The varanus salvadorii thread - Croc Monitors

[philipniceguy]

Hi,
new to this forum but someone directed me here. He thought there maybe someone on here he thinks is called Vincent who has had success with breeding croc monitors. I keep a pair myself been keeping croc monitors for far few years now (though not these two) I have a far amount of knowledge on them but wanting to get other keepers advice. My pair have been introduced a few times but only the most recent time they mated a number of times over 2 days, on my youtube if you want to see. basicly I'm after advice from ONLY PEOPLE WHO HAVE BRED THEM. what I'm wanting to know is:

what did the female end up laying her eggs in? eg substrate, size, temp
how long from copulation to egg laying?
what temperature did you incubate your eggs at?
for how long?

and any other extra advice you think I may need.

Like I said I got a ruff idea but any first hand knowledge is gladly taken on board to guide me at all.

[infernalis]

Welcome mate.. good to see you here.

[philipniceguy]

Welcome mate.. good to see you here.

thanks very much, did not realise you was on here, nice to see a friendly bunch

[infernalis]

You will see at least a couple familiar names.

Shane frequents quite a bit.

I see some of the same people at RFUK that are regulars here.

I know people will really like to see your great enclosures and properly cared for animals...

[Gatorhunter1231]

Vincent is not here-sorry.
I believe you have picked my brain before on other forums. Mine all ended up to be infertiles bought I can answer your questions based on what my female was choosing to do.
1) Substrate all three times. I provided multiple nest box and a large trash can and all were heated but she choose a decaying pile of mulch, leaves and dirt twice at a depth of 12in or so. She also laid in the dirt (after removing an nest box from location) that was near the basking spot and at a depth of 24-30in (freakin huge hole).

2)Mine seemed to lay 20-30 days after cycling (confrimed mating should be around the same time). Dave could shed some better light on that was suspect its close to the same for his lace monitors.

3)86 degrees fahrenheit. till eggs pruned. The norm for monitor eggs. High humidty and mid 80's will get you there. You will be waiting for a while. Large monitor eggs seemed to go 200 plus days before hatching.


Vincent is VaranusFricano from another forum you are already on ;)

Other things I have noticed is food consumption is increase a lot. She will start to test dig a lot. Pay attention to what she seems to like. I would supply nest boxes and deep substrate. Each monitor is an individual so give her all the options you can at least for the first few times. Keep nest areas in mid 80's. Get the male out after the mating stops. She will start to become territorial. I have been chased out the cage by my female more then once after she laid.
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d197/Gatorhunter/crocvsackie.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d197/Gatorhunter/crocegg2012.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d197/Gatorhunter/reptiles/photo2.jpg
I hope you get this
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d197/Gatorhunter/reptiles/babyhellbound.jpg

[philipniceguy]

You will see at least a couple familiar names.

Shane frequents quite a bit.

I see some of the same people at RFUK that are regulars here.

I know people will really like to see your great enclosures and properly cared for animals...

I noticed a few of them

Vincent is not here-sorry.
I believe you have picked my brain before on other forums. Mine all ended up to be infertiles bought I can answer your questions based on what my female was choosing to do.
1) Substrate all three times. I provided multiple nest box and a large trash can and all were heated but she choose a decaying pile of mulch, leaves and dirt twice at a depth of 12in or so. She also laid in the dirt (after removing an nest box from location) that was near the basking spot and at a depth of 24-30in (freakin huge hole).

2)Mine seemed to lay 20-30 days after cycling (confrimed mating should be around the same time). Dave could shed some better light on that was suspect its close to the same for his lace monitors.

3)86 degrees fahrenheit. till eggs pruned. The norm for monitor eggs. High humidty and mid 80's will get you there. You will be waiting for a while. Large monitor eggs seemed to go 200 plus days before hatching.


