Beginner's Varanid Question

[Strutter769]

Marcy and I have been talking lately about getting a Varanid. (Neither of us has cared for one in the past). I personally like Red Tegus, and I think she likes Argentines (Cant remember if they are tegus or monitors?). I think we bothbagree that we want something with a little heft, a little chunkiness to it.

We're both also tired of having to have roaches on hand at all times, so is there a vegetarian Varanid?

Finally, at the present, we don't have the resources to construct the lavish living area LF and Cera have, but that should change with a move southwest in a couple years.

Now, if I know you guys/gals at all, I expect some "Don't get one" or "You already have enough animals." J promise you, if we do not know for certain we can meet all the husbandry needs, we won't, but I'd like to hear what those with more experience have to say.

So, for beginners, a monitor (which species in particular or a Tegu, preferably red.

Thanks for reading!

[infernalis]

Tegus get large, there are some small species of Monitors that can be kept in a somewhat smaller enclosure than what I have, but I can already say this, my monitors are only about 3 inches long at the moment, and are using all of that cage, Little Cera is back and forth in there all day long.

[Bradyloach]

What about an ackie monitor? I'm pretty sure they can be kept in a 5x 3 and that's small! Anyways monitor lizards don't eat veggies :p I have a sav! But don't know a lot about monitors just a beginer! Wayne and barley breathing know lots!

[youngster]

Anyways monitor lizards don't eat veggies :p

Actually there is at least one varanid species that is a vegetarian. I think someone on here posted something about it a little while ago.

[Bradyloach]

Yah the Butaan project! Umm it's on in south america. But 95% eat meat

[infernalis]

Yah the Butaan project! Umm it's on in south america. But 95% eat meat

Philippines, and protected, never an option.

[Bradyloach]

Philippines, and protected, never an option.

Yeah! I would go with a sav :) save one more for the pet trade

[crocdoc]

...save one more for the pet trade
Just out of curiosity, what did you mean by that?


To the O.P., go for the tegu. If you get a red or an Argentine, it'll be captive bred (Columbians are mostly WC and are pretty cranky, anyway). They're chunky and not as active as most monitors. They're omnivorous, so they'll eat both vegetable matter and small whole animals, but once they've reached adult size you can probably get rid of your cockroach colony, if that's a concern.

[BarelyBreathing]

I'd recommend a tegu.

[BarelyBreathing]

(Columbians are mostly WC and are pretty cranky, anyway).

My very hand tame Colombian tegu.

http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m611/SnakeShed/DSC_0011-2.jpg

[crocdoc]

Yes, but for every tame one, BarelyBreathing, there are dozens of cranky ones. They're fairly defensive compared to the Argentinian and reds, and are also mostly WC.

[Bradyloach]

Croc doc! I ment like little kids are getting them and there classified as easy pets at pet stores! Everyone here are good keepers or can ask good keepers therefore I said that because it's better for someone to buy it on here and knows were to get help :)

[Gregg M]

There are quite a few dwarf species that are easy to keep and do not need huge cages. Ackies are great. Dwarf wise, anything outside of ackies and tristis can get quite pricey. Ackies can be found at prices between $150 up to $300 each. Reds being more expensive than yellows. Then you have topenders that can be quite a bit more. Tristis are in the $200 to $300 price range.

Kimberly rocks, Pilbars, Gillens, and cortos range high hundreds and past $1000. Then you have Kings monitors that range from $1,500 for normals up to $3,500 to $4,000 for the "leucistics".

[BarelyBreathing]

Yes, but for every tame one, BarelyBreathing, there are dozens of cranky ones. They're fairly defensive compared to the Argentinian and reds, and are also mostly WC.

Very true, but just like any monitor, they can be tamed readily. The difference between the Colombians and the Argentine is that most Argentines are naturally calm and friendly, while the Colombians require patience.

[SpOoKy]

There are quite a few dwarf species that are easy to keep and do not need huge cages. Ackies are great.

i thought of Ackies too but the OP wanted something with a little chunk to it :)

[crocdoc]

i thought of Ackies too but the OP wanted something with a little chunk to it :)

Not to mention this:
We're both also tired of having to have roaches on hand at all times, so is there a vegetarian Varanid?

That's the other reason I went with tegu - at least they're omnivorous.