finding the perfect monitor

moshirimon · 09-29-12, 02:17 PM

Hey guy, not really planning on rushing into a monitor anytime soon, but have been researching them for years on and off. i would like to possibly get into them (not sure when) and although i have done tons of research i feel it be best to ask experienced varanid keepers. I was just looking for some suggestions of monitors that: don't stay too small and do not require HIGH humidity.

the monitor i am most interested in at this moment is the savannah monitor, size wise. but there is SO MUCH debating when it comes to their care!!

anyway i would like some response, and remember i am in no rush to buy one, and i am not even 100% sure whether it will even happen or not, but i'd love some discussion.

Pirarucu · 09-29-12, 05:09 PM

Savannahs need high humidity, but it's easy to achieve..
Truth be told, the setup for most monitors will be quite similar, the biggest variation is size and whether they need tons of stuff to climb on.

BarelyBreathing · 09-29-12, 10:22 PM

What about a black throat or a white throat?

Gatorhunter1231 · 09-29-12, 10:49 PM

How about you give us the maximum cage dimension size you are willing to do and we will help you go from there. Argus monitors are cb more often over savs, highly active, and freakin tripod

moshirimon · 09-29-12, 10:52 PM

Yes Piraruca I believe your right, and that's what I ment about their care being so debatable. Some would say it's a desert species (local petstores for me), but I read that they recently found out they thrive much better in a high humidity environment.

And BB I LOVE black throats and white throats. Probably my FAVOURITE monitor in appearence. Those things grow MASSIVE!!

infernalis · 09-29-12, 11:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gatorhunter1231

How about you give us the maximum cage dimension size you are willing to do and we will help you go from there. Argus monitors are cb more often over savs, highly active, and freakin tripod

Yeah, and........

BeardedDee · 09-30-12, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by infernalis

Yeah, and........

Haha nice one! but Argus tripod for reasons other than food

Pirarucu · 09-30-12, 09:02 AM

Argus was my first thought as well. Honestly I think a lot of monitors are capable of tripoding, just some do it more often than others, and some only do it regularly when food is involved.
I saw a video of a large nile tripoding a while back, and I don't think food was involved.

Rudiman · 09-30-12, 09:28 AM

You will need plenty of room, electricity, and a food budget. Even for a moderate size monitor. Finding a vet that deals with monitors can be very hard, and somewhat expensive. Plus tons of reading and research on your particular species.

Scott

Pirarucu · 09-30-12, 09:41 AM

Here's the video I mentioned, the tripod is at 10:20.

Mans Best Friend - YouTube

Gatorhunter1231 · 09-30-12, 09:45 PM

Argus tripod is different the standing for food. My crocs, ackies, and tristis have all stood on hind legs for food, reaching to climb, or few a few seconds just becauseq. I heard argus will do it for 15+mins. A good question for Dave to answer. They do it to scope out there surrounding.

infernalis · 09-30-12, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gatorhunter1231

Argus tripod is different the standing for food. My crocs, ackies, and tristis have all stood on hind legs for food, reaching to climb, or few a few seconds just becauseq. I heard argus will do it for 15+mins. A good question for Dave to answer. They do it to scope out there surrounding.

I believe you are correct...

moshirimon · 10-01-12, 07:19 AM

Yes I was reading about argus as well. I like their size, and care also the fact that they can be fed rodents more so than a savannah. Some some correct me if I'm wrong??

Anyway the budget and space is not a problem for me but the whole vet thing might be. I will have to ask around.

Anyway I love their slender appearence and although I have seen video of many docile individuals, I remember a few years back my local reptile store had one labelled as a "yellow monitor" which I believe is another name for them, and they told me that he was evil lol. More of a food aggression thing, and constantly being on the prowl for food. I have also read that they can be bottomless pits. What are the chances of ending up with one like that?

Little Wise Owl · 10-01-12, 08:35 AM

I don't have any personal experience with monitors but I would go with an Argus if I were you. :P I've always wanted one because they seem so unique.

Gatorhunter1231 · 10-01-12, 08:41 AM

Any monitor can be evil. I have seen evil ackies. Argus are know for their crazy feeding response and active nature. Jack russel terrier of the monitor world is what most relate them to lol. I just know it is easier to find them Cbb which I'd always a plus. I have nothing against savs just don't like supporting the wc import market. You can fin a few Cbb savs and Wayne could help you in that direction but I would guess the few out there breeding savs have a waiting list.