Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I call it the trusting proccess. When I clean the enclosue, change the water, and feed, I let them get used to the idea I'm not there to eat or harm them. As time goes by they no longer see me as a threat and come to check me out. That's when I start to touch them, ussually a soft stroke on the back. I keep this up until they no longer run and let me. It doesn't take long for them to trust me enough to pick them up.
Some people say to handle them everyday until they get used to them and quit biting, whipping and defecating when handled. I don't like that idea because I see it as a way to have a stressed out animal that has just given up on any escape. I like a monitor that acts like a monitor but trust me.
All my enclosues have large windows that they can look out and we can look in. I do sit in front of the windows for periods of time (depends on my schedule) and let them watch me watching them.
Am I doing it right?

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

whatever works for the monitor is whats right. One of my Ackies has never had a problem with handling from day one, but my second red doesn't want a thing to do with me. He may accept a cricket or two from my fingers but that is the extent of our physical contact. Two different monitors two different reactions. Now, my argus "jaws" on the other hand is, I would say a typical argus. Alot of hissing, posturing, sometimes flighty response. With Jaws I can get close enough too give him a scratch under the chin on the forelimb and if I'm lucky the nape of the neck. Usually, hissing up a storm but sometimes he simmers down a little before he retreats. which tells me the session is done. Is this right, I don't know, but I hope with time we'll develop a trust in which some contact is acceptable. Sounds to me like your letting your monitor decide, Idon't think you can go wrong. Goodluck Clint