Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Ok, as my name sugest, I'm into boas. BUT, I've been doing snakes for over 12 years now and it's time to change. I want to try my hand at monitors. I've always thought the Nile Monitor was attractive but from what I've been reading, they aren't that well behaved. So, I'm looking for sugestions on what kind of monitor I should get. I'm basically looking for a tame monitor that looks similar to a Nile.

But the best suggestion is get ackies, that way you will learn what a monitor is on a small scale and learn what they need before getting something way to much to handle.

I don't got along with the therory of a good starter monitor.
Some people will reccomend a savannah or an ackie as a good starter.
I see it like this. Do alot of research, read everything you can find, ask questions here and on other forums. Then when you decide what you want, do some more research. Then get everything you will need to properly house the critter and then get what you want.
Now I love my savannahs, and think ackies are great but, if you get one and it is not what you really want then niether you are the critter are going to be happy.
Just my opinion.

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

My first thought is that "tame" is a word I reserve for Guinea Pigs and furry little animals. The best I ever expect is that I can handle my Black Throat without being bitten. Anywho, I would definately start out with a smaller sized lizard than a Nile. But its a free country, I chose a Black Throat as my first Monitor, but I had large Iguanas and Tegus prior that. I would just do a lot of reading about others experience.

What is everyone's thoughts on an Argus monitor?

I have 2 and I really like them. They are active but don't get on if you want it to sit in your lap and watch tv for an hour or so. I heard the crosses are tamer, but I don't know for sure.
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Ed

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

They are active, and love to dig alot. The male is 5ft and missing some tail, the female is 3ft 1in long. They are really strong for their size and its so neat to see them tripod.

the argus/flavi are really cool too, and they usually dont obtain the larger size of argus's. check them out, they are pretty cool, and have been suggested as good "beginner" monitors. supposedly they are one of the easier ones to breed also.

I almost got myself a full grown Argus as my first monitor. Then, I try to pick up this supposedly tame monitor but changed my mind when he hisses so loud and tripod. Maybe, I am just to coward. LoL!