Reptile & Amphibian Forums

i'm looking for a monitor (besides an ackie or savannah) that has a nice temperment isnt shy and stays between 2 1/2 to 4 foot long that isnt big and bulky. i've been looking at dumerils are they a good choice? whats an inexpencive way to feed one?
thanks,
connor

You could try a blackthroat monitor. The best temperant lizards seem to be savannahs, blackthroats, and a little different - tegus (aregentine black & whites) and bearded dragons.

Dont know about inexpensive feeding, the tegu I just got today already went through a package of plain grilled chicken ($3) and tommorow he'll go through even more. (But then again he's over 3 feet long.)
You could try buying in bulk (frozen rats) to save money, or if you have the time, start up your own mouse/rat and cricket collection. I used to keep crickets and mice and babies (for both of them) were always showing up. For the mice I'd have to remove the rest and keep just the mother and babies. Next thing, 10 new mice to add to the collection.

Tell every BT or cross Ive ever had that they grew from 4-6 ft long so far and ones still under 3 years old and a female. ALBIGS are a large species averaging between 4-7 ft long. If they want a perfect monitor that doesnt get longer than 4ft then ackies they are capable of 30 inches plus, but average 24 or so. They are all CBB in the pet trade, they are awesome animals they are active as a squirrel, brave and outgoing as you could never imagine and on average are so friendly.

A medium sized monitor or inexpensive to feed? Seriously, you don't even have the monitor yet, and you are already looking at cutting corners. It's not that feeding monitors is all that expensive, but that combined with enclosures, vet bills, and electricity does add up.

I would always recommend avoiding any w.c./import monitors, they can be a touch more complicated than the c.b. species.

Medium sized monitors that are available c.b., fun and not shy, goulds and on the larger side argus (there are also flavis, two ways, and three way crosses, but I don't have these). Both of them are mouse vacuums though.

If you don't have them yet, and are concerned about money, you'd probably be best served avoiding monitors entirely.

--Robert

They are expensive to buy unless you get a junk import, they are expensive to feed, they are expensive to house, they are expensive at the vets, these phrases only apply to monitors kept properly though, as most are kept completly improperly and they are dead in a few months to a few years.

Inexpencive way to feed one?
Never heard of that, cheapest way is to buy in frozen bulk.

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

Dumeril monitors stay within those lengths. They are very good tempered, and I have not found it very expensive at all to feed them.
-----
Greg Holland
G&M HERPS
www.imageevent.com/gmherps
gmherps@sbcglobal.net

I am not trying to be a smart a$$, but it sounds like you want a water dragon.
-----
Ed

There are water dragons, chameleons, and monitors in my jungle room.

If you're looking for an easy-going, relatively easy to care for and medium-sized lizard, try a tegu. Not to mention you can get one that is US cbb for around $100. Unfortunately, they are bottomless pits and there is no inexpensive way to feed them. Sounds like you want an impressive "lap lizard" and the majority of monitors just won't become that. Tegus on the other hand, very often become very accustomed to living in a pampered, pet lifestyle. Just something to consider.

Billy

>>i'm looking for a monitor (besides an ackie or savannah) that has a nice temperment isnt shy and stays between 2 1/2 to 4 foot long that isnt big and bulky. i've been looking at dumerils are they a good choice? whats an inexpencive way to feed one?
>>thanks,
>>connor