Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My new water monitor seems to be qute accustomed to his tank. He started eating the day after I got him but he won't eat in my presence and is quite shy. He will run away if I get too close to the tank. But otherwise he will explore it though he seems to favour hiding under his basking platform in the day (when he's not basking) and spends time in the water container at night (he seems to like sleeping there)

I've had him for almost a week now, Is it a good time to start handling him? and how should I start trying to handle him? Should I wear gloves too?

I have had lot of success by taking a small cotton glove or one that does not restrict the movement of your fingers and leaving it in the cage 24/7. They seem to become familiar with the glove and then when I start handling the animal using the glove, inside the cage, there is less reaction than to my hand. I do not restrict the lizards movent, I just let him walk onto my hand and off and keep repeating this for short periods of time. Eventually I don't need the glove. Good luck and be patient.

I would let him get used to seeing you some more. At least another 10-14 days. However if he/she is still flighty by just your then he will only be stressed more by handleing. There is no definite answer to this as I've done variuos things with each animal. I have some that still don't let me touch them without a bite. Some people use gloves but I don't like them at all. I need to feel the animal. Look at the pict. of me holding my buddy John A.'s large female water down below in the het. for sulfur thread.

How long does it usually take then for a baby water to 'calm down'? So I should just sit in front of his cage and observe him for awhile?

Just, don't even handle him or her if he doesnt like it. Let him or her decide. Give it a few years and he or she might let you.