Best monitor

[Kristi23]

I will of course research a ton. But I'm wondering what the best beginner monitors are and why? And which are the ones to avoid and why?

 

[Embrace Calamity]

Sav probably. My understanding is that it's the hardiest and most common. Correct Savannah Monitor Care

~Maggot

 

[Kristi23]

I figured Savannah's and ackies would be the easiest, but I'm hoping someone here with monitors will have a couple others for me to choose from. I just don't want anything that is super difficult to keep.

 

[Embrace Calamity]

Any monitor is super difficult to keep. They require huge, custom-built enclosures.

~Maggot

 

[Kristi23]

Yes, I know that. Geckos aren't the only reptiles that I keep.

I'm talking about ones that are more sensitive or ones that are more aggressive. There are ones that are easier to keep and ones that are more difficult. I'm not asking for basic stuff. I'm looking for someone with some experience since I've never kept monitors. My bearded dragon is getting old and I'm thinking monitor or tegu after he passes. I'll have plenty of room since we recently added on to our house.

Eta: I have been around full grown monitors and tegus and know about their size, feeding, and basic care already. What I don't know about is the types (argus, lace, Nile, etc).

 

[Embrace Calamity]

I'm not sure how you keeping other reptiles is relevant to knowing that monitors need huge, custom-built enclosures, but I was simply pointing out that they're all "super difficult to keep." Forget I said anything though. Have fun.

~Maggot

 

[Kristi23]

I'm not sure how you keeping other reptiles is relevant to knowing that monitors need huge, custom-built enclosures, but I was simply pointing out that they're all "super difficult to keep." Forget I said anything though. Have fun.

~Maggot

I'm not a beginner keeper. That's all I meant. Please don't be rude.

 

[Kristi23]

I just ordered this book Varanoid Lizards of the World: Erick Pianka, Dennis King: 9780253343666: Amazon.com: Books

I'm hoping it will be helpful. I've been reading on forums for awhile now. I will probably only have room for one monitor, so I want to make sure I get one I like.

Would still love some opinions.

Gregg, if you are still around, I know you have some suggestions.

 

[Newworlddragons]

I think that it is pretty obvious they need a big enclosure lol also if you can care for other reptiles I'm sure you can research and care for a moniter with little difficulty. That being said hopefully someone with experience answers your post. I have looked into them but never took the plunge.
Good luck!!

 

[Kristi23]

I do know some that are off the list. No niles, water, lace, or crocs (wish these were nice. I love how they look).

What I get doesn't have to be a lizard that I handle all the time, so I am open to more sensitive ones like the trees. I'm really loving the peach throats, but I haven't found much info on them. I think the ackies might be a little too common and small for me, but I'm not sure yet. I feel like I spend hours a day reading and all it does is adds more to the list of ones I like.

 

[lisa127]

....

 

[Kristi23]

I ended up getting a baby savannah in a trade and plan on getting some ackies, too. Trying to figure out where to put the 8 foot long cage I bought. I'm so glad I have a supportive husband. Our house looks like it's been taken over by reptiles.