Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi Clints, In my responce to your ackie question, I mentioned I had a female red ackie down, here is the result(pic).

I am sad to say, I have been neglecting some of my smaller monitors. This female use to lay 9 to 15 eggs per clutch. This time, she laid 6. She has not laid in two years.

I have been very curious as to what effects neglect has on montiors. In nature, their lifes are often exposed to bad(drought or extented droughts). I wondered what it took and how full of a comeback could they make.

So far, I do not think they can make a full comeback. But at least I am back to giving them some effort. Please, this was not a voluntary thing. After 13 years of working hard with them, i needed a break. Thanks FR

I "see" your point. I still have my fingers crossed as to weather
I have a opposite sexed pair. I guess I'll have to wait and "see"
In the mean time I'll gain the necesary hands on experience, Its a little frustrating in the begining. I have the basic husbandry down, its the species specific experience which is lacking. Nice pics though, Clint

Most of this stuff is not species specific, its basic across the board understanding.

To think you have the husbandry down is what kinda bothers me. Whether you have lots of experience or not, the results always reflects the quality of your husbandry. As I mentioned, I do not treat ackies the same as I did many years ago.

In the first few years I was their slave, attending their every need. I no longer do that. Of course I know what is required to breed them(husbandry) I bred them for over a decade, the difference was applying it or not. That is husbandry, to apply conditions, not know or think you know what good husbandry is.

This aspect is the only thing I feel is different with monitors, then other types of reptiles, while they are surely eaiser to breed, they simply need more attention and do not follow a standard protocal. That is, you have to say on your toes, as they have a real wide set of rules. What requires them to be successful, changes as they mature.

Monitors seem to require social attention, which changes at all times, as opposited to a physical setup. That is, a cage that works at one time, may not work the next, etc.

So please, let the results of your efforts tell you how good it is. FR

If through my various posts, you suspect an error on my part, feel free to correct. As that is why I'm here. When I say basic husbandry I mean temps, food, housing. I understand there is more to it than this and that is why I post and read. I have the time, patience and interest too pursue the hobby. Fear not FR, monitors are good teachers and I'm an attentive student. I expect failures, as that is part of the hobby. Seems to me even if you do everything right as you see it, you can still fail. AS I'm sure you as pioneer know all to well. Where you have errored, maybe you can help others avoid those pitfalls. Thanx for the input, Clint

Those are not for me to say, they are between you and your monitors. If they are doing exactly like you want, then you are perfectly right. But if not, then your wrong.

The problem with monitors is, what controls them is more mental the physical.

The social events are indeed mental, and being so can change with the conditions or can change for no apparent reason.

I find it handy to not know anything, just react to them and hope for the best. FR