Croc monitor

Just got this bad boy yesterday. He is a wild caught so he's in quarantine right now, he's 4ft. long. I have to get him dewormed, does anyone know a good medicine for deworming? And also I was gonna ask the croc monitor owners if they can post pics of their setup. Well heres a pic of the bad boy soaking.

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/p...ocmonitor1.jpg

that is one awesome looking lizard! :gj:

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Originally Posted by djansen

that is one awesome looking lizard! :gj:

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Thanks. And yea he's great, he's not aggressive just moves alot when you hold him. But he doesn't bite. I just got to fatten him up, and get his new cage done before his quarantine is over.

Panacur and Flagyl would be a good thing to hit him with. Panacur for sure. BG would get him eating good first though. Take a good look at your fingers...you may not have them much longer.

Definitely go for the two dewormers BG listed, those work pretty well.

Croc Monitors are defintiely awesome, I love their heads. Good luck with this guy, he is a good looking lizard!

i agree with big gunns, DONT GET BIT!! that being said....awesome monitor.

Yea. I for sure gotta fatten him up. he ate a rat pup when i got him, but he ended up regurgitating it. But yesterday he ate another rat pup and so far he's holding it down. As of now he's not a bitter, but then again he's a bit skinny.
Maybe he'll get aggressive when he fattens up and gets more energy (but I hope not). And thanks again for the comments. I would never have thought in a million years I would have a croc monitor. lol

Wow WC Croc....GOOD luck!

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Originally Posted by Patrick Long

Wow WC Croc....GOOD luck!

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Sorry mods, but BG was poked so here we go. BG needs to prove a point.

"Information value" of this post.

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Alrite, I got a very important question. I got the croc on sunday, I fed him a rat pup and he ate it on his own. Then monday I saw he had threw it up, so I gave him another one and he ate it and held it down. Now this morning i threw another rat pup in there and left him alone and when I checked again he had eaten it.

And now I went to check on him again and he had thrown up one of the rat pups I fed him. My question is what would cause him to keep throwing them up? So far from the 3 rat pups I fed him one is still in him. Could it be the size of the rat or that he is still a little stressed out or can he have a worm in him thats makeing him throw up.

Thanks in advance for the input guys, i really appreciate it.

What are your temps?

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Originally Posted by Patrick Long

What are your temps?

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105.8 f on hot spot and 88 f on cool side.

I would bump that Hot side up a little. Seems a little cool.

Try and shoot for ~115f


What kind of enclosure is he in?

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Originally Posted by BallPython17

105.8 f on hot spot and 88 f on cool side.

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Not sure how much it helps, but I do know ProExotics recomends a hotspot of 140 or so for ackies.

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Originally Posted by Patrick Long

I would bump that Hot side up a little. Seems a little cool.

Try and shoot for ~115f


What kind of enclosure is he in?

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Well right now he's in quarantine, so I have him in a 55 gal, tank. And he has ticks so I dont want to throw him outside in my huge cage.

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Originally Posted by m00kfu

Not sure how much it helps, but I do know ProExotics recomends a hotspot of 140 or so for ackies.

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Dam, thats hot.

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Originally Posted by m00kfu

Not sure how much it helps, but I do know ProExotics recomends a hotspot of 140 or so for ackies.

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If I remember correctly the Crocs are kept just a tad cooler than the ackies, with a much lower night temp as well.


If he is 4' a 55 gallon even for QT is CRAZY small.

most baby crocs I have seen are kept in min of 4x4x6 and thats BABY.

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Originally Posted by Patrick Long

If I remember correctly the Crocs are kept just a tad cooler than the ackies, with a much lower night temp as well.


If he is 4' a 55 gallon even for QT is CRAZY small.

most baby crocs I have seen are kept in min of 4x4x6 and thats BABY.

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I know its not the cage for him. But my big cage outside is wooden and I can't let this tick problem get out of hand. Last time I had a burm outside in a cage like that and he had ticks and mites. And it got out of hand and he died. I can't let that happen again. Everytime theres ticks and/or mites I dont like to put my animals in wooden cages, so the tick/miites dont have a chance to breed.

Proper medication will get rid of the mites and ticks. But you NEED to get him into a bigger enclosure.

55 gallons is NOT very large. He probalby cant even turn around if he is in fact 4'...just sayin.

Dang, was doing some reading on these and WOW! I had no idea they got this big.