Vincent is VaranusFricano from another forum you are already on

Other things I have noticed is food consumption is increase a lot. She will start to test dig a lot. Pay attention to what she seems to like. I would supply nest boxes and deep substrate. Each monitor is an individual so give her all the options you can at least for the first few times. Keep nest areas in mid 80's. Get the male out after the mating stops. She will start to become territorial. I have been chased out the cage by my female more then once after she laid.
I hope you get this


I also hope to get that. whos it that one? yes your correct I have picked your brains before I think it was about introducing them (maybe). your info is helpfull, I just want to do all I can to give my female (Nasher) the chance to be happy/healthy and me the chance to hatch healthy eggs. thanks again for the info, I'll track him down on another forum then LOL. I have added a area of 8ft L 2ft W 3ft-3.5ft H area for her to hopefully lay in (if shes gravid that is). I'm making a incubator today. I'll keep you all posted. I took the male out on the 3rd day of them being together as mating was stoped and my male (dasher) was just chasing the female around, I could see shes had enough so split them up.

here is some pictures for people who haven't seen my two on anther forum.

them mating sorry for poor picture it's from IPcam installed video on youtube is better
Crocodile monitors mating mark 1 - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbyonRYwvPw&feature=plcp)
http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/292443_270267029746218_1964245022_n.jpg
Nashers eye up very close.
http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/s720x720/529480_261739930598928_1457903646_n.jpg
Nasher yawning
http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/s720x720/524294_269047853201469_62442165_n.jpg
the extra wood added to install extra deep substrate.
http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/315395_270825996356988_1529999371_n.jpg
the added substrate
http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/394722_270826043023650_1638723483_n.jpg
Nasher digging small holes everywere since.
http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/378321_271011653005089_1268888317_n.jpg
Dasher on his shelf
http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/576207_270045109768410_1217533356_n.jpg
the male Dasher
http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/s720x720/564157_270825869690334_606565810_n.jpg

[varanus_mad]

Ello phil good to see you. :o

[jarich]

Hey Phil, welcome to this forum. Always good to see more pictures of your monitors

[Pirarucu]

Very nice Crocs, I believe we need more pictures. LOL

[philipniceguy]

Very nice Crocs, I believe we need more pictures. LOL

I'll let you have one more of Nashers right eye taken today
http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/484102_271330609639860_1470845640_n.jpg
and as the above link didn't work here is a link to my pair mating on the females basking area. not really a good idea is it was rather hot in there that day
Crocodile monitors mating mark 1 - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbyonRYwvPw&feature=plcp)

PbyonRYwvPw

[SnakeyJay]

What stunning animals.. I don't keep monitors at all, but had to say these are stunning as there's no like button. :D

[infernalis]

I just fixed post number 10.

We have a youtube player here.

[philipniceguy]

I just fixed post number 10.

We have a youtube player here.

thanks very much I tried to do it myself, but still learning all the forum stuff TBH

KnGGDbTFDCs
if that works EDIT: see quick learner. this clip is what happened the first time they met over a month ago

[infernalis]

Renamed thread because of the direction it is now going.

[MDT]

Man....those things are so cool. Almost velociraptor-ish in appearance. Sorry Philip, I have nothing to add regarding husbandry, but I really look forward to more pictures.

[Gatorhunter1231]

Here are some pics over the years.
A cages during building process
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d197/Gatorhunter/DSC00225.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d197/Gatorhunter/DSC00497.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d197/Gatorhunter/reptiles/DSCN0608.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d197/Gatorhunter/reptiles/027-1.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d197/Gatorhunter/reptiles/010-1.jpg
konga
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d197/Gatorhunter/DSC00306.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d197/Gatorhunter/DSC00227.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d197/Gatorhunter/reptiles/100_0102.jpg

[Gatorhunter1231]

hellbound
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d197/Gatorhunter/reptiles/016.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d197/Gatorhunter/reptiles/reptiles021.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d197/Gatorhunter/reptiles/reptiles016.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d197/Gatorhunter/reptiles/babyhellbound.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d197/Gatorhunter/reptiles/hellbound2.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d197/Gatorhunter/hellbound.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d197/Gatorhunter/071.jpg

[Gatorhunter1231]

Spaz
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d197/Gatorhunter/spazandkonga.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d197/Gatorhunter/spaz2.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d197/Gatorhunter/spaz1.jpg

[philipniceguy]

nice bunch, liking the huge building for them. which ones do you currently keep all of them or??

[Gatorhunter1231]

I actually had a huge fire about 2 months ago and lost all my monitors but one (a female ackie). Konga was laying clutches of eggs twice a year before this and I had her for about 4 yrs. I had spaz for about 2 yrs in hopes of making a breeding pair.
Hellbound was a Cbb from Stan Chiras and I had him for 9yrs before a heater quit and the middle of winter while I was out of town. He was the toughest loss I have ever had. I raised him from a one month old hatchling and was as tame as a croc monitor could be.
Large cages are great but they are nightmares when it comes to cooling and heating the buildings. I used sheds 10x13 and 10x15. If I ever get into crocs again then I will build a large shop with central heat and air.

