Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello:
I'm a long-time herper, but my focus has mainly been snakes. I'm starting to get into lizards more and my boyfriend and I are considering down teh road getting a monitor of some type.
So I'm researching now and I keep getting varied accounts.
I guess my two main question are:

a) Are monitors able to be tamed? I don't mind an animal I have to work with, but I do mind an animal I will NEVER be able to handle comfortably. I like the challenge a monitor may pose in so far as taming, but do not want to set up expectations for a pet that aren't reasonable. If a monitor isn't for me, I'd like to know sooner than later.

b) If a monitor could be in my future - which one is a good "starter" monitor? I'd probably prefer smaller size and better tempermant to start with.

Thanks and while frank advice is appreciated, be gentle, I'm just trying to learn about a lizard for its sake as well as mine.

Varanus Flavirufus - milder temperment, mid sized monitor.

>>Hello:
>>I'm a long-time herper, but my focus has mainly been snakes. I'm starting to get into lizards more and my boyfriend and I are considering down teh road getting a monitor of some type.
>>So I'm researching now and I keep getting varied accounts.
>>I guess my two main question are:
>>
>>a) Are monitors able to be tamed? I don't mind an animal I have to work with, but I do mind an animal I will NEVER be able to handle comfortably. I like the challenge a monitor may pose in so far as taming, but do not want to set up expectations for a pet that aren't reasonable. If a monitor isn't for me, I'd like to know sooner than later.
>>
>>b) If a monitor could be in my future - which one is a good "starter" monitor? I'd probably prefer smaller size and better tempermant to start with.
>>
>>Thanks and while frank advice is appreciated, be gentle, I'm just trying to learn about a lizard for its sake as well as mine.

haha, just kidding..

In my opinion there are a bunch of monitors which fall under the 'handleable' category, that tend to have pleasant demeanors- however this is a generalization, and you must realize that each species has its terrors...

The species I would recommend to you would have to be an ackie...Hands down, you are not going to get a better "pet" material monitor.. They have a small size, which makes their housing not as demanding as some of the larger species, they are naturally very calm and friendly(again, for the most part), are quite beautiful, but what draws me to them is their behaviors and personalities.. I don't think you'll ever find a lizard that has as much spunk, activeness, and curiosity as an ackie... They're always scoping you out, to see what you're doing... If you dig a hole in their enclosure, they're right there investigating.... They're just great captives...

I think that anybody who has ever had the pleasure of owning an ackie can tell you how great they are... Honestly, aside from breeding difficulties by some people, I have never heard a bad remark about them...

That's my opinion, and I'm sure many will agree... I would stay away from some of the larger species, at least for a first time monitor.. While many salvators get very calm and unaggressive, it will grow to be 6 feet, and can be a handful... It's up to you, good luck with your decision... Take care,

Bob - The ODatriad

The Odatriad