Taming A Water Monitor

[Taylormason]

I know there are lots of debates and discussions on how to "Tame" a monitor.

I have thoroughly read through all the possible ways and have chosen to go with the "Leave it be and slowly make yourself known" technique.

I don't mean to re-flame a topic that has been talked about alot... I just have a few specific questions!

My question is: If my monitor is never out when I am there...how can it possibly allow me to move up to the next step?

another quick question,

I know I am not supposed to lift the hides...but sometimes he is under the water bowl and I have to clean it...is it okay then? or what should I do?

I know every lizard is different. Some calm down fast and some take time...and no matter what, I WILL love it.

I would just prefer a big content calm boy one day...and I want to know if I am doing it right.

Thank you!

Taylor

[infernalis]

You will have to lift hides, so what I recommend is to do so slowly as to not startle the animal.

In time they do grow used to the keeper, be consistant, bribe with treats if you have to.

Our monitor will do most anything for a snack.

[Crikey4]

The best thing I have learned to get monitors used to you is to feed with tongs. MOST will do anything for a snack like previously stated. And feeding with tongs gets you closer to them but with something they like. Not only that but MOST monitors will see the tongs as what brings the food not you. So there is less chance of you being associated with food. At the same time they get comfortable eating in front of you once they know you arent going to steal their food. And once they are eating in front of you and not taking their food to their hide is when you know you have taken a step toward the lizard trusting you.

Again I say MOST lizards, there are always exceptions to the rule.

[Aaron_S]

...
I would just prefer a big content calm boy one day...and I want to know if I am doing it right...

Just understand that this may not be the case ever! The animal may never be calm.

[infernalis]

Just understand that this may not be the case ever! The animal may never be calm.

Spot on!

Even Savannah's are known to have hissy fit moments.

Chomper got mad at me once, It was scary.

[Reptile_Reptile]

^^^ care to elaborate wayne. unless its that pooping on you story again. then not so much lol its a gross one

[infernalis]

It was during that incident, I put him down right after that happened, he scooted under one of the 4 wheelers parked with that group, just then someone else started a machine nearby and the engine noise scared him, He bolted and started running, He came to the end of the leash and it yanked on him.

Combine the fear of the motor sounds with the leash yanking and he went into a full on defensive mode.

Ever see a full grown monitor lizard curve into a C shape, mouth wide open and tail cocked back for a serious whipping??

It is scary, especially when you know that you have to pick it up and carry it 600+ feet back to the house.

Lesson learned, I will never take chomper out back when there are people using the track again.

We only take him out there when there are no riders here.

[Reptile_Reptile]

wow never heard that part of the story. poor chomper V_V sad situation that was

[infernalis]

We live and learn.. that's what life is all about.

Monitors have 3 serious ways to hurt you.

Their toenails are like eagle talons, Chomper has dug me up worse than any cat ever could..

Their jaws have power like a hydraulic jack, he could tear a finger off if he wanted to.

Lastly, That big muscular tail, they can whip you hard and leave welts.

One thing we all have to remember, These are wild animals, and once instinct takes over, there is very little you can do, except get out of the way.

[Aaron_S]

I have seen what a monitor with a wicked tail will do. I do know of stories of large green iguanas breaking bones and causing massive damage with bites. Large lizards aren't all that docile!