Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have been doing much research on the care of these animals and would like any tips or advice when getting into tree monitors. I have had a blue tailed monitor for over 10 years along with a number of other reptiles so I am not complteley new to the subject. Also, if I plan on eventually having a pair is it imperative to introduce them at the same time? Are there many breeders on this thread?

I would probably introduce the female into the cage and let her settle in, make sure you have 2 good basking sites for a pair so there is little problem for them to get some distance between themselves and bask at the same time. And have a good nesting box with a good range of temps into the substrate. I had a female V. Kordensis and a Male V.Prasinus together, and keep in mind they use to be one in the same species not to long ago and the Kordensis was referred to as the fish net pattern GTM. As I am not a fan of mixing species however I was shipped a Kordensis instead of a GTM female and had no choice for a short time anyway. The pair did copulate and the female did lay one egg on 2 occasions but not in her nest box and the eggs were not any good. The big thing about the GTM females is they get really aggressive toward the male after laying eggs. I noticed this on both occasions and couldn't believe my eyes. I first heard some rustling in the cage and what I observed with the female was she was pursuing the male who was hiding or trying to hide under some cork flats. I spoke to Mike S. who had the same experience with black tree monitors, I took his advice and pulled the male for 2-3 weeks and reintroduced him and they were fine until 6 months later when another egg was discovered. The reason I would first let the female get settled in is to give her time to adjust and discover the nest box, females get the raw deal of having to form and lay eggs in an environment that is not natural to them so I would think there stress levels are at greater risk. Males are happy campers with food,heat,water and some hides. Good luck, they are a cool species and if you can get some babies to work with they get dog tame. There is a video on youtube.com that shows a very tame specimen actually following its keeper all around the house and even outdoors, very amazing to see.
Bob

Thank you for the response. I will definitely keep all of what you said in mind. Breeding them isn't a huge must for me but if I end up with a compatible pair then that would be great. There is a blue tree for sale locally and is surprisingly healthy for the small cage it is in and I would like to bring it home and give it a nicer sized home. The only problem is they have had it for 4 years and got it as a wild caught juvie. Being that they only have a lifespan of 10-15 years how much would you say is reasonable to pay for it? Their asking proce is $800 but I really don't want to go near that price for a wild caught of that age. What would be a fair offer? Sorry for the long post.

4yr old WC juvie is not so old, heck if it lives 10-12 yrs that means you are doing a wonderful job as most captives dont see those ages by the general public type keepers. You would have also learned alot about monitors by keeping it that long. Seems 2 yrs of age is just reaching young adulthood. Its nice to get a LTC as its more assuring then buying any fresh imports, some or any of the parasite issues have been dealt with and its a stable specimen to start with. It is a buyers market right now and normally 800 doesnt sound bad but if you make an offer for 500 and give it some time maybe they will consider a counter offer or just give it to you for 500 if they need the cash and have other plans? You can always offer more if they refuse. Good luck
Bob

I agree with Bob. If its 5 years old and in good health as is, I think you've got a pretty good chance if your husbandry is right. 800 is the usual market price for a fresh WC, of course its always worth the try to negotiate. If you could talk them down to 600, that'll be a good deal in my eyes.

It sounds to me that you've got a good shot, so go for it.

Good luck!
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Jason

Thanks for the replies, I will certainly take the advice. I think I will make an offer of $600 although I don't think he'll take it but its worth a try and a starting point to see where he's at.

I offered $600 and he said he could do $700... I think I'm going to check it out in person again and offer 650 or 675, if he doesn't take then then I'll have to deal with 700. I don't think I'll see much better than that at any upcoming reptile expos. I can't make it to the Hamburg, PA show on the 26th or else I'd wait and see whats there.

Good to hear, 700 is reasonable for a blue tree in good health.

Again, good luck! And I would love to see pictures if you do get him.
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Jason