Monitor Lizard

[pimpin_posey]

I have a 30 gallon tank i recently. i want to get a monitor lizard. the stores near here only carry baby savvanahs and Niles. i was curious how long each of them could be kept comfortably in that cage. and about how big would the next tank have to be before i had to build a large custome. i understand Niles get huge but thats ok and savvanahs get bout 3-4 feet. ive done research just have to do a lil more to refresh my memory.

 

[Gigas]

niles are mean and very big and ofcouse need a water bowl that they can atleast submerge themselves in, I think savanahs are better, if you get a baby they can get used to handling, UV requirements are high in both of these and savannah monitors neeed to be really warm

 

[fatbloke]

pimpin_posey

a good site with info on monitors is here
http://www.repticzone.com/forums/Monitors/index.html alot of very knowlegdeable keepers

john

 

[Tleilaxu]

Spiny tails are the best bet for you remember they need alot of handling to remain tame, this goes for ALL monitors.

 

[pimpin_posey]

thats what i told my wife. i said atleast 20 min a day. is that too much or not enough?

 

[Randolph XX()]

don't get Niles, u'll be regreted...........

 

[Tleilaxu]

thats what i told my wife. i said atleast 20 min a day. is that too much or not enough?

I would go 30 to 40 direct handling and an hour or two of supervised roaming time. (your do something in the room while the monitor explores) Niles also are really nasty so don't get one.

 

[Beardo]

UV requirements are high in both of these

Actually, since monitors consume whole prey items (like snakes) they do not require UV lighting. They get all of the calcium they need from the bones of their prey.

 

[Gigas]

i thought D3 was necessary for Calcium absorption? not synthesis

 

[Beardo]

Nope. Not necessary....in fact, D3 in large amounts can be harmful to some reptiles.

 

[KennyGee]

do not purchase a nile monitor. They get huge 6 feet+ ive seen a full grown one in person and it was bigger than me. You basically need to give up a whole room for their enclousure. Savannah monitors grow up to 4 feet and can become tame but you need to handle everyother day not everyday cuz it can stress the animal until he gets use to you. A uvb bulb is a need if your going to feed insects like crix and roaches as a staple but not if your going to use mice or any food with bones. If your going to get a baby savvanah feed him insects (useing a uvb bulb) until hes about 2+ feet and then start feeding rats ect.

DO NOT USE SAND OF ANY KIND

You might be thinking but but they come from africa, yes they do but hense the word savvanah, the sand in the savvanah is like a desert pavement of mud and sand mix. Best thing to use is non adhesive shelf liner that you can buy from walmart.

I would Build the cage that can fit him comfertably as an adult before you buy. 6'long 5' wide 4' tall would be the best.

Another substrate that can be used that he cannot eat would be lynoulium or ceramic tiles . and do not use heat rocks they can fataly burn your monitor.

 

[lychas]

get yourself some spiny-tails a.k.a. ackies, dont know how available they are in the states but they are an awsome smaller monitor, great colors 2

 

[danread]

do not purchase a nile monitor.

I'd second that thought. Don't get a nile monitor, they really aren't suitable as pets at all. I'll be happy when they finally get banned or put on the DWA list in the UK.

 

[Scorp guy]

yeah, niles CAN NOT be tamed, people have held them, and tried everything..... You could try a savannah, and it may tame DOWN quite a bit, but things can happen, and you can still very well get bit.

 

[FRAZE01]

yeah, niles CAN NOT be tamed, people have held them, and tried everything..... You could try a savannah, and it may tame DOWN quite a bit, but things can happen, and you can still very well get bit.

I don't know about that.I have had some Niles that were not bad at all.My 5 footer was a little touchy at times,but not too bad.They are a headache and take alot more patience.

 

[fatbloke]

I'd second that thought. Don't get a nile monitor, they really aren't suitable as pets at all. I'll be happy when they finally get banned or put on the DWA list in the UK.

Dan
ive got a nile i didnt actually buy mine i rehoused it from H.M.C.E as they where imported with incorrect paper work i dont think banning them would make much difference i agree they should be considered for the DWA list due their temperment and nasty disspostion but it doesnt help when the shops will sell them to anybody as for a first time monitor they really arent suitable and even most expereiced keepers have problems with them

here a pic of my baby nile it may look cute but its far from it

john