[jdub]

Such awesome creatures.

[philipniceguy]

I actually had a huge fire about 2 months ago and lost all my monitors but one (a female ackie). Konga was laying clutches of eggs twice a year before this and I had her for about 4 yrs. I had spaz for about 2 yrs in hopes of making a breeding pair.
Hellbound was a Cbb from Stan Chiras and I had him for 9yrs before a heater quit and the middle of winter while I was out of town. He was the toughest loss I have ever had. I raised him from a one month old hatchling and was as tame as a croc monitor could be.
Large cages are great but they are nightmares when it comes to cooling and heating the buildings. I used sheds 10x13 and 10x15. If I ever get into crocs again then I will build a large shop with central heat and air.

thats a really shame, sorry to hear you lost them. hellbound must of been a real good one to have owned, I find it hard enough to heat my 8 by 8 by 8 enclosures in winter as it is, not basking temps but ambi temps are a nightmare electric wise.

[philipniceguy]

some piccys:

Nasher her behavour is changed since mating abit more moody with me around and she now spends ALOT of time like this before she never relaxed here
http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/292454_272167489556172_2028831694_n.jpg
the claws that let them climb and hang on VERY well
http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/562814_272167606222827_1152374986_n.jpg
Dasher relaxing, the most relaxed I seen him in awhile with me in sight
http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/314464_272167582889496_538599055_n.jpg

now NOT MY CROC MONITOR but a croc monitor all the same at a zoo I was at today, was very hard to take pics due to glass and sunlight and it didnt move much at all while i was there so best pics are:

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/558129_272169949555926_1069898774_n.jpg
http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/552545_272169959555925_1983150983_n.jpg
http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/486621_272169979555923_136234486_n.jpg
http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/268212_272170052889249_210158981_n.jpg

[infernalis]

Seems like I just read this already.... :)

Cracking pictures as usual.

[Lankyrob]

Those last pics at the zoo, is that West Midland safari park? Looks familiar but cant think where from :)

[AjaMichelle]

They're beautiful!

Are their claws sharp? They look large, strong, and blunt in the photo.

[infernalis]

Their teeth are sharper!

http://www.varanid.us/thiamin/images/home_4.jpg

[philipniceguy]

Those last pics at the zoo, is that West Midland safari park? Looks familiar but cant think where from :)

no they don't keep croc monitors at west midlands, but it is a zoo its noahs ark zoo farm in bristol. nice enclosure just no good for pictures.

They're beautiful!

Are their claws sharp? They look large, strong, and blunt in the photo.

Yes the claws are VERY sharp, good at damaging anything, including skin very easy. in that picture they are large, strong and kinda blunt as they get worn down well in my enclosures, some claws are over 4cm long but rarely get that size as the tips get worn down while they climb the wood and mesh, Luckly as I don't fancy cutting them LOL

[Lankyrob]

no they don't keep croc monitors at west midlands, but it is a zoo its noahs ark zoo farm in bristol. nice enclosure just no good for pictures.



I KNEW that i knew it!! I know the guy that sets up all the enclosures at Noah's ark and looks after the reptiles on a regular basis to ensure husbandry etc is right.

He owns the reptile shop i got all my snakes from :)

[philipniceguy]

I KNEW that i knew it!! I know the guy that sets up all the enclosures at Noah's ark and looks after the reptiles on a regular basis to ensure husbandry etc is right.

He owns the reptile shop i got all my snakes from :)

you mean pete?

[Lankyrob]

you mean pete?

Yes :) :) :)

[philipniceguy]

Yes :) :) :)

yer he is a nice chap helped me get my DWAL. he was doing a venomous display the day I went, though im not a snake guy I did enjoy seeing it.

[Lankyrob]

The venimous shows he does are fantastic, have a lot of respect for anyone who not only keeps them byt tries their best to educate others that they arent the demon spawn portrayed in the media.

[millertime89]

Welcome Phil, your Croc looks amazing. Everyone's Croc monitors here look amazing. Would love to have one some day.

[philipniceguy]

Welcome Phil, your Croc looks amazing. Everyone's Croc monitors here look amazing. Would love to have one some day.

thank you very much.

here are some others that I seen on my travels here in the UK.


