Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Ive had a young savannah monitor for about 3 months now and he is still very aggresive and mean when it comes to handling him/her. I try to handle him each day for decent amounts of time but still he hisses and whips and occasionally snaps at me anytime im around. any tips on this would be greatly appreciated THANKS!!!

Patience is the key. When you handle him, do you hold him? It may sound funny but I am having a great deal of success with my nile monitor because I don't hold him and confine his movements. Let him climb on you, go hand to hand, etc. Other tips I would suggest is do not put him back in the tank/cage when he bites or whips you. I tend to pick my monitor up when he is sleeping or preoccupied. If I dilly-dally and let him prepare, then he defends himself. Good luck I hope I may have been of help.

First of all, I am no expert. I can only reply with what works for me.I have 2 young savannahs, one was a rescue. When I first got Smaug he was abused and in bad shape, so bad that once he started eating and moving around I wanted to throw a party. He was real skittish. When I first started handling him I always made it a pleasent experience, like a soak in the tub, followed buy a soft rub with a old work glove while he sat on my lap.When I put him up he had a treat waiting for him, like a pinky or some worms. I never, ever take them out of their hide. I've also noticed they freak out a little if i come from above, so I let them see me coming and pick them up from the side, if they run I just leave them alone. Sometimes Smaug looks like he wants me to pick him up. Monitors are smart animals, mine are smart amd spoiled.

Scott
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Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and taste good with ketchup.