Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Sort of an odd question, I know, but how do any of you manage to unlatch a monitor from you when they have clamped down? I had heard years ago about spraying a squirt of vinegar into the corner of the mouth, but I don't know how safe this would be for the monitor (and I imagine it would sting like heck on broken skin). I know some of you have to have a few tips or tricks.

Thanks in advance.
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-Andrew

Hi Mate,

I just put the monitor under cold water. I only keep smaller species (under 5ft), so I can always just put them in the sink. I can see this being a bit hard with a big croc monitor or something though. Hahaha.

They usually let go within a couple of seconds.

Also, you can try putting your arm on the ground, making the monitor feel more secure. That works for frilled dragons and Blue tongued skinks, might work for varanids!

Brodie

dont get bitten! I once had the unfortuneate experience of having a 24" savannah locking down on my thumb, prying, pulling and tapping it on the head did nothing but make it clamp harder, then when i went to the sink to rinse the blood off my hand and arm, when his head went under the water he let go, simple as that, if it will work all the time who's to say, all i know is that it worked that time and it hasnt happened since, and that was 8 years ago.
but the first part is really the key, avoid getting bit
scott

Thanks for the advice. I have yet to get bitten myself. Dork, my old Savannah, didn't tolerate people really well, but put up with my nonsense without much problem. I now have a trio of ackies and two of them have acted like they were going to bite while being moved between enclosure and holding tank, but have always feigned off with a good scolding.

My wife on the otherhand had one of the ackies (Sleepy) latch on to her hand and refused to let go this weekend. She has insisted on helping with this trio to avoid having them treat her like Dork did. Not sure what it is with her, but both Sleepy and Doc want to take a chunk out of her. Sleepy with the latching on when being held I understand, but Doc will run across the container to nip at her fingers. She now refuses to pick Doc up to move him when it is cage cleaning time. Oh well.

Next time Sleepy grabs hold I will try the cold water trick, assuming I can get my wife to walk over to the sink at that point. Thanks again for the advice.
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-Andrew