A 5-6 ft ish one
http://i683.photobucket.com/albums/vv196/philipniceguy/croc%20monitor/DSCN0251.jpg

this one prob around 7ft mark.
http://i683.photobucket.com/albums/vv196/philipniceguy/reptile%20reserve/DSCN4542.jpg

not very good picture of this one but she (i 95% sure it is) is around 6ft maybe just over but she has the best pattern I have ever seen on a croc monitor.
http://i683.photobucket.com/albums/vv196/philipniceguy/reptile%20reserve/DSCN4507.jpg

The biggest croc monitor I seen with my own eyes to date. this male i think its prob around the 9ft mark its STV length was over 3ft when I first see it many years ago, close up to the glass in a small enclosure, now it's looking in tip top health in much better enclosure. this one was the first croc monitor I ever see and made me think I need to get a bigger place and get one so that was when the research into varanus salvadorii began for me.
http://i683.photobucket.com/albums/vv196/philipniceguy/reptile%20reserve/DSCN4466.jpg

[millertime89]

Truly stunning monitors, possibly my favorite. Don't suppose you know Jenn Web do ya?

[philipniceguy]

Truly stunning monitors, possibly my favorite. Don't suppose you know Jenn Web do ya?

I don't know her, but I have seen all her pics on facebook due to link on the reptile report (same place that directed me here)

[millertime89]

Ah, I'm afraid that's my doing then. She's also a retic keeper, I'll have to see if she's ok with me posting her latest pictures here, her boy seems pretty mild mannered for the most part. Was curious if you Brit salvadorii keepers kept in touch at all, seems like a small community that would do such a thing in a smaller country, but it might be different over there, I dunno, I keep in touch with retic people all over the country through the glory of technology, thought your community might do the same.

[philipniceguy]

Ah, I'm afraid that's my doing then. She's also a retic keeper, I'll have to see if she's ok with me posting her latest pictures here, her boy seems pretty mild mannered for the most part. Was curious if you Brit salvadorii keepers kept in touch at all, seems like a small community that would do such a thing in a smaller country, but it might be different over there, I dunno, I keep in touch with retic people all over the country through the glory of technology, thought your community might do the same.

I don't know if all do, but I know a few private keepers of single croc monitors, there is very few here in UK and even fewer which happyly show they keep them. I keep in touch with most but not all of them. I also know a few shops and the odd zoo that keep/kept but can't say they really discuss much(apart from odd one or two). One for certain springs to mind, over the years I know they have kept croc monitors for a good while before I started researching / keeping them, even tried to tell me they bought all the uk stock once LOL when I drove miles to just ask a few questions in person rather than VIA phone. They had no success at all with breeding them and I asked for advice before i got my first one years ago and they just said, we don't give out info for this species plus you willn't be able to get one bla bla bla just coming out with so much rubbish i felt i was in a rubbish tip. I then few months later got my first and would say I learned alot more since keeping them, and of course still learning but sadly that place years on still does nothing differant, which is a shame, still doesn't talk any stuff regarding them like they secret or something, back when I first spoke to them they told me they had 8, no idea now but I dealt they had 8 back than as only see 2.


I just hope my pair go full term and give me good fertile eggs, which hatch, even better mulitiple times over there lifespans, healthy of course. It is looking good ish as Nasher (female) is acting very differant towards me now, hissing, sneezing even charging at me like she is protecting her enclosure, before the mating she was very laid back and never charged me, rarely hissed or sneezed at me unless I deserved it, so fingers crossed only time will tell. I also think (98% sure) no zoo or private keeper has had any success with this varanus sp in the UK, so we really could do with some for this fantastic monitor.

[philipniceguy]

Just wondering what people on here thought. Does Nasher look gravid????
Bare in mind the following points:
1. she was lean not fat or thin before mating
2. she is squashed between the wood and glass were she should not be.
3. her last meal was 8th and these were taken 10th
4. the 1st 20 ish copulations took place 2 weeks ago today.

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/523155_273872096052378_1475246090_n.jpg
http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/553467_273871992719055_77942478_n.jpg
http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/304818_273872139385707_1811129762_n.jpg

and some (not repeated on another forum your on) just for you Infernalis:
Nasher in her enclosure, dashers is the same but mirror image just he has more ground space as he does not have 3.5ft of substrate in his.
http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/422273_274084379364483_1481168971_n.jpg
http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/304786_274084306031157_453944548_n.jpg
http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/319485_274084266031161_861263316_n.jpg

[infernalis]

The more I look at this enclosure, the more I want to offer something similar to my Boscs.

