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best beginner monitor

drawing_a_blank Jun 06, 2005 08:47 PM

What is the best beginner monitor for a person who doesn't have room for huge cages?

thanks

Replies (8)

JPsShadow Jun 06, 2005 08:48 PM

>>What is the best beginner monitor for a person who doesn't have room for huge cages?
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>>thanks

drawing_a_blank Jun 06, 2005 09:00 PM

Red or yellow?

JPsShadow Jun 06, 2005 09:03 PM

either one is good to start with. Yellows have a bit cheaper purchase price. Both will run the same on cage and food bills.

drawing_a_blank Jun 08, 2005 08:25 PM

How much does the food bill cost on average?

kap10cavy Jun 08, 2005 09:10 PM

Not much for ackies. I can get 1000 crickets for less than $20.
You can also start a breeding colony of roaches. I haven't had much success bredding crickets, but feed some roaches and they will breed. You can get a jar of Reptivite for around $16.
Don't forget to dust them bugs.
You can also order frozen mice to feed them rather cheaply if you look hard enough.

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

JPsShadow Jun 08, 2005 09:27 PM

Like was already said not much. But it does vary. Depending how many ackies and where you purchase the feeders.

Crickets from the pet store is going to run you alot higher then ordering by the box online. You can also try your luck at breeding crickets.

Roaches will breed with minimal effort and if there happens to be a nuclear blast and your monitors make it they will still have food. haha

Mice ordered frozen online in bulk will also save you money compared to buying singles from the pet shop. Just remember to buy the appropriate size.

If using insects be sure to dust them with suppliments. No need to dust the mice. Prices for the above can be checked with a little research on your part. To get a ball park idea of what they eat figure 12-20 crickets a day, 8-12 roaches, 2-4 pinkies or fuzzies. They may eat more or less (depending on size of your ackies and other variables) but that will get you in the game.

pgross8245 Jun 07, 2005 06:45 PM

I find my yellows to be a bit more laid back than the reds. Yellows are less expensive also. Either one is an awesome first monitor, they are fun, bold and fiesty little critters.

Pam
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1.1.3 varanus acanthurus brachyurus (Dorado, Dora, Oro, Freckles & Amarillo)
1.1 varanus acanthurus acanthurus (Tabasco & Sprite)
1.0 varanus storri (Spunky)
1.1 u. macfadyeni (Abeba & Amani)
1.2 u. ornata (Husani, Zari, & Bintu)
1.1 u. ocellata (Ashai & Zhuri)
0.0.1 pogona vitticeps (Bondi)
1.1 hyla chrysoscelis (Pudge & Squirt)

jburokas Jun 14, 2005 01:47 PM

best beginner monitor or best beginner lizard. i dont think monitors are best beginner lizards...they can be too grumpy and most get very large for fish tanks. but if you are looking for a beginner monitor (size and temperment) i would think Ackies (aka Varanus acanthurus or spiny tailed monitors) but they are not a beginner price-usually about $150-$200. dont get a nile-way too agressive and way too large to start with despite $25 price tag. Savannahs are docile (usually) and cheap but get large.

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