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Crocodile Monitor lizards have been documented to reach a length of 15 feet, with stories of 19 footers being told by tribesman deep in the heart of the Papua New Guinea jungles. These incredibly beautiful lizards are also known to have the longest tail, longest claws, and longest teeth of any living Monitor Lizard species. Maybe they should be classified as the “Longest Lizard”, while the Komodo Dragon classified as the “Heaviest Lizard”?
Another really interesting fact about a Crocodile Monitor’s teeth is with the exception of the Tyrannosaurus Rex, it is the only other reptile to have its top and bottom teeth scissor across each other.

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http://www.tigerhomes.org/animal/oth...le-monitor.cfm

I second the getting the croc in a larger cage. A 55 gallong is tiny, especially if its a standard fish 55 gallon. They are only 12 inches wide and 4 feet long if im not mistaken. Many people wouldnt even keep a beardie in that enclosure. I know you are trying to quarantine, but the idea of quarantine is a simple enclosure. The enclosure must still meet the herps requirements, it just doesnt give them the extra bonus stuff that a normal cage should give them. Quarantine is usually around 1-2 months. Think of how much he will grow in that time. If he has a growth spurt he could put on maybe six inches in length and if he is already skinny, he could double his weight. That 55 gallon should only be a very temporary thing. Id start looking for something much larger. Maybe something along the lines of 180 gallon at least for the quarantine process. As for him reguritating, it may be a plethora of things. Temps, enclosure size, stress, parasites, etc. If he is not eating well, the panacur could have a very ill effect on him. Meds like panacur can actually lessen the appetite of your herp. It also kills alot of the stomach flora which is essential in digestion, so be sure not to over do it. Treating at the right time is essential. Too early and you could cause more stress, lessen the immune system response, curb his appetite, kill too much flora and essentially make it worse. But wait too long and the parasites might just take over. Just be careful with all the meds. Being hit with all sorts of meds to take care of the endoparasites and ectoparasites may cause him to completely stop eating. I would consult of good herp vet before doing too much. Its not easy for a wc animal to come into captivity sometimes. And the tiny enclosure isnt helping.

Threads and decisions like this are the reason officials are trying to pass laws banning certain animals.

I haven't hit him with the meds yet. I'm waiting for him to fatten up. But as off him throwing up the meal is not because of the cage size. I mean he wouldn't eat if it had to do with the cage size (don't get me wrong, I am gonna put him in a bigger cage). Only reason he's in the 55 tank now is quarantine and I only do a 30 day quarantine. Anyways I need some pics of adult croc cages, cuz the cage I was supposed to put him in measures
13 feet long X 4 feet wide X 3 feet tall, and what killed me is that I thought they where more of a ground lizard not arboreal, so the cage I have doesn't suit him as much as I thought cuz they are arboreal (according to what I have read).

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Originally Posted by allergenic

Threads and decisions like this are the reason officials are trying to pass laws banning certain animals.

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What are you talking about? Have I said im going to release him in the everglades? NO.

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Originally Posted by BallPython17

What are you talking about? Have I said im going to release him in the everglades? NO.

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What I'm talking about is you've picked the most dangerous captive lizard on the planet to keep, and you know so little about it you can't even get its basking temps up enough to have it not throw up its food.

You're going to get hurt.

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Originally Posted by Patrick Long

I would bump that Hot side up a little. Seems a little cool.

Try and shoot for ~115f


What kind of enclosure is he in?

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Originally Posted by Patrick Long

Proper medication will get rid of the mites and ticks. But you NEED to get him into a bigger enclosure.

55 gallons is NOT very large. He probalby cant even turn around if he is in fact 4'...just sayin.

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Now yah see. It's kinda funny that you're trying to hep today. Seems kinda coincidental to BG. BG is thankful he could make you see the light.:gj:

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What I'm talking about is you've picked the most dangerous captive lizard on the planet to keep, and you know so little about it you can't even get its basking temps up enough to have it not throw up its food.

You're going to get hurt

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Have you ever kept a croc monitor? Do you have really any idea what they are like besides the accidents that have happened dealing with croc monitors? Many of our herps are CAN be dangerous, but that doesnt mean they will be. Yes, the size of croc monitors does command respect, on the other hand a 9 foot croc will typically be six feet of tail. Yes his husbandry is a little off, but im sure he will give the animal the respect is deserves. He is already able to give it a large enclosure after quarantine and is coming to people on this forum for help, not ridicule. So please, if you have no information that is at all helpful, please take your rude remarks elsewhere. He has come here for advice, which was a great step towards the correct husbandry for this animal.

