Monitor or Tegu???

I thought I posted that in this thread but apparently, it was in the other thread "What monitor" but I will explain for here as well.

I rescued my Nile from someone who no longer wanted it, and guess that he figured he would simply let it die by not feeding it or cleaning it, etc. I gave him $50 for the monitor and brought it home with me, and was told that it was just about a year old then. I spent well over a grand getting it back to health. The monitor had mouth rot, scale rot, an upper respiratory infection, and missing the tip of its tail due to no humidity when I obtained it.

Maybe that will clear some things up. I do feed just about everyday, and it is mostly f/t baby chicks, rat pups, and then some dubia roaches and super worms. However, I do feed hard boiled eggs and beef liver with the insects.

which out of the two can there be the smallest in other words the smallest tegu or monitor which is smaller? :P

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Originally Posted by dembonez

which out of the two can there be the smallest in other words the smallest tegu or monitor which is smaller? :P

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monitors are smaller..well certain types are...

I'm glad I found this thread just now because I came across a video of a B&W Argentine Tegu gobbling down a rat while looking for beardie videos on YouTube. I've become very captured and fascinated with them. My beardie currently lives in a 4 1/2 x 2 x 2 foot custom tank; would that be sufficient space for a young one? That is to say, I either relocate my beardie or wait until he passes away. I would probably be more ready and further educated by that point, hahah (he's five).

I heard tegus, no matter the size, need DOUBLE their length in enclosure space. I would need to build a hefty cover for the tank, I imagine. I have no doubt tegus are extremely strong and could push their way out of almost anything. Anyway, no more questions. I shall look at that website link that was provided earlier. Thank you!

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Originally Posted by Moofins07

I heard tegus, no matter the size, need DOUBLE their length in enclosure space.

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What you're thinking of is minimum cage footprint requirements. The enclosure should be 2x the animal's length across, 1x the animal's length deep, and then whatever height you need depending on things like type of lights used and depth of substrate.

This is true of monitors, tegu, and it's also why your beardie is in a 4x2 footprint enclosure.

I personally enjoy tegus, the ones I have been around have been very enjoyable

Come on guys, don't bash bsash for his information.

This thread was made to help the OP with his decision, not bash other members on the site for what they do. It's not like yelling at them over the internet is going to do anything. Practically pointless.

To the OP, I personally think the tegus have a lot cooler personalities. I've been around both monitors and tegus from volunteering at a sanctuary (still do) and I would say that the tegus are a lot more fun. I've also held monitors and tegus at shows. Tegus do have awesome personalities and show a lot more emotion. Monitors are more to themselves, minding their own business (from what I have noticed).

IMO, I would say tegu. I plan on getting one at the San Diego Show in June, possibly a Red or B&W. It's so hard to decide:P

Whatever you choose, I hope you are happy it:D:gj:

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Originally Posted by CoolioTiffany

Come on guys, don't bash bsash for his information.

This thread was made to help the OP with his decision, not bash other members on the site for what they do. It's not like yelling at them over the internet is going to do anything. Practically pointless.

To the OP, I personally think the tegus have a lot cooler personalities. I've been around both monitors and tegus from volunteering at a sanctuary (still do) and I would say that the tegus are a lot more fun. I've also held monitors and tegus at shows. Tegus do have awesome personalities and show a lot more emotion. Monitors are more to themselves, minding their own business (from what I have noticed).

IMO, I would say tegu. I plan on getting one at the San Diego Show in June, possibly a Red or B&W. It's so hard to decide:P

Whatever you choose, I hope you are happy it:D:gj:

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Thank you.

Its cool that you are reaching out to get others opinions and experience. Bottom line is get what you want. So many people are breeding reptiles, farming them, selling them, that a home is needed for each one. And even if a savannah monitor is farmed from the wild, you can find a healthy thriving animal, just keep looking. You'll be able to find one that's strong in health, just don't be led astray by sickly looking ones being sold cheap.

Savannah monitor is my pick. I've owned one, he was a placid doll most of the time and had tons of "big lug of a dog" personality. I'd share my crab with him (or he'd fuss around his cage), I'd fetch snails for him to gobble up, and I'd hold him. Sancho was a cool dude. I just don't want to keep lizards or large reptiles any longer. Maybe one day when I'm "settled down." :)

When people ask questions like this, I tend to feel they are not ready for the challenge that is caring properly for a monitor or tegu . So im going with Bearded Dragon.