Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey all,
I'm moving to Florida right after X-mas, which means I may finally be able to get a monitor. I have kept a huge amount of reptiles before of many different species and I have kept several Tegus as well. I have had my eye on monitors for some time now, but living in Maine makes that hard in 2 ways. First off, we're not legally allowed to keep Monitors here without a permit, which they usually refuse to issue unless its for a good cause. And its so cold here, you need quite a set up to keep em warm all year round. I've always wanted to get one, but I'd rather keep it outside as much as possible. I know the laws are a little more lenient in Florida and I would like to get either a Black or Brown Rough Neck Monitor. I've done loads of research on them, but I want peoples opinions on which is better. I want to build maybe an arboreal cage for a single specimen. Which would benefit more from an arboreal cage? And, disregarding cost, where should I order one from? I was thinking that since I would be in Florida, I could just go to the Daytona show, but I dont know if I'd trust getting a monitor from a vendor I havn't bought from before. So, if ya'll could give me your opinions, that'd be great,
Thanks in advance
Kris

Well I live in Florida and keep all kinds inside and out. Realy depends on where in Florida you are moving. Winters can be deadly around Dec.-Feb. I have to use tarps and extra heat on my outdoor enclosers. And dont design an arboreal cage as both of those monitors will spend just as much time if not more digging a burrow. So make something that gives them all options. Dont believe all the books you read most of the writers have never been in the field to see what they are writing about.. Give them alot of choices and you will see what I mean.
Good Luck, Robert