Some croc monitors have even been reported to be "dog tame". Reports of even responding to voice commands and being able to fetch.

"Crocodile monitors can become tame, sweet captives if treated with the utmost respect and understanding that they are also potent predators that evolved to survive harsh conditions met in Indonesian jungles. Our largest is an 8' male that is extremely tolerant of human interaction" New England Reptile Distributors

Ballpython17, as for husbandry, here is a good caresheet: http://www.reptilechannel.com/care-s...e-monitor.aspx

Basking temps should be between 110-120, so bump up your basking temp about ten degrees and that should be taken care of. The only thing is, he may not be able to properly thermoregulate in such a small enclosure, he isnt able to really fully move himself to a lower temperature.

As for more information, you could try to contact some knowledgeable breeders like proexotics or nerd.

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Originally Posted by redstormlax12

Have you ever kept a croc monitor? Many of our herps are CAN be dangerous, but that doesnt mean they will be. Yes, the size of croc monitors does command respect, on the other hand a 9 foot croc will typically be six feet of tail.

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It's funny to me that this is always the defense. You know what else I haven't kept? Grizzly bears, bobcats, wolverines, badgers, kodiak bears, polar bears, mako sharks, king cobras. I honestly haven't even kept wild boars or jaguars. That must make me completely unqualified to know how dangerous any of those would be to a human household.

You're absolutely right. King Cobras can be dangerous, but that doesn't mean they will be. The venom and fangs can command respect, but really on the other hand the majority of the animal is "tail". What could possibly go wrong? But then again, I've never kept one, so what do I know?

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Originally Posted by redstormlax12

Yes his husbandry is a little off, but im sure he will give the animal the respect is deserves. He is already able to give it a large enclosure after quarantine and is coming to people on this forum for help, not ridicule.

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"A little off". It's throwing up its food. The OP will be lucky to keep it alive to see eight feet.

At this point I don't even know why I'm replying, because this is indicative of the fact that you've never kept monitors at all. For example, I've kept Argus monitors, and based on things like feeding response, caging requirements, quantity of food, and general difficulty of keeping, I would never recommend an Argus to someone who hasn't at least kept a smaller monitor.

You're talking about something twice the size with the ability to inflict eight times the damage, with at least 2-3x the caging requirements if kept properly.

As was said, his quarantine enclosure is absolutely tiny for any four foot monitor, much less one that has a much longer flight distance than other monitors.

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Originally Posted by redstormlax12

So please, if you have no information that is at all helpful, please take your rude remarks elsewhere. He has come here for advice, which was a great step towards the correct husbandry for this animal.

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What I said was extremely helpful. Give up the animal to someone who is knowledgeable enough to take care of it.

Too often people post threads on message boards about keeping the most ridiculous animals, with the most ridiculous level of inexperience, and expect high fives because of how "awesome" the animal is. For the most part they get the high fives, because people are of similar inexperience as you've outlined in the rest of your reply which I won't bother to quote.

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Originally Posted by redstormlax12

1.0 Mojave Ball Python
1.0 Super Dwarf Retic
1.2 Blizzard Leopard Geckos
1.0 Jungle Carpet
1.0 BCI
1.0 Argentine Boa
0.2 Rats

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Wait, seriously? Having a BCI and a dwarf retic qualifies you to give advice somehow on monitors? Is there something I'm missing? I'm assuming you are male, perhaps you could tell my wife what pregnancy is like?

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Originally Posted by Big Gunns

Now yah see. It's kinda funny that you're trying to hep today. Seems kinda coincidental to BG. BG is thankful he could make you see the light.:gj:

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Oh sorry, I had to actually unblock the post to see this crap.

But contrary to your childish games, and all he picture threads that you pulled up. I do give useful knowledge.

But like the 35 posts that you made while you played pot stirrer this morning...obviously contained ZERO questions to answer. LOL

But that is besides the point is it not?

Sorry in advance,

Personal irrelevant bugbear;

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Another really interesting fact about a Crocodile Monitor’s teeth is with the exception of the Tyrannosaurus Rex, it is the only other reptile to have its top and bottom teeth scissor across each other.

