New pick-up

[MMReptiles]

Oh lord, some of the information given in this thread is downright laughable.

First off, congrats on the new monitor. Niles are perhaps one of the most beautiful and misunderstood species of monitor one can own. Of the 4 monitors I currently have, my nile is absolutely my favorite. He's got just enough attitude it makes him enjoyable to work with, and respect for what he is - a large carnivorous reptile capable of lots of damage. That being said I have a few pieces of advice for you.

1. The cage you are being given is too small, it's extremely clear the previous owner had no idea what he was doing with this monitor. Niles are extremely fast growing, and his size for his age is pretty sad. Mine is something like 1 year 4 months old and is around the same size as yours. Up his food intake as previously suggested.

2. Dirt substrate- and lots of it. Niles LOVE to dig, in the wild these guys burrow, dig up prey including croc eggs, and do amazingly well in deep soil substrate. Plan for at least 2 foot of substrate for him to burrow in.

3. Temps and Humidity- sounds like you got the temps right but what kind of humidity are you offering him? Mine did amazing with high humidity and I do recall Roger (sidbarvin) using high humidity with his as well, and growth was greatly increased.

4. Go hands off with him for now. Grabbing him and force handling him a bunch now will only cause problems. Give him some space and let him be exactly what he is- a monitor. Monitors are NOT dogs or bearded dragons, and should not be touched nearly as much as your average monitor owner touches them. I can count on one hand the number of times I've picked up my nile- and she does not hiss or bite.

Swamp: As pretty as the cage is- there is not enough substrate for any monitor for any length of time. All monitors will dig at some point, and get a great benefit from it besides the burrowing aspect. Being under the dirt allows for high humidity in the burrow along with higher temps at night if they sleep there. It's an excellent place for them to hang out when not basking and still have high temps/humidity for ample growth.

As for glass aquariums- this is probably the WORST advice you could ever get for owning a varanid, and should be completely disregarded. In most cases fish tanks are exactly that FISH tanks. A large number of reptiles do awful in tanks monitors included. Monitors like to have lots of room, with lots of places to hide. High temps and high humidity. This simply can't be obtained inside of a class tank. Period. Just because you've kept a red tail in a tank doesn't mean anything at all. Let me guess, your red tail has an open top enclosure allowing for humidity escaping, and it probably has a heat light too (lol nocturnal).

Monitors are not for beginners or people without a lot of time, room, and deep pockets and a passion for large lizards you may never get to touch.

Chris - great points, glad to see someone who knows what they are doing