Timor monitor questions

[jarich]

'Tropical' is a reference to a certain latitude, basically the area between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. As it sits at the center of the globe the temperatures remain pretty constant throughout the year.'Grassland' is an ecological niche that describes a type of habitat and can be found almost anywhere on earth, and are variable in temperature as a result of their location.

[poison123]

Ah ok then makes sense lol.

[stephanbakir]

Originally Posted by murrindindi

Hi, I think you`re forgetting at least one extremely important point; the climate in Canada couldn`t be considered tropical, which is where the Savannah monitor in particular originates from, the poster states the animal was outside it `s enclosure possibly over 9 hours a day, including into the evening when the temps would surely have dropped (even in summer), so no way to thermoregulate effectively at the later time. I don`t consider that to be good husbandry (not in the animal`s best interest).

We have hot summers here too :P The party was at a hot time in the summer, even at night it was at the lowest point 18C outside (by that point he had been in his cage for a while), and if I can find the photos Chomper was roaming around and chilling by the fire every time he needed to warm up, but for the most part he didn't bother. He was always warm, alert and curious, climbing people, chasing bugs, digging, and just relaxing. (that fire put out a ton of heat when you are anywhere close to it)
If you want to see for yourself, why not come to glitch next year? People come from all over, we had a pile of people from the states, a few from the uk and a few from europe. It's open to anyone with an open mind who isn't going to start anything with others. (3-4 days of partying, 3-400 people, and not 1 fight... that says something)

[Jeepers]

Originally Posted by murrindindi

Hi, I think you`re forgetting at least one extremely important point; the climate in Canada couldn`t be considered tropical, which is where the Savannah monitor in particular originates from, the poster states the animal was outside it `s enclosure possibly over 9 hours a day, including into the evening when the temps would surely have dropped (even in summer), so no way to thermoregulate effectively at the later time. I don`t consider that to be good husbandry (not in the animal`s best interest).

I know nothing about Canada and its temperatures, so I'm not judging based on location when I know nothing about it. I know even areas you think would be butt-freezing cold can get surprisingly hot in the summer months, so I'm not going to judge temporary husbandry and the likes based on location. As I said, if weather is PERMITTING, as in SUITABLE for the reptile, then I see no harm if you're RESPONSIBLE about taking part in this activity. If done right, it can be very enjoying for your reptile and you.

[murrindindi]

Originally Posted by Jeepers

If done right, it can be very enjoying for your reptile and you.

I know of no Varanid species that "enjoys" being surrounded by hundreds of strangers when it`s core temps are at "preferred" activity levels, anything could spook them in an instant, and with serious problems occurring.
I have no problem allowing my monitors "outside" time when conditions suit as you say, but to deliberately put them into potentially very stressful situations which this could have been, IS poor husbandry in my opinion.
I don`t think it`s something that should be encouraged, I regularly hear beginners asking if it`s o.k to take their monitor for walks in the park/neighbourhood (on a leash).

[Terranaut]

The walk on the leash in the park is a no no to me. Not because the park has poor conditions but because of public reaction.
I would think a keeper would know if his animal was going to be spioked by the crowd or sounds. I could easily pass my male jcp around with no issues but my female boa would lose her mind.
Again I am not saying this is what people should do with their reptiles but rather it can be done without harm to the animal at all if done properly with a willing animal.

[infernalis]

All I can say is IF either of my monitors were introduced into this situation, they would run away like no tomorrow, never to be seen again.

Wound up like an 8 day watch, just the way I like it.

[Terranaut]

Yes but you know that and would never do this.
Most of my animals would freak out too but I have others that would not.
Mick here is always up for a party and never has issues with noise or crowds. He just wants to climb on everyone.

[Jeepers]

Originally Posted by murrindindi

I know of no Varanid species that "enjoys" being surrounded by hundreds of strangers when it`s core temps are at "preferred" activity levels, anything could spook them in an instant, and with serious problems occurring.
I have no problem allowing my monitors "outside" time when conditions suit as you say, but to deliberately put them into potentially very stressful situations which this could have been, IS poor husbandry in my opinion.
I don`t think it`s something that should be encouraged, I regularly hear beginners asking if it`s o.k to take their monitor for walks in the park/neighbourhood (on a leash).

Once again, I said if your -specific- reptile is -comfortable- with other people and not shy, reclusive, nervous, what have you. It's up to the owner to determine this. All of mine are too flighty to be in any sort of crowd environment, I know this, so I wouldn't dare think of taking mine out until they're better acclimated, if they ever do get acclimated to it. Some just don't and that's a simple fact, but for people that know their reptile and know that they're more laid back than others may be, I don't believe it's an issue so long as they're responsible about it in ALL aspects. What crowd they'll be around, temperatures, etc.

I'm no beginner by any means, I've been dealing with reptiles for 5 - 6 years, since I was young. I'm actually a far older member here than you are, I just did not choose to revive my old account, nor do I wish to state who I was.

Once again, I believe this is a topic of one person prefers this, one person prefers that, it's pointless to even continue this because it's just one of those topics that has no conclusion. It's an issue of preference, for the most part, and many other factors.

[varanus_mad]

Relatively simple to determine if a large varanid is stressed by an experience check the heart rate if its going ten to the dozen while in a situation like that... its stressed.

[Aanayab1]

Zosime: I just want to touch on the food topic. I realize you breed a variety of insects and that is awesome. I just want to bring up how much my ackies actually eat so that you can prepare appropriately in the case you do purchase a monitor.

per week: total of 4 Ackies approximately 8-9 months of age
1000 large crickets
500ish med-lrg dubia

per lizard that is 250 crickets and 125 roaches

through out the time I have had them the numbers have not changed, the only variable is the size of the food item.

I also include 1 sm fuzzie each month but not all of them take it every time it is offered.

I simply can not fathom the numbers of food intake on a non-dwarf species. I want to add here that I am not attempting to deter you in any way, my goal in posting is to help you prepare. I thought one colony of each food item would work but to keep a constant daily supply and deal with the constant fluctuations in production I now have 2 cricket t-cans and 4 dubia tubs. The food intake numbers I mentioned above is the low average of their diet. At times they will decimate all of my crickets and dubia to the point I have to order more from suppliers. I'm not sure what causes the eating spikes and can not even come up with a viable pattern, it is truly, at this point sporadic.

If you decide on an ackie please feel free to send me a PM and I will do my best to lead you in the right direction in order to find the answer to your question(s).

Antonio.