Hello I am new to monitor lizards as pet but I've had a few reptiles as pets before. I was just wondering if anyone had any helpful guides to making a monitor lizard enclosures. I have in my room an available 7x4x7 space for an enclosure (left some moving around space) and in my garage pretty much anything goes. My garage gets pretty cold in the winter though so that is my biggest worry. I haven't decided on what kind of monitor lizard I want and I know that is important in making the enclosure. I don't really want an Ackies because they are too small for my liking and I don't really want a croc monitor sized one. All I know are the bosc monitors are medium sized and will probably be able to fit in my room. I'd like to know if their are any other medium sized monitors that I could look into getting. Thanks in advance and I know doing tons of research is required but I'm getting a headache running in circles and I just need a direction :>.
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Help needed in finding a direction
Replies (4)
Check out our site in the caresheet and FAQ section.
Get a copy of the Savannah Monitor book by Bennett and Ravi, it provides a solid husbandry foundation for any monitor species.
In our FAQ, monitor section, there is more info on trough setups and caging choices.
That should get you started. Best of luck!
Oh, and reconsider the Ackies, in a big way : )
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robyn@proexotics.com
Alright I'm going to be getting an Ackies Monitor lizard. Single one, maybe a trio. I looked up the websites and they where very informative but for the trough cages they all looked larger than what I was thinking of making for the smaller guys. I found this link to one http://www.redtailboa.net/forums/how-tos-tutorials/34837-melamine-4x2x2-plexi-door-front.html . It uses melamine and plexi glass but I was wondering since I'm new to this and all if melamine is any good compared to oak or other materials for cages.
I don't personally care for melamine.... It's basically pressed sawdust & glue between white plastic. There are worse materials of course but you have to consider the humidity levels you will have and how that will effect any press board materials.
Melamine is the worst possible material to use for a monitor cage. Why would you build a snake cage for a lizard in the first place though?
The troughs have a minimal depth to allow for a burrowable substrate. That is key to the success of captive lizards. Don't fight it, built with it : )
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robyn@proexotics.com
