Reptile & Amphibian Forums

hi! I'm looking to get a monitor and have been doing lots and lots of research. For part of that process I wanted to here from you guys who own Waters, you know, pros and cons you have experienced with your own, good stories, personality types ect. anything you might think of interest, ecpect for repeated warnings about cost and handling, I have been doing my homework about that. Now I just want to hear about personal stories with these amazing animals. Thank you SO much for your time if you choose to respond.
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I've owned three. They all currently still reside in 12'x 20' outdoor enclosure in Southern Florida. (I had to relocate a few years back so my buddy is housing them for now). The male is well over 6'. Two were purchased as sub adults, one as a hatchling.

All three of them had different personalities, from shy to mellow to completely agro. I've known several that were so shy that it took years before they were comfortable even feeding in front of a human. It's an individual thing when it comes to personalities (as I'm now learning with my Ionides).

Check out www.cybersalvator.com for some good water monitor info. Your best bet is to start with the best (a captive bred baby). It will cost you some up front, but it's gonna cost you alot in the long run no matter what with waters.

Be ready to get sprayed, scratched, whipped, and bitten.

Just my two cents. Good luck, and keep researching.

I've had a few over the years and none EVER got tame like I hear stories about.All of mine were female(I don't know if males are different).They weren't aggressive,but all stayed VERY skittish.Remember,with their long necks they can turn and bite even when being restained.The bites I received were no where near as painfull as a Sav or Blackthroat bite though.The only tame water I ever saw was a guy in D.C. that had a 142lb./8' male that he raised from a baby.It was tame and HUGE!Just my experiences.

I have 1 that I kept in 6'X5'X2' Rubbermaid Shed with shelves. Everyday, I have to clean his waste of the floor and his water container. The odor greeted my everyday I returned home from work. He/She, after 6 months in captivity is still trying to flee despite my daily 15 minutes handling.
However, the joy of being able to observed this BEAUTIFUL creature far out weight the day maintenance required.

Hi
I don't own a water, I am just sharing a pic of one playing with a dog toy. This was a 5 foot female.

Though it ate, it was not given a proper basking spot. It now resides in a freezer, last I heard. D.

if given the proper care and a big enclosure with nice dirt sub to dig, an ample basking spot and etc..... water monitors will just do fine... don't forget variety in diet....lot's of luck!