Tree monitor cages? (Among other things)

[Pampho85]

Hi, I'm just wondering, if I were to get a Blue/Green Tree Monitor, what kind of cages would I need? (Examples of store bough cages and such)

Also, what kind of heating would I need? I know a light source of some sort would be needed, but do they need heat tape on the bottom of the cage to provide extra heat? And how many times do I have to feed them? I've heard different things ranging from once every two days, daily to once a week. How much more expensive are they to keep, then let's say a ball python?

Thanks!

[mumps]

While not quite the same, but will give you an idea...

If you had a pair of ball pythons, and they both ate one rat a week, without ever fasting, add up the amount of rats required to keep them for 14 years.

That's how many rats my Ornate monitor ate in his FIRST TWO YEARS.

Granted, arboreal monitors are a different varanid altogether, but that is an example of the expenses involved.

As well, there is NO STORE BOUGHT ENCLOSURE that is suitable for a monitor. Period.

Check around the internet, on many different forums, and YouTube, by entering Varanus prasinus.

Chris

[suzuki4life]

reptiracks makes an arboreal monitor cage that would work but a custom build would do better.

I used lights but heat panels would work also

tree monitors are not for new keepers.

[MMReptiles]

Tree Monitors are absolutely not for new keepers, and if you have to ask if any store bought cage will work, you have no business owning one.

[mumps]

^^Blunt and to the point, but I like it!

Chris

[1nstinct]

i agree with everyone if you are asking who makes monitor cages you didn't even research them that well. A Min of 4 long by 2 ft deep by 6 feet tall is the smallest you can go for a pair. Monitors are not a cheap, forgetful animal. They eat a lot. My rough neck(also an arboreal monitor) was in a cage i made that was 4 ft long by 4 feet wide by 7 feet tall. And man can monitors eat he would get 3-6 hopper/weaned mice a day($.35 x 4 mice(avg)=$1.40 X 7 days=$9.80 a week at least). the cage cost me at least $750 to build and get fully set up. One thing none mentioned is these are going to be display animals for you? I can tell you from personal experience arboreal monitors are not that fun to handle, they will climb all over you(if they are not scared) and will rip up your arms legs and clothing up, they have some sharp nails. think twice then think a third time if you really want to get into monitors they are messy like your cleaning the cage everyday, and changing water everyday. do some more research, check out P.E.'s monitors FAQ page some really good into in there.
Tom

[Pampho85]

Thanks for your answers, but let me reiterate, I said I wasn't going to get one any time soon. Not until at least 5-6 years. I was just wondering after watching some videos and such. Thanks for the responses nonetheless.

[Mike41793]

Thanks for your answers, but let me reiterate, I said I wasn't going to get one any time soon. Not until at least 5-6 years. I was just wondering after watching some videos and such. Thanks for the responses nonetheless.

You never iterated that you werent going to be getting one for awhile so everyone took the post a little too seriously, but they didnt know any better lol

[Pampho85]

Wow, yea, I made it look like I did. Didn't mean to at all! My apologies! Didn't know I sounded like a jerk. I apologize again for the unruly post, I had no intention coming off that way.

[mumps]

No worries, mate!

We varanid owners are very passionate not just about the monitors we keep, but every monitor out there, and we want the best for ALL of them.

Do your research, and try to get hands on with anyone who might be a (good) keeper in your area. They are a lot of expense, work and patience, but are more rewarding for the effort!

Chris