Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I would like to acquire another small monitor species, currently having ackies. I am interested in getting opinions from keepers of either of these and how they compare or contrast to the ackies. Any personal experiences would be welcome as well as opinions on either. There is not a lot of information out there about these species, just some very general info with pictures. I know the Storr's is the smaller of the two, caging and feeding requirements, but not much on personality or longevity. If anyone has any sites or books that are more detailed, let me know. Thanks in advance.
Pam

I don't know of any good books yet that you can read about the freckleds. My freckled seems about as active as my ackie, however I treat him slightly different. I have a couple hides that are different, the freckled likes his vertical hide, and his top of the cage hide. It stops him from doing ... this..

Here it is.

Thanks for sharing your picture. Both the Storr's and Freckleds are fairly close in price, but I still have not gotten any real information from keepers of either species. Is one calmer than another? If I would ever decide to have a pair, should a pair be bought together initially? One person told me that the Storr's were very agressive to cage mates and that if I ever was thinking about having a breeding pair to buy them as babies at the same time. Another person said that was not true. So I am no further along than I was yesterday. Thanks again.

Pam

Hey pam,

I had the option to get a pair of storrs a little while ago, but decided not to because several people told me their experiences with them being very aggressive. I just talked to somebody just the other day, and he has seen cagemates dismember one another. Despite if these allegations are true, I decided to pass on them, despite their calm nature(to people) and their dimminutive size.

I do keep freckleds and blackheads, and while they are not as friendly as my ackies; they are quite laid back. I do not pick them up, but they will venture onto my hand and arm while feeding or cleaning. They are a very active and inquisitive species, with most being absolutely gorgeous. I have seen integrades between the two subspecies and am not impressed. I would recommend either freckleds or blackheads for your next monitor.

As for literature, I remember there being a decent article several years back on the captive care and breeding of Freckled Monitors. I cannot remember which year, issue, or author, but maybe there is an article index on their website. Check that out. Hope this helps a little, take care, happy hunting..

bob
The Odatriad

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www.geocities.com/odatriad

Thanks so much Bob. I am not saying I would want a pair, but to know up front that there could be real serious problems if I would want to go that route is another issue. I realize that not all introduced pairs of any species will get along, but it seems that the Storrs may be particularily aggressive towards one another, I have now told that by a few people. The only person who said it would be no problem was someone who wanted to sell me a lone male. LOL How are your eggs doing? Hope to see some posts of your little hatchlings in the future!

Pam

Hey pam,

My eggs are doing fine, I guess...there hasn't been any change in color, but they are growing slightly in size and weight. My female is gravid right now and is due to lay her 2nd clutch within a month any day now.. Boy are these things randy!!! Anyways, tata for now,

bob

The Odatriad

-----
www.geocities.com/odatriad

Hi Pam,

Sorry I wasn't much help. Unless someone else is trying to sell you a lone male Storr's monitor, I guess your talking about me? You seem to have misunderstood what little info I gave.

Lou~

Hi Lou...
I was referring to you when you told me of their cage mate aggression, then another person who had one said he had not had any problem with cage mate aggression and then Bob said he had been told exactly the same thing that you told me about cage aggression. As I said, not much info on them, so I am not too much ahead. Thanks for the input, everything is appreciated.

Pam