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Dinosaurs were not reptiles.

They had different metabolic systems and the giveaway is the leg position - no reptile has its legs underneath it like dinosaurs and birds did or do. :)


dr del

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Originally Posted by dr del

Sorry in advance,

Personal irrelevant bugbear;



Dinosaurs were not reptiles.

They had different metabolic systems and the giveaway is the leg position - no reptile has its legs underneath it like dinosaurs and birds did or do. :)


dr del

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learn something new everyday!:D

So no ones bashes me saying im new to monitors or something, I currently have a 3 foot savy and a timor monitor. And I have had black throats, water monitors, nile monitors all over 4 feet. Only reason my cages aren't in size right now are due to the fact that I got out of monitors for a bit and got rid of most of my big cages. And allergenic (or w.e. your wack ass name is) don't come here giving me bad luck saying I ain't gonna see him get to 8 feet. And sorry in advance mods, but allergenic go away. Go find a new forum to bash, I know you think your big and bad on the web, but not in real life. Don't be a smart ass. Grow up, stop sucking on your mommys nipple. Enough off that, back to topic. Hopefully between this and next week I will get that enclosure done. I will keep you guys updated.

And redstorm thanks for your input, very good care sheet. My only problem now is my design for the enclosure, I would like to make it a walk in enclosure. But I can find any pics of such an enclosure for monitors.

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Originally Posted by BallPython17

So no ones bashes me saying im new to monitors or something, I currently have a 3 foot savy and a timor monitor. And I have had black throats, water monitors, nile monitors all over 4 feet. Only reason my cages aren't in size right now are due to the fact that I got out of monitors for a bit and got rid of most of my big cages. And allergenic (or w.e. your wack ass name is) don't come here giving me bad luck saying I ain't gonna see him get to 8 feet. And sorry in advance mods, but allergenic go away. Go find a new forum to bash, I know you think your big and bad on the web, but not in real life. Don't be a smart ass. Grow up, stop sucking on your mommys nipple. Enough off that, back to topic. Hopefully between this and next week I will get that enclosure done. I will keep you guys updated.

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whoa, calm down bro. :colbert:

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Originally Posted by djansen

whoa, calm down bro. :colbert:

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Lol. Did I scare you?

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Originally Posted by BallPython17

Lol. Did I scare you?

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For sure ;). Loosing your cool does nothing but get this thread locked or moved so stop the E-hate lol.

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Originally Posted by djansen

For sure ;). Loosing your cool does nothing but get this thread locked or moved so stop the E-hate lol.

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Lol. i know, but what bothers me is why don't the mods take care of the bashers like allergenic. He came in here trying to be all smart, and that starts the problems. instead of saying something helpful, he comes in saying that I aint gonna see my croc get up to 8 feet.

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Lol. i know, but what bothers me is why don't the mods take care of the bashers like allergenic. He came in here trying to be all smart, and that starts the problems. instead of saying something helpful, he comes in saying that I aint gonna see my croc get up to 8 feet.

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I agree. Ive had a problem with him before. He assumed you knew nothing about monitors. You know what happens when you assume. :banana:

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Originally Posted by redstormlax12

I agree. Ive had a problem with him before. He assumed you knew nothing about monitors. You know what happens when you assume. :banana:

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Exactly, I mean one thing is to say i don't know anything about monitors. And another thing is to tell me my croc is gonna die.

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Originally Posted by BallPython17

Lol. i know, but what bothers me is why don't the mods take care of the bashers like allergenic. He came in here trying to be all smart, and that starts the problems. instead of saying something helpful, he comes in saying that I aint gonna see my croc get up to 8 feet.

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yeah but he is entitled to his opinion and the thing is, its like the other poster stated he is assuming. If you really know how to care for the croc monitor who gives a rats a** what some guy on the internet thinks. Its doesnt take anything to be an E-thug lol. just listen to the good advice and tune out the garbage.
good luck bro.

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Originally Posted by djansen

yeah but he is entitled to his opinion and the thing is, its like the other poster stated he is assuming. If you really know how to care for the croc monitor who gives a rats a** what some guy on the internet thinks. just listen to the good advice and tune out the garbage.
good luck bro.

