Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Today i went to get my monitor out to hold him and he would not let me get him out. he was hissing and puffing out his throat and body. i hold him everyday for 30-60 mins and he is fine. i would like someone to tell me why he is angry or mad.

thany you

Perhaps he doesn't think being held for 30-60 minutes is fine. At least he now feels comfortable enough to tell you the truth.

There was a guy that used to frequent these forums (years ago), and he used to say (something to the effect), Are your monitors your friends? Would you treat your friends like that?

My advice is to learn to appreciate what your monitor is, and stop trying to make it into something it isn't. This does not mean a monitor can't be tame and/or like interacting with you, it means it should be on their terms and acceptance not yours or mine.

Good Luck,

--Robert

Please don't take any of this personal its more for anyone who reads it: Any litature will describe Monitor lizard behaviour as typical of what you posted. They are all about the "bluff" that is their first line of defense. Where they occur naturally if another animal could hold them in their hand they would surely be lunch. So I guess my question is why don't people grasp this simplist of concepts. As far as conditoning your "wild" animal, do not be deterrd by the huffing and puffing, just straight pick him up, and don't hesitate, a sure handed owner will build confidence. This is not to say your lizard will ever be what everyone refers to as tame, but hopefully you won't get bit! The good thing with the big Monitors is that you can grab more easliy when their 4ft long.