Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi,

i have few questions about ackies

1. are they active? ( My friend has pair of argus, and they are extremely active. They seem always moving around and looking for something "fun". how about ackies? are they active like argus? always looking for food, moving around etc.)

2. are they good handable reptiles? ( I know all the monitors are hardy and robust, but i also heard a rumor that Ackies are the display monitor, not interactive....is this true? )

3. are they good display lizard? ( this question seems little bit contrast my question #2, but good display in this context means, 'are they big time burrowers?" I heard ackies DO burrow, and thats great, but I don't want them to burrow all day long, and not coming out)

4. finally, can you tell me what makes ackies greater than other same size, docile lizards like Bearded dragons and Blue Tongue Skink?

thanx

1. Yes, they are active. My younger ones are more active than my adults, but they dig, bask, chase down crickets, take a snooze, run through their water bowls, climb, etc.

2. Every person has a different definition of "handleable." You can handle almost anything, but is it easy and do and do they like to be handled is another question. I have ackies, a black head and a storrs. The adult ackies are easily handleable and never run away from, never bite, will come towards me whenever I talk to them or work in their cage and don't mind be touched or picked up. The tristis is so skittish you would never want to handle him (they don't call them the racehorse goanna for nothing) LOL.

3. Yes, the ackies like to burrow, but not to the point that you never see them like timors. They are also attractive to look at as far as "display" animals when they are out and about.

4. Seeing ackies as "greater" than bearded dragons or blue tongue skinks is a matter of personal taste. I think each person has to like the way their animal looks, have the knowledge and resources to create the proper housing for them and be comfortable with their food requirements. Each animal has something to offer, and only you can decide which is right for you.

I love the monitors and if I had the room I'm sure I would have many more. Good luck!

Pam

thanx for answering my questions,

but i still have one question.

you said

"ackies will come towards me whenever I talk to them"

but i thought reptiles can't recognize their owners, like dogs or cats.

I know monitors are the one of the smartest ones as far as lizard pets, but still......you know..

can you clarify it?

thanx always

I don't know about them recognizing their owners, but they sure figure out quickly who feeds them! And that includes most of my lizards, not just the monitors. Actually, that includes everything; the horses, the dog, the hamsters...even the feeder mice catch on to who brings the food.

"Dogs have family; cats have staff."

Leslie

Yes they are very active, a bit like mini Argus I suppose. Despite their small size they will be happiest with a spacious enclosure that has plenty of dirt for digging, and plenty of nooks and crannies for them to explore.

I tend to think that all monitors are better for display than interaction, however Ackies are the most interactive species I've encountered. While individuals of any species may tolerate handling very well, I always get the feeling that they'd prefer to be left alone. Ackies seem to be sort of an exception, and tend to be friendly and will initiate interaction.

How Ackies compare to other lizards is a matter of personal preference, but I think that Ackies have way more personality than other common pet lizards.

Good luck, whatever you decide.
Neal
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pale reason hides the infinite from us