on getting one of the larger monitor types. The main thing that has been plaguing my mind is the difference between captive/pet and wild specimens of the same species. Generally the captive/pet monitors usually look overweight and pudgy(sorry for the lack of descriptive wording) while in the wild they retain a more sleek, or trimmed look. I understand that in captivity they're probably getting all they need sustenance-wise and then some. Is this just the norm? or can someone give me a few pointers on how to avoid the pudgy-overweight thing without skimping on their food? (Food-wise mind you, I already understand that they'd need frequent handling/exercising/playtime)

I think good ambient cage temps are a must along with a proper hotspot, keep in mind the adult size of the monitor and make sure you give them enough cage space to really get as much activity going as possible. Also a big fear people have almost to an anxiety level is worring to much about their monitor eating. A monitor eating is very important but it doesnt have to prove its eating everyday, that is what can make them obese. Every 3rd day seems to be a good thing for my adult dwarfs unless a female is cycling or raising up babies would be the exception. Most people I have seen with the larger monitors keep them in a very dull to small cage setting, monitors are highly intellegent and curious, the more wood,rocks, climbing areas you can give them will get them interested in exploring and help keep them active, for a larger species of monitor this could be a challenge with available space. For some of the species that like to dig a good dirt depth can entertain them for hours. Good luck
Robert Sutton

Obesity in monitors is definitely a problem. From over feeding and feeding fatty foods. They are always hungry so people think thats means they can always feed them. I feed some of my monitors 2 days a week, maybe 3 days on some weeks. And my black tree monitor I only feed 1 day a week, and it is very healthy, its actually a little thicker than a lot of the tree monitors i see. Its just really important to know what a healthy monitor looks like and what to feed it. If you do your research ( I mean read A LOT) and dont cut corners youll be fine.

Good post. I have no idea who started the whole feed them every day or every other day method. Feeding a monitor a properly sized food item every 5 days is more then enough to grow them properly and once they are an adult to keep them healthy.I've said it before here and on the python forums the point is not to grow your animals as big as you can as fast as you can.
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"We don't inherate the earth from our parents, we borrow it from our children"