Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello. Does anyone have info/advice on Timor Monitors? I am interested in purchasing a pair but have not found too much info (1 or 2 caresheets), and would also like to hear from others who already keep this species. I've heard they are not too difficult to keep. Tameness is not a big issue (however I have read that they are not very inclined to bite once they have settled). Also, advice on caging and such would also be helpful. Any info would be greatly appreciated, and thanks in advance! By the way, I already keep Ackies and other herps.

-Dan

I have read that this species is somewhat arboreal. Is it best to give them an arboreal enclosure or more of a terrestrial setup? Thanks again

Ive been keeping them for over a year now, and have not seen anything with mine that would indicate that they ever "tame down". They are extremely shy and are best if left alone...so I wouldnt recommend Timors if you wish to have an animal that is handelable.
As far as housing, I would reccomend at least 4' x 18'' with lots of hide spots.
They are pretty easy keepers and only eat a few mice a week, so upkeep is minimal.
There are few people whom I would reccomend Timors to, simply because of their shyness.

hmmm, interesting. Are yours Captive bred or wild caught? Tameness is not much of an issue as I like to leave most of my animals alone and just observe except for when cleaning. Anyway, thanks for the input and I'm hoping to hear from others as well.

i have two captive born blue spotted timor monitors they are very beautiful. but they hate to be handled or even looked at i hardly see them becauce they are always hiding. i will biuld a 4 foot long by 4 foot high cage when they get a little bigger.
from Alex

from my limited experience, blue spot timors tend to be a bit more skittish. i have owned a blue spot and standard. i could go into the cage for cleaning and the regular timor would not be bothered, but man, the blue spot would hurl itself to the other end of the cage faster than i could see.

n/p

If you want to get a monitor that will allow handling or be in the open alot find another species. The Timor is a skittish fast but very pretty monitor that can bite deceptively hard. They appreciate life once adjusted to you being in site of them but only on the other side of the glass. Ive had squirt whose a big 27" import at 3.5-4 years old for a few years and he is confident when that glass is between us only. I use welders gloves when I do handle him. His claws are like razorblades.