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exactly, he is entitled to give his opinion, so my other post about him is my opinion about him. Like BG says, you poke me, ill poke harder. lol. but ill admit im not 100% on the care of crocs, most of my knowledge is from the monitors i've kept. Thats why im here asking for some knowledge on him.

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Originally Posted by BallPython17

exactly, he is entitled to give his opinion, so my other post about him is my opinion about him. Like BG says, you poke me, ill poke harder. lol. but ill admit im not 100% on the care of crocs, most of my knowledge is from the monitors i've kept. Thats why im here asking for some knowledge on him.

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K but leave the profanity and his mother out of it lol.

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Originally Posted by djansen

K but leave the profanity and his mother out of it lol.

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lol. yea the mother thing was a bit bad. mybad on that one. but anyways back to topic on my little guy (not literately little, lol). But BG would you happen to have any pics of your enclosures for your big arboreal lizards? Or anyone that has big arboreal lizards?

A quick review.

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Originally Posted by CoolioTiffany

Definitely go for the two dewormers BG listed, those work pretty well.

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Originally Posted by redstormlax12

I second the getting the croc in a larger cage. ...If he has a growth spurt he could put on maybe six inches in length and if he is already skinny, he could double his weight...As for him reguritating, it may be a plethora of things. Temps, enclosure size, stress, parasites, etc. If he is not eating well, the panacur could have a very ill effect on him....

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Originally Posted by redstormlax12

Ive had a problem with him before.

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Most of the people who find me offensive are the people who don't keep monitors and find it necessary to troll monitor forums dispensing veterinary advice to people needing real advice from actual keepers. The people who, like me, are also long time monitor keepers seem to actually appreciate me taking the time to give constructive advice when I find it the time to do so.

The problem with me is that when an animal is at stake I generally don't stop long enough to worry about someone's poor feelings getting hurt.

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Originally Posted by BallPython17

he ate a rat pup when i got him, but he ended up regurgitating it.

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Originally Posted by BallPython17

Then monday I saw he had threw it up...
And now I went to check on him again and he had thrown up one of the rat pups I fed him.

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Originally Posted by BallPython17

My question is what would cause him to keep throwing them up?

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Originally Posted by BallPython17

105.8 f on hot spot and 88 f on cool side.

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Originally Posted by BallPython17

Dam, thats hot.

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Originally Posted by Patrick Long

If he is 4' a 55 gallon even for QT is CRAZY small. most baby crocs I have seen are kept in min of 4x4x6 and thats BABY.

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Originally Posted by Patrick Long

you NEED to get him into a bigger enclosure.
55 gallons is NOT very large. He probalby cant even turn around if he is in fact 4'...just sayin.

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Originally Posted by BallPython17

I thought they where more of a ground lizard not arboreal, so the cage I have doesn't suit him as much as I thought cuz they are arboreal (according to what I have read).

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Originally Posted by BallPython17

So no ones bashes me saying im new to monitors or something,

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Let's cut back to the chase and stay on topic. Again, my point, which have yourself illustrated without me having to, is that you've failed on really basic monitor husbandry. Basking spot, aquarium cage, enclosure size, regurgitated food. You also don't even know the basics about this specific animal. This stuff is seriously Monitor Keeping 101 type of stuff. What makes you really think you're going to be able to care for an animal this advanced?

Seriously, just stop for a second and ignore what you think of me and my supposed "rudeness". Do you really not see that you're about to be very badly in over your head?

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Originally Posted by BallPython17

And redstorm thanks for your input, very good care sheet.

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So now you are relying on a guy who doesn't keep monitors giving you an Internet care sheet (which are notoriously bad) to help you take care of the most dangerous and demanding captive lizard you can own.

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Originally Posted by BallPython17

instead of saying something helpful, he comes in saying that I aint gonna see my croc get up to 8 feet.

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You haven't been on forums long enough to see that threads like this are actually really typical, and generally all end the same way.

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Originally Posted by BallPython17

Exactly, I mean one thing is to say i don't know anything about monitors. And another thing is to tell me my croc is gonna die.

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Originally Posted by BallPython17

Last time I had a burm outside in a cage like that and he had ticks and mites. And it got out of hand and he died.

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Just sayin.

here we go again allergenic. I really don't care about your advice. atleast the people here are helping me out. the burm is a different story, he was given to me that way full of mites. Don't come in here being all smart cuz you think you know everything. please tell me what kind of animals you have, cuz of now your a lot of talk and no show. Oh and as for the thing of me not being on a forum a lot, you should look at yourself. Your pretty new here, on this forum a good number of us actually help out. You should go back to those forums where you belong.

