Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have had this small ackie since he was around 2 weeks old. I have be all over the internet looking for the best ways/ideas to keep them healthy and happy. Most people with any kind of reputation with monitors say that they should not be handled alot, they dont like it... So I dont handle him much. They say that he will get used to you, seeing you change their water and feeding them. After so much time of this they should learn that your not trying to eat them. I have had him for around six months now and i maybe take him out once a week to clean his cage and sometimes soak him. Well as of right now.. he still is real squarmy and will bite and crap on ya. He has been doing a little better... but then i left him alone for a few weeks with out much handly at all. And now he likes to bite alllot... what im thinking is if i try to hold him a little more often.. like a few nights a week, for a small amount of time... maybe he will get a little more used to it.. what do ya think???????????

(will someone please tell me how you get a picture to post under the message???????? for some reasone i cant figure it out)
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0.1.0 BCI, 3 yr old
0.0.1 Ridge Tail Monitor, Juvi.
0.0.1 Leoperd Gecko, Juvi (My girlfriends)

ppics

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0.1.0 BCI, 3 yr old
0.0.1 Ridge Tail Monitor, Juvi.
0.0.1 Leoperd Gecko, Juvi (My girlfriends)

I don't know why some people think and spew nonsense on ackies not biting, IMHO they are very prone to do that, especially when small/young (which yours still is).

Stop soaking it, provide conditions so that isn't necessary. When I used to soak it was a 100% guaranteed way to get bit, they don't like it, it shouldn't be necessary, so stop.

Back off, it's still small and young. Give it time and space, most monitors come around to their keepers naturally. If you want to reinforce positive things, feed it crickets by hand or hemos (you'll probably get bit a couple more times, but at this stage it's kind of cute).

Patience, patience, and more patience.

Good Luck,

--Robert

ok, thats what ill do, just stop takein him out... ... worth a try... and ya... ackies should not be said to not bite, cause thats not true. But thats what ill do just leave him alone. Thats what everyone (with experince) says to do, so it must work. Im guessing that the whole size age thing will help to??? thanks again man. take care.

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0.1.0 BCI, 3 yr old
0.0.1 Ridge Tail Monitor, Juvi.
0.0.1 Leoperd Gecko, Juvi (My girlfriends)

I wouldn't go so far as to say leave him alone all together. Like Robert said do positive things for the monitor (in it's opinion) food, good caging, etc.

The only thing I don't like about completely leaving one alone is they only see you when you come by to shake things up like poo removal & water changes. I really would rather my monitors see me as often as possible in a non threatening way and if at all possible a positive way... the bringer of food and once they are a little more accustom to your presence try gently touching or handling if they permit. As curious as ackies generally are they will be all over you in no time once you prove you're not a threat.

Later