Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi,

I would like to surprise my boyfriend and buy him a monitor for his birthday.

He currently has several ackies and I know he is on the prowl for something new. I think this will be a nice surprise

I'm not that familiar with monitors and thought I could get some suggestions from the experts

I believe he was once looking for something that did not exceed 4-5 feet. Personally, I would like to get him something that isn't to aggressive (e.g. nile monitors, he's not ready yet).

Your suggestions would be greatly appreciated...

Thanks,

Susan P.

p.s. I don't think he's a fan of the tegus...not sure though

I think you should get him something from the gouldii complex a flavi is nice and so are the goulds argus, but they are a bit testy you can get him a flavi cross and they are not as pricy as full flavis or goulds try reaching Frank Retes over at goanna ranch his contacts are at varanus.net

hope this helps

i think the best choice would be one that your husband is closely involved with. monitors are very cool animals, but they vary quite a bit.

some monitors really turn the crank for one guy, and completely underwhelm (or overwhelm) another. with the choices and qualities available, you are much more likely to make a bad "blind" choice than a good one.

make up a cool "certificate for a monitor" (use crayons, make it like 3rd grade style ) and give him that, and then participate in the selection and purchase. i think you will BOTH enjoy that process, and the end result will be closer to ideal

best of luck!
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robyn@proexotics.com

Pro Exotics Reptiles

Before the purchase and before you bring them home. Besides you might buy something big and his reaction might be "but honey, thats why I had ackies before, I dont have room for something that big". Id discuss it with him and offer to help pay a certain amount of the price, besides he might want a species you wouldnt think he likes. I think youd want to be involved with him picking it out and paying for/ or helping with the price, after all they arent something you suprise someone with, they take alot of time etc, you could retire before the monitor you buy dies.

Another issue to consider is how well you can pick out a monitor. If you don't know much about them, you might pick the wrong individual monitor, even if you pick the right species. If he knows monitors he is likely going to make a better choice in all respects. I'd definitely go with the "gift certificate" style idea as suggested by the others.

Cheers,
Dave