Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi All,
I have experience with Argentine Black and White Tegu but recently been interested in Monitors.
From what I have gathered, it seems that Savanna's, Rough Necks and Water Monitors seem to have the better dispositions over all or that is what a couple experts told me. I am sure there are exceptions but wanted to hear from some experienced owners on some of the more possible tamer species. Also, as far as Water Monitors what are classified as (Sumatran)?
Another quick question;
I assume Savanna's are prone to the fate of the Green Iguana, whereas they are priced so low, that many misguided people give up on them when they get to big and feel they are not worth the trouble and expense. would that be a safe assumption?.....never mind I think I know the answer to that
Thanks in advance, Steve

>>Another quick question;
>>I assume Savanna's are prone to the fate of the Green Iguana, whereas they are priced so low, that many misguided people give up on them when they get to big and feel they are not worth the trouble and expense. would that be a safe assumption?.....never mind I think I know the answer to that
>>Thanks in advance, Steve

Well Steve,

I posted this question last month and got a resounding yes. I am now getting several savy calls per week along with the iguana calls. No clue where I am going to go with them. But yes they are the new iguana in my opinion.
-----
Cindy
PHFaust

Email Cindy

Land of the Outcasts!

Hi,
I have a Tegu and a Savanna monitor, the monitor is a great pet, but not for the beginer. As with all reptile you alway have to watch your pet, monitors alittle more. Thay are quite aggressive at feeding time and can mistake your hand for food. You just take precautions to prevent that from happening. Just like snakes you can feed them in a different cage or just put them on the floor to eat(food first). The only resons people get rid of larger reptiles is thay get to large or thay just don't have the time for them any more to keep up with their care. Lots of TLC and thay make great pets.

1.0 savanna monitor
1.0 tegu
1.1 bearded dragon
1.0 uromastic
1.2 iguanas
1.0 ball python

Hi,
I appreciate your answer – thanks!
I have lots of Large Cyclura Iguana's (5 feet) and breed ABW Tegu. (4.5 feet)
Do you know about the temperament of Rough Necks and Asian Water Monitors? I have heard them and the Savanna’s are among the best. Feeding in another area or enclosure is something I am use to already. I keep and breed Argentine Tegu (currently 11) I have heard bad news about Columbian Tegus' so with some 50 animals breeding here, including snakes, I have managed to have tame animals and would like to continue that trend. We sell our animals as tame as they have all been handled frequently before selling and most are young but from hand tame adults.
I guess my main question is.
Do Savanna Monitors, Asian Water Monitors and Rough Neck Monitors have the best temperament as far as Monitors go in general? I have heard this to be true from a breeder friend of mine but wanted to ask around to be certain. I do realize they are individuals and some can be nasty from hatch till death but there are averages in temperaments in most reptile species and I am wondering peoples experience with these particular ones.
Thanks Steve - Big Cage Reptiles
PS I do realize that Savanna Monitors are just behind Iguana’s, as the number one lizard given up for adoption. I have talked to a lot of inexperienced people and some still think if you keep a reptile in a small cage they won’t grow. How on earth that bad info has existed since the 1950’s I have no idea!!!…uggggggggggggg The sad part is if, someone pays $200.00 for a lizard instead of $30.00 they are more likely to find out how to care for them. If the Green Iguana cost $500.00 you would see a lot more healthy Iguana's I am sure.