mangroove monitor

[Mike Schultz]

This is a typical answer from an owner of a pet shop.You can not tame them,you can gain there trust.They Are a very shy monitor they don't tolerate handling very well.100% of all Mangroves are all wild caught,so to recommend them to some one with no monitor experience at all is a very bad idea.Most new keeper have no idea how to properly set up a monitor.

greg

He was asking for advice about mangrove monitors so I gave him advice on them. I never recommended one to him I think it would be better to give him sound advice so that he knows what he is doing, since he seems to want one

You can't "tame" a lizard, but then again if we are going to argue semantics you are wrong in your wording also- monitors do not display complex emotions like "trust." They are intelligent enough to learn, over time, that the large creature that feeds them, opens their cage, etc. is not going to hurt them and in that regard they will "trust" you and act like they are "tame" although it is really nothing other than the fact that they have gotten used to human contact enough that they no longer see us as a danger to themselves unless we act in a manner that would cause them to fear us.

I don't know why you feel the need to argue about my "pet shop owner" answer since it is sound advice... Unless you'd recommend him getting a wild caught adult instead of a wild caught baby I don't know how many mangroves you've had but I will say that 100% of the babies I have cared for have acclimated to captivity much much better and sooner than any of the adults I've had.

[gbassett]

Sorry about my reply coming off so harsh,but when ever I hear someone saying start with a baby you will have a better chance of taming.I think you are setting them up for failure.Mangrove"s are all wild caught,they are very nervous and it can take a long time to get them to settle in(some never do)

Mangrove monitors cam grow to 5 feet,but most stay about 3 and half to 4 feet.They like to climb,swim,and dig s so you will need a very large cage 8x6x4 minimum.They also do a lot better when they can get above eye level.I would not recommend them for some one who has never owned a monitor,they do not make very good captives.If your friend has a tame one,that is very rear(I'm not saying its not possible)but don't count on yours being the same way.If you are really set on getting one then I would recommend you do a lot of homework,go on a few monitor forums and ask questions.


GREG

[mumps]

You can't "tame" a lizard, but then again if we are going to argue semantics you are wrong in your wording also- monitors do not display complex emotions like "trust." They are intelligent enough to learn, over time, that the large creature that feeds them, opens their cage, etc. is not going to hurt them and in that regard they will "trust" you and act like they are "tame" although it is really nothing other than the fact that they have gotten used to human contact enough that they no longer see us as a danger to themselves unless we act in a manner that would cause them to fear us.

Apparently, you are way out of date in your monitor research, or haven't worked with them very much, except to import and sell them.

Varanids are the most intelligent genera of lizards, and while you say they come to accept people as not a danger, I imagine you haven't let a "trusting" monitor meet a stranger... I've seen this numerous times and they don't just lump people into one general group. They know who you are, and can tell someone different.

I could write many examples of proven research and results, but let's just say that monitors are SMART and deserve to be treated so.

Chris

[Mike Schultz]

I imagine you haven't let a "trusting" monitor meet a stranger... I've seen this numerous times and they don't just lump people into one general group. They know who you are, and can tell someone different.

I've had people sell me plenty of "tame" monitors and they stayed that way for me

I've also had plenty of evil ones that stayed evil

Not saying I'm some kind of expert or anything as my monitor experience is limited compared to many here but i am just relaying my findings

[shimmer]

Mangroves are a bad choice for a first timer!!! An Ackie or Sav are the best choices for first timers. Just because your friends is nice does not mean the one you buy will be! for instance I have several crested geckos, some will literally jump on your hand to be handled, while others will never let you touch them; even if the geckos have been given the same amount of attention. With reptiles each animal is an individual and one might be nice while the next one is anything but.

[Mike Schultz]

I agree that a mangrove is not the best choice for a beginner. Ackie monitors are pretty good, and also dumerils monitors because of their calm demeanor and relatively small adult size.

[gbassett]

and also dumerils monitors because of their calm demeanor and relatively small adult size.

Hold on Dumerilis are not a good choice for a first monitor.They get bigger than most Mangroves,and have the same special requirements as a Mangrove.Now I will agree that once they settle in they can make a great monitor.

greg