Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello,

Im looking to purchase a new reptile and i really want a monitor. Ive been doing my research and these are some general (not absolute of course) conclusions i have drawn from reading FAQs from reputable breeders, forums, and various other online postings.

Niles look super badass but from what i hear can have the temper and size to match.

Ackies are easy to work with and have great personalities but are small and arent going to scare off your neighborhood [bleep]zu if you catch my drift.

Now, obviously there are exceptions to these assumptions but thats pretty much what i gathered from my online research about the two basically opposite ends of the monitor spectrum (if i am wrong correct me). I know i have the time, dedication and financing to care for a medium to large monitor so i dont believe that will be an issue. I am also aware that every animal including monitors has its own personality and must be treated accordingly so i am fully prepared to let my new lizard alone if that is what must be done.
However, from what ive researched some species have a higher propensity to exhibit certain traits and behaviors.

So i guess what Im looking for an lizard that with proper husbandry, typically can be handled has medium size, and can also great to display.

What are a few species of monitor that might fit this description?

Also any other advice regarding purchasing a new monitor would be much appreciated.

I don't know of any mid size monitor that is great for handling. Roughnecks are cool, but not to be handled. Peachies are cool but don't like handling.

You want a giant lizard, get a Blackthroat, you want the best overall captive monitor, get an Ackie.

The Ackies make for a great and rewarding captive species.
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robyn@proexotics.com

ShipYourReptiles.com
Pro Exotics Reptiles

I think im gonna try to find a good babie mangrove or a babie timor. They have great pattern and are more of a challenge than the ackie which is what im Looking for.

Does anyone know of a website that sells captive bred mangroves?

What exactly do you mean by more of a challenge? A challenge might be fun for you, but not for the monitor.

Dont be so quick to judge. I just meant i want a rewarding animal. That s why i am asking questions and for help and seeing whats out there so i can make an informed choice. Is it impossible for an experienced reptile keeper's first monitor to be something other that a savannah or an ackie? Im willing to do what it takes to raise and keep a monitor.

Can i ask what was your first monitor? was it challenging taking care of it?

I wasnt judging. Thats why I asked, instead of just lecturing about it. My first was a sav, and it was very challenging. When I first got it I didnt quite realize how different you had to keep them from other lizards. Luckily I stumbled upon some great info on care very soon after getting him.

I was just curious about what you meant. Some people want to challange, as in something hard for them to care for, and that can end up very badly for the animal.

Im looking forward to learning more thanks for the heads up. Ive kept snakes and other lizards all my life and i cant wait to work with a monitor they certianly sound like great reptiles. Ill be sure to post pictures when i finally get one.

well mind you this is my advise and advise is what it is monitors are a highly intelligent reptile and with care proper handling taming is easily achieved now with that said the tree monitors are a interesting way to go and they are quite loving and fairly easy to tame ackies the choice for beginners because if you make a mistake they adapt well now for the larger guys mangroves ornates and salvators are my suggestion ive had salvators and they are probably my fave out of the large guys because of the tameness they reach because of proper handling but please not i use the word tame loosely there is no such thing as a tame pet only a tolerant so it is up to you to provide what it takes to expose your pet but my suggestion would be to talk to people who breed them see what the wild type is first hand so you can see how nasty they can be because a tail whip to the face sucks take it from me my ziggy was a older un handled male 2.5 years of age when i got him it took me months just so he would let me pet him took me a year to get him to let me walk him on a leash with out him trying to run and the first time me and him was outside was the most rewarding thing i ever experienced but with the bites tail whips and the clawing looking back if i had to do it again yes i would but most people of sound mind wouldnt lol yeah im a lil nuts but dont ever and i do mean ever buy a animal off impulse learn build and imagine both good and bad before you buy anything because there is nothing nastier than a pissed off 6ft monitor ask anyone who knows
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2 triple het sharps m/f who are the ones who started this mess with me(joking)
1 motley with attitude awesome girl
1 sharp anery albino awesome girl
1 ghost f
1 awesome jungle het anery m
2 t-pos hypo het bloods m f
1 t-pos het blood f
hmmmmmm wonder what im up to lmao and I owe it all to my friends thanks to Reptile Shop Jeff Ronne and Albert
1 fridge with beer in it who's coming over lol