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Most of the people who find me offensive are the people who don't keep monitors and find it necessary to troll monitor forums dispensing veterinary advice to people needing real advice from actual keepers

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The veterinary advice i gave is true. Panacur and other meds do kill flora in the stomach of our herps. Too much of the panacur will kill the beneficial flora in the stomach and digestive tract causing the breakdown and digestion of the food almost impossible. If you think this advice isn't correct then your knowledge of the internal workings and the effect of the medications is severely lacking. Im not trolling. I saw a person in need and gave them some solid advice on the general application of meds for endoparasites.

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The people who, like me, are also long time monitor keepers seem to actually appreciate me taking the time to give constructive advice when I find it the time to do so.

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Advice? What advice? Your first comment was rude, and your second again rude. And these were comments, not really educational advice. And where as someone appreciated this so called "advice" your giving? Ballpython17 seems to have been keeping monitors also.

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Originally Posted by BallPython17

here we go again allergenic. I really don't care about your advice. atleast the people here are helping me out. the burm is a different story, he was given to me that way full of mites. Don't come in here being all smart cuz you think you know everything. please tell me what kind of animals you have, cuz of now your a lot of talk and no show. Oh and as for the thing of me not being on a forum a lot, you should look at yourself. Your pretty new here, on this forum a good number of us actually help out. You should go back to those forums where you belong.

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You may not like how he's saying it, but I can't see how you can't read between the lines.

So far, the guy who you are intent on having a running battle with is giving you the best advice on this thread. Maybe if I say it more politely, you will stop wasting your time flexing your e-mouth and get your animal digesting food again.

(1) You picked a very demanding and potentially dangerous animal to keep. I would ignore any care-sheet that down play the damage this animal could do to you. Monitors are not dogs and the potential for this monitor to seriously hurt you is very real - more real than it ever becoming "dog tame".

(2) I don't care what the situation is, as Pat and others have stated, that 55 gallon glass aquarium is inadequate - even for a day. Asking for plans to build a larger enclosure at this point is a waste of time. My advice is to get him into something of adequate size. Hint - a glass aquarium of any size is nothing but a varanus jerky making machine - so don't even bother going there. That animal is going to need a 16' long x 6' deep x 8' high enclosure when it's an adult. If I may be so bold to assume you are having hard time getting an adequate sized enclosure for him as a juvenile, you are going to find it impossible to provide an adequate adult sized enclosure.

(3) As has been stated, your temps are too low. I'd give him the option of a 135 degree hot spot. The cage you give him now will need to be big enough to allow a cool end that is in the 80s. The 55 gallon aquarium won't cut it.

(4) Do not self diagnose and self treat this animal for internal parasites. In your case, I would strongly recommend you him to a Vet and have him properly treated.

The fact that your croc is regurging, in cramped quarters and being kept at suboptimal temperatures is bad. You may not like hearing this, but no matter what you say your experience is with these animals, the fact that you were not prepared to provide it with proper care and were ready to take advice from an internet forum gives me little cause to believe you are ready for the responsibility this animal entails.

Log off the computer. Immediately get him into an adequately sized cage with a proper basking spot and a proper temperature and humidity gradient. Get him professionally treated for his internal parasites. Once you get those things nailed down, then you can jog back here and get testy all you want.

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Originally Posted by redstormlax12

Have you ever kept a croc monitor? Do you have really any idea what they are like besides the accidents that have happened dealing with croc monitors? Many of our herps are CAN be dangerous, but that doesnt mean they will be. Yes, the size of croc monitors does command respect, on the other hand a 9 foot croc will typically be six feet of tail. Yes his husbandry is a little off, but im sure he will give the animal the respect is deserves. He is already able to give it a large enclosure after quarantine and is coming to people on this forum for help, not ridicule. So please, if you have no information that is at all helpful, please take your rude remarks elsewhere. He has come here for advice, which was a great step towards the correct husbandry for this animal.

Some croc monitors have even been reported to be "dog tame". Reports of even responding to voice commands and being able to fetch.

