Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've kind of been toying with the idea of picking up a Blackthroated monitor that they have for sale at the petstore here. I haven't actually measured him, but I'd put him between 3 and 4 feet.

This thing isn't exactly tame either. I also haven't tried to reach in and touch it. But he CLAIMS that if he picks it up (With a firmer grip, so he can't turn and bite, should he get the urge) it won't even open it's mouth or tail whip. I've tamed quite a few animals down, but I think this may be a bit of a challenge.

Would you think this would be kind of a hopeless venture? Or are blackthroats just that easy to tame?

(He also wants $400 for it. Not sure how that price matches up against other adult blackthroats.)

And if you're feeling generous, I have another question. Could you list some monitors where the latin name begins with F? V. F(fillintheblank). If it helps any, they're fairly brightly colored (Lots of yellow) and the owner originally thought they were Gould's, but was told they aren't. Now he wants to figure out what they are. (I'm going to try to get pictures to post later.)

don't jump into that $400 "deal" too quickly. you would be better off starting with a baby, odds are strong that the adult you are looking at is wc. you can even pick up one of our adults (including some great captive bred animals) that we recently sold on the monitor classifieds here, i believe Underground Reptiles is selling them, and at a great price.

we had over 15 breeder size animals, and we tightened it up to one really nice group, freeing up those other animals.

of course, i would still recommend starting with a baby. Ionides are great monitors, might as well start it the best way possible!
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robyn@proexotics.com

Pro Exotics Reptiles

Yeah, it wasn't something I was going to jump in to too quickly. Being jobless means spending $400 on a lizard is more of a fantasy (Although I should be starting a job with in a week or two.)

I'm just wary of purchasing online since I've had a few bad times with it. (Being ripped off once, and a DOA (Although that was involving tarantulas, which aren't quite as hearty as a lizard.)

One last question, since you're replying. I was looking at your site, and being some what of a monitor newbie, I noticed you had two seperate versions of Ionides. Are the Blackthroats and the 'plain' Ionides just different colors?

Ionides is (sort of) the scientific name for Blackthroat, they are the same thing.

as for buying online, you have access to the best monitor folks in the country that way, no pet store can even remotely compete with that. it is about making smart choices, and working with a reputable company. you get what you pay for, and deal with a professional, you should be fine.
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robyn@proexotics.com

Pro Exotics Reptiles

n/p
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VARANUS CREATIONS

Breeders and Hobbyists of Pilbara Rock Monitors, Kimberly Rock Monitors, Red Ackies, Argus, Argus x Flavi crosses, Gouldi x Flavi crosses, Argus x Gouldi x Flavi crosses, Jungle Carpet Pythons, Bredl's Pythons, Dunn's Pythons, Western Hognose Snakes, South American Boas, Atheris Squamiger, Leopard Geckos and rare Spiders.