White throat info

[Nadamamasboy]

I did some searching on here for White Throats but was wondering about more detailed info. Does anyone have any suggestions as to proper environment, temperament, feeding suggestions etc?

Some of the pics I've seen are nothing like the one available to me (the markings are very nice) so I'm curious about subspecies as well. I think it would make a fine addition but would appreciate any input before I make a decision.

Thanks!

[mumps]

You checking out the one Shawn Parker has for sale on RC? I kinda had my eye on that as well...

I have never kept albigularis, but I have considered it. If I were to get one I would set it up like a Nile or Ornate, but without the huge water area (big enough for soaking would suffice). HUGE enclosure, deep substrate (a foot or more), basking to 140F, coolest nights around 75F, lots of hides, large logs and rocks.

The one Shawn has is around 3 feet - check its age. Should NOT be over a year old.

Temperaments vary. If you know how to maintain a trusting relationship with varanids then no problem. If you're new to them then you're in for a treat!

Under a year old feed daily - lots of food. Variety is best, but a staple of rodents is best; as long as your environment is set up properly.

Chris

[Nadamamasboy]

Thanks Chris, that's the one.
He says it's under 2 years old and never been to a vet, and that there are no problems with it. I'm gathering that you think it's small for it's age?

I think it's a very colourful little guy and yes, it would be my first varanid. I'm more fond of the larger varieties, and would prefer something colourful.

I have done a lot of searching under white throats & albigularis but am not getting the kind of data that's available for many other monitors. I'm drawing the conclusion that they should be treated similar to a blackthroat but that's why I'm here, to gather more info. Do you know if they are climbers?

Thanks again,
Keith

[mumps]

Hey Keith -

I, like you, prefer the larger varieties of everything. My first varanid was a Nile; back in 1990. Quite the introduction! But he lived to be 16 so I guess I did a pretty good job...

Anyway - he says it's less than 2. My ornatus just turned 1 and a half years old on Feb. 3 (captive bred here in Canada!). He's just shy of 5 feet. So...
albigularis are comparable in size to ornatus. A little small for me, but certainly not too terrible. I've seen year and a half old Niles at 2 feet. Aaaach!

White throat and black throat are colour variations of the same species. Any info you find on black throat will apply to white throat - they are both Varanus albigularis.

What kind of enclosure size did you have in mind?

Chris

[Nadamamasboy]

Probably 6 or 8x3x3 to start with as I'm in a temporary situation and will be moving. Once I get a new job I'll go bigger when I get to whatever city I'll be in. I'm in no hurry right now but also don't want to pass on a nice animal.