"Crocodile monitors can become tame, sweet captives if treated with the utmost respect and understanding that they are also potent predators that evolved to survive harsh conditions met in Indonesian jungles. Our largest is an 8' male that is extremely tolerant of human interaction" New England Reptile Distributors

Ballpython17, as for husbandry, here is a good caresheet: http://www.reptilechannel.com/care-s...e-monitor.aspx

Basking temps should be between 110-120, so bump up your basking temp about ten degrees and that should be taken care of. The only thing is, he may not be able to properly thermoregulate in such a small enclosure, he isnt able to really fully move himself to a lower temperature.

As for more information, you could try to contact some knowledgeable breeders like proexotics or nerd.

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Rather than give you my take on croc monitors as pets, let me direct you to a site that isn't trying to sell one to anybody - and explaining why in the process.

http://proexotics.com/FAQ2.html#monitor_croc

Scoot on down to the pictures with all the blood in them.

I say this with a complete absence of snark - nobody is doing this hobby any good by going around and telling people croc monitors make "sweet" and "tame" pets. I know it isn't your quote, but................

Quote:

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You may not like how he's saying it, but I can't see how you can't read between the lines.

So far, the guy who you are intent on having a running battle with is giving you the best advice on this thread. Maybe if I say it more politely, you will stop wasting your time flexing your e-mouth and get your animal digesting food again.

(1) You picked a very demanding and potentially dangerous animal to keep. I would ignore any care-sheet that down play the damage this animal could do to you. Monitors are not dogs and the potential for this monitor to seriously hurt you is very real - more real than it ever becoming "dog tame".

(2) I don't care what the situation is, as Pat and others have stated, that 55 gallon glass aquarium is inadequate - even for a day. Asking for plans to build a larger enclosure at this point is a waste of time. My advice is to get him into something of adequate size. Hint - a glass aquarium of any size is nothing but a varanus jerky making machine - so don't even bother going there. That animal is going to need a 16' long x 6' deep x 8' high enclosure when it's an adult. If I may be so bold to assume you are having hard time getting an adequate sized enclosure for him as a juvenile, you are going to find it impossible to provide an adequate adult sized enclosure.

(3) As has been stated, your temps are too low. I'd give him the option of a 135 degree hot spot. The cage you give him now will need to be big enough to allow a cool end that is in the 80s. The 55 gallon aquarium won't cut it.

(4) Do not self diagnose and self treat this animal for internal parasites. In your case, I would strongly recommend you him to a Vet and have him properly treated.

The fact that your croc is regurging, in cramped quarters and being kept at suboptimal temperatures is bad. You may not like hearing this, but no matter what you say your experience is with these animals, the fact that you were not prepared to provide it with proper care and were ready to take advice from an internet forum gives me little cause to believe you are ready for the responsibility this animal entails.

Log off the computer. Immediately get him into an adequately sized cage with a proper basking spot and a proper temperature and humidity gradient. Get him professionally treated for his internal parasites. Once you get those things nailed down, then you can jog back here and get testy all you want.

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I have to agree with everything that was said here. I did tend to downplay the seriousness of your situation. Yes your croc will be dangerous, and no im not saying he is going to be dog tame by any means. And i must again emphasize the changing of the enclosure. Its like you having a walk-in closet as a living space. If one side is 115 degrees, moving over a little isn't going to allow you to cool off. And i must agree with the vet advice also. I was giving answers to what you could treat him with, but going to the vet and getting tests done to find out exactly what he needs to be treated for is the correct thing. Yes, he will probably need to be put on a dewormer like panacur, but the vet may give you something else. Panacur is a very general med used in treating endoparasites. If the wooden enclosure you have is ready to be used, then by all means use it. You may be concerned about the mites and tics breeding in it, but the fact is, they will mainly do the reproduction on your croc. If the wooden enclosure was made properly and sealed well, then putting your croc in it will be no problem. Keep it to the bare minimums in the cage since it will be a quarantine. Treat the mites and tics with what the vet tells you and then daily clean the enclosure to kill the mites and tics. Ive heard nothing but great reviews for provent-a-mite from pro-products, so i suggest you look into that right away and order it as soon as possible if that will work.

Getting him into the proper sized enclosure is the first thing you must do. This will allow him to thermoregulate properly and help to ease his stress. Next thing is call the vet in the morning, schedule the soonest possible appointment you can.

I hope everything goes well, and i wish you the best of luck. Just make sure you give him the best chance of survival, and hopefully he will bounce back.