I have been thinking about a monitor for a while now and finally went through with it and built a cage, its 6' X 3' X3', made from melamine. I know basic husbandry techniques for keeping monitors as well. The tough part is trying to decide what kind to put in there! I really like the looks of the argus, but from reading all over it seems theyre pretty high strung. Is there any reason a beginner coulnt keep this as long as the animal was worked with a lot? I can get ahold of a CB baby.
If this isnt a good idea, is there a calmer monitor with the same body shape (Long neck/head)? I really don't like the way Savannahs, Black throats, etc heads are. My friend breeds Ackies, and they're great, but I would like something in the mid-sized range.
I know this was really long. Thanks for the help, whoever replies!
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Any suggestions for a first time monitor keeper?
Replies (5)
It seems to me you like the looks of the austrailian monitors(argus) or indo-pacific monitors(waters, mangroves, etc). I feel the same way. Since each species are one of a kind, it comes down to what you want. Do you want a monitor that needs 100% humidity? No humidity? http://www.varanus.net i think this site has some great info as well as pics on different monitor species to see what you like.
Another thing to think about is wc vs cb. All austrailian monitors are going to cb. You will be lucky to find some of the rarer asian monitors that are cb. good luck.
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If your argus turns out to be male, that enclosure will not suit it as an adult. Have you considered a pair of ackies?
That was what I was first interested in, until I saw a full grown adult.. I was kind of surprised how small they actually are. They are really nice though. I have been told there isn't really much in between as far as sizes go.. at least that's available in the US at a decent price I guess. I really would like something a bit larger than an ackie though..But of course I don't want to crowd the poor guy.
If this is your first monitor, you may be surprised at just how active they are. Then you'll understand what I mean about keeping a full grown argus in a 6x3x3 enclosure.
Maybe ackies are the way to go.. thanks for the help!
