Water Monitor

[crochunter]

just a quick question...I am looking at getting a water monitor and was wondering how big should I expect it to get and what kind of enclosure would I be looking at.

[tex_01]

hey man they can reach up to about 10 feet plus and some have a nasty bit. If you decide to get one get a baby and wear gloves

[NiagaraReptiles]

Water Monitors vary in size depending on locality and sex. Expect an them to attain an adult size of 5-9 feet long. As for an enclosure, you would need a custom 'room" build for an adult. Minimum enclosure size should be at least twice as long as the monitor, and the lenght the monitor is wide. Monitors of that size can be very costly to feed and can be very dangerous. Also bear in mind that any species of monitor can grow from a hatchling to full adult size in 1.5 years or less, under appropriate husbandry.

It seems as though you are new to the world of Monitors, and with that in mind, I suggest you look at a smaller species that will be easier to provide for if you are interested in a Monitor.

Best wishes,

[crochunter]

I have owned a couple of large Nile monitors in the past so the size is no problem. I have a basement that is solely dedicated for my reptiles so I have no problem housing one.

[Jeff_Favelle]

"Owning" a few nile monitors and actually keeping them happy/healthy are two different things. If you are inquiring on the cage sizes for a water, you are totally not ready for one. Trust me. The way people keep monitors now is DRASTICALLY different than the way they did it 5 years ago. Heck, its different than it was 6 months ago!!

[crochunter]

I wouldn't go out and get one until I knew exactly what I was getting myself into. and my Niles were in excellent condition...the only thing is they were quite nasty. and I heard that the temperment on a water was better. but believe me I wouldn't get one till I can make sure I can keep it healthy and happy

[Jeff_Favelle]

Cool!! I can't wait to see pics of it when you get it setup!!! They are such COOL lizards!!