Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello! I just recently received a yellow/quince monitor a week ago. It is about 6 months old and 16" TL, and seems to be very healthy. I built it a very nice custom enclosure that measures 6'x 2'x 2.5'. It is very shy and timid at this point which is normal. However, I am having trouble monitoring its feeding. At this point it only comes out to warm up then goes back into hiding. If it catches movement of any kind it goes into hiding. I have only seen it actually eat once and that was the day I got it. I was cleaning out its enclosure today and was concerned with all the crickets I was stirring up. My concerns are:
1. Could the leftover crickets be causing too much stress on it?
2. Should I remove them at the end of the day? Or leave it some snacks?
3. Would removing it from the enclosure to a seperate tank for feeding help? Or just cause undue stress?

Just so you all know I have a good handle on the temps, basking 125F, ambient 85F, 50% humidity. It also has multiple hiding spots in different temps and plenty of climbing branches at varying heights. ANY ADVICE WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED, THANKS!!! - Charles

Somebody, anybody. Can you help me out? Preferably someone with experience with the Mangrove complex of monitors. Thanks a bunch! - Charles

Sounds like he is pretty normal. That is he likes to hide.
It may take sometime for him to get used to you enough to stay out in the open he may never do so at all. It is more natural to hide then to not.

If leaving insects in the cage always be sure they have some sort of food source. Hungry insects may decide to chomp on your monitor.

Also try offering other foods then just crickets. Perhaps toss in a pinky or fuzzy. Try offering food from tongs to help gain trust.

I rarely ever see my indicus however the food is eventually gone. They simply like to hide more often then some of my other monitors.

Thanks for the advice. I gave it a pinkie today and he gobbled it up! Also put some cricket food in there. Heh, I think he just eats in secret. I appreciate your help! Laters! - Charles