Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Im looking to buy a new monitor lizard to add to my collection of pet reptiles. I like ones that get large. I dont mind aggressive ones but I also dont mind nice ones of course. Species I know grow large are Crocodile Monitors, Water Monitors, Nile Monitors. (I cnosider 6 feet big but bigger the better) Id also prefer more readily available species that could be found at a show. Thanks all.

I'm no expert, but IF its your first monitor, a crocodile monitor is definately not a good choice. Niles get big, but from what i hear are a real handful when they do get big. It seems like whitethroat monitors and blackthroat monitors seem to be a pretty popular choice for some beginners. They do get good size, but if worked with a good bit can make excellent pets. go to www.proexotics.com and check out some of there blackthroats. They also have an awesome care sheet for them on there.

It seems the albig has become a favorite among new keepers.
Beware, not all albigs will be calm and let you pick them up when ever you want to.
Monitors are like people, they all have different personalities.
Some, I will even say most albigs are calm and almost friendly.
Some are down right pissy. I know, I keep a pissy one.
Fluffy has been known to bite, tailwhip, and occasionally charge when the cage door is opened.
You can't go by species as being a good captive.
I know someone that owns a nile that is downright friendly.
I have had savs that would climb in your hand and up your arm, i have also had savs that would bite and tailwhip first and ask questions later.
Noone here can tell you what to get. That choice is yours alone.
look at the ones you like and choice from them going by :what do I like the most? why do I like them? can I properly care for and house them?
I have had more fun with my argus than any other lizard I ever had. My wife just adores the savs. You pick.

Scott

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

Just an update of my message...I am not new with monitors. I have a Nile,2 Savannahs, and a Blackthroat. I also have a B W Tegu

Well didnt know you have monitors, want big go Croc, and a huge cage. Crocs are known for being long, but when they get about 6.5-7 feet they start to get a giant head, arms, legs and body. I had one a few years back about 8.5-9 foot maybe, it was a scary monster not many redily available monitors are as impressive if you want a beast, large salvators are nice too but they dont have the color and graceful movements of the croc in my opinion. You can get one for about $500ish from the classifieds once in a while and even lower.

I think any larger monitor would be a problem to start out with. You would probably be fine owning any of the larger species if purchased when small/baby, by the time it gets to be an adult(years later, about 4 years to get to be really nice sized and even then somtimes you get a runter and he gets 4-5 feet, except crocs), you have to figured out what to do and what not to do. Like how do i spot clean, change water, give him/her an inspection or even want to hold it?, this 7 foot monster puffing up at me and whiping my eye out?