Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am new to lizards, but have several large snakes. I would like to get a monitor or a tegu, but would like to have something handable. could someone offer a suggestion

well unless you find a captive bread monitor...ir a young one that you could tame..I'd go with a Tegu...monitors can be pretty unhandable...

while many monitors can be difficult, there are just as many that are easy to work with and pretty good when handled. A few important questions you need to ask yourself: how large a cage you are ultimately willing to provide; are you prepared to keep up with the needs (especially temperatures, cleaning and feeding) of your new pet; how much are you willing to spend? There are a whole list of things to consider, but those will help point you in the right direction in this process. If you don't know the requirements of monitors and/or tegus, then you need to do some research before you consider them...don't base this decision on how cool they look.

A good choice for a starter monitor lizard would be a Ridge Tailed Monitor (Varanus acanthurus). With consistant gentle handling, a captive bred ridge tailed monitor can become quite docile. They only grow to or a little over 2 feet in length, so do not require as much space and are not as large as some other species of monitors. I'd go with one of these for sure. Just make sure you do all your research before getting one and make sure to get one that is captive bred. Good luck.

i think the Ackies are the best choice for a pet monitor. they are captive bred, stay a manageable size, and are (monitor wise) easy to care for.

check out more Ackie and monitor info at our site, in the caresheet and FAQ sections : )
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robyn@proexotics.com

Pro Exotics Reptiles