Reptile & Amphibian Forums

ok so i put my hand in the cage and i could tell by the start that my baby savannah monitor did not want to come out of the cage! so i grabbed him and took him out. he most of done all the agressive postures i can think of opening his mouth, hissing, biting,pooping etc. etc.

will he get used to handling with time or is their any kind of trick you guy use to get your monitor used to handling?
thanks
from Alex Oliver

You grabbed him?

Lets imagine this for a moment.
You are less than a foot long, and every instinct in your being is telling you that anything larger than yourself is going to eat you. So from the sky comes this powerful five fingered hand and grabs you.
Under these circumstances wouldn't you be a fighting for your life to stay alive?

Remember extreme stress can kill a monitor or any herp.
Don't force your monitor to do anything.
Be patient, wait till your little guy gets a little size to him, and for now just interact with him calmly without trying to handle him. As your monitor gets older it will get bolder. Savs are generally pretty laid back, but in my experience in caring for a few, the juveniles are pretty skittish, they get over some of that with age. (Sometimes they don't).

BTW: I Thought you had a pair of Timors Monitors and weren't you trying to buy a Carpet Python not too long ago? How are those animals doing?

Take Care,

-Kit

the timors are very pretty and when i sit on my bed i can see them playing and digging and having all kinds of fun! but like any other timor the minute i move they freek and hide. anyway they are doing great. my jungle carpet python is coming in the next to weeks from will leary he has a clutch of babys that are supposed to be bright yellow! you should get a couple!!!!

If they're bright yellow when they hatch I'm definately going to get a couple . Nothing more fun than waiting for a color change, though. (Waiting and waiting...)

well i get my carpet next week and i will keep you posted
and just to tell you i'm getting a hatchling and they don't have color until they are about a yearling.

i would suggest not trying to take him out of the cage. try interacting with him IN the cage at first. when you are going about your normal cleaning routines, try holding your hand in there. be patient. after awile, try moving your hand towards him. if he freaks, your moving to fast. If he is calm, continue, but not fast. Your first goal should be trying to "pet" him while he is in the cage, on his ground. This has worked in my experience. Just remember to be patient.