Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have bought a new nile monitor.
He is farm-bred 2002 but he's very small, about 40 cm.
He looks good and is very active. He eats.
But does he eat enought?
He won't eat pinkies, grashoppers also not.
He will eat little pieces of mice and rats.
Everyday he eats about 2 pieces mice or rat, about the size of his head.
Is that enough?
Who can help me?
Greetz David

Sounds like its been enough to keep him alive. However is it your goal to just keep him alive, or have him grow to his potential, and live a life of sound health?

He should be eating mice and small rats at that age, and be much larger. Niloticus at 12- 18 months are commonly 5/6' , when kept in encolsure that allowe access to consistant heat/ food sources.

key factors...

1. Temp/ basking gradient, with MANY choices. (lows in 70s to highs near 160).

2. MANY hides in various temp ranges.

3. Regular feedings, based on animals appitite, body condition, and age.

4. Access to fresh water at all times.

5. A large enclosure that allows for proper air circulation AS WELL as maintaining proper humidity levels.

I know of a man who lost his entire WT collection due to having them in such airtight/ stagnent troughs, that they developed bacterial infections in their lungs. While proper humidity is important, fresh air is just as vital, but goes neglected many times.

Thanks for your reply.

He has eaten a bit more today. And the enclosure where he's in fits the required factors.
This is not my first nile monitor. And I know that he should be a lot larger for his age. But I think that he has been in a store for a very long time and that he's wasn't treated correctly there.
And of course my intension is that he will grow to his potential size and live a life of sound health.

Greetz david