[jarich]

Cant really comment on it being gravid or not but it's always a pleasure to see your animals and enclosures Phil. That is one great looking Croc.

[varanus_mad]

Im going to say yes...

Based on other varanids whove lounged around in similar positions but im no way familliar enough with crocs to say empatically 100% yes.


Anyway i cerainly hope so.

[jarich]

Im going to say yes...

Based on other varanids whove lounged around in similar positions but im no way familliar enough with crocs to say empatically 100% yes.


Anyway i cerainly hope so.

'cause then you'll be getting one of the babies?

[Pirarucu]

Looks gravid to me, hanging like that is something they do to become more comforable with the weight of the eggs. She might not be gravid, but if I were to guess, I'd say she is.

[varanus_mad]

'cause then you'll be getting one of the babies?

No mate i wouldnt consider keeping this guys in anything smaller than a 30' by 30' by 30' enclosure

[jarich]

No mate i wouldnt consider keeping this guys in anything smaller than a 30' by 30' by 30' enclosure

Your flat has to be that big, right? You could keep the missus in a smaller enclosure than that. I'm sure she wouldn't mind. ;)

[varanus_mad]

Your flat has to be that big, right? You could keep the missus in a smaller enclosure than that. I'm sure she wouldn't mind. ;)


Its the top two floors of my house LOL.

I dont do flats... Not until im an old duffer at any rate.

[philipniceguy]

No mate i wouldnt consider keeping this guys in anything smaller than a 30' by 30' by 30' enclosure

well if you ever get a place big enough to support a 30' cube I'll let you have a baby (if i ever get some) on a loan contract for free LOL

and thanks everyone for comments and options on my question

the two stunners themselfs:
http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/580122_274116799361241_998408018_n.jpg

[jarich]

Amazing picture mate!

[varanus_mad]

well if you ever get a place big enough to support a 30' cube I'll let you have a baby (if i ever get some) on a loan contract for free LOL

and thanks everyone for comments and options on my question

the two stunners themselfs:
http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/580122_274116799361241_998408018_n.jpg


I do that and your coming to help out at Britains only monitor zoo in your spare time LOL

[philipniceguy]

oh no problem just make sure once you open the zoo you get a komodo aswell

another pic
http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/420126_274115799361341_1156156302_n.jpg

[varanus_mad]

oh no problem just make sure once you open the zoo you get a komodo aswell

another pic
http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/420126_274115799361341_1156156302_n.jpg

one mate i dont think so... try 2 maybe 3 pairs LOL

[philipniceguy]

a couple of Nashers enclosure with some left over vines added from my soon to be merten's enclosure:

the top shelf with new added vine
http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/311865_274954165944171_214021869_n.jpg
one added around basking area looks nice but how long it lasts we will seehttp://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/418825_274954235944164_1973727864_n.jpg
and Nasher her plump self.
http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/418579_275005482605706_700683064_n.jpg

[infernalis]

Impressive as always mate.

[jarich]

Phil, you are getting some Mertens?! Thats exciting. Who are you getting them from?

[infernalis]

Probably from Steve Foo...

[philipniceguy]

Phil, you are getting some Mertens?! Thats exciting. Who are you getting them from?

german chap called Martin Reuter, they are due to arrive tomorrow (15.08.2012) the enclosure pics of the setup are on my facebook page under build album if you want take a look

Probably from Steve Foo...

I wish but I couldn't wait for the mating, laying, eggs, hatching. the enclosure been empty awhile and I can't wait LOL.

[BeardedDee]

Good for you getting Mertensi Philip, knowing Steve had no eggs cooking, I'd wondered where in eu you had found them. Nice enclosure I saw you've fixed up for them :)

[philipniceguy]

Good for you getting Mertensi Philip, knowing Steve had no eggs cooking, I'd wondered where in eu you had found them. Nice enclosure I saw you've fixed up for them :)

thank you.

ccJU_C8jhIc
HD video of some of the many copulations between my pair of croc monitors

[jarich]

It's a dangerous thing having an empty enclosure!

[infernalis]

It's a dangerous thing having an empty enclosure!

Yes it is.. I think it was like 2 1/2 months I was fiddling around with my Exanthematicus enclosure while nothing was in there but dirt and bugs.

Sort of like rocking an empty cradle.

[philipniceguy]

I cant have empty vivs full stop if I make one up I fill it so I don't make any up

on another note some more pics and a video of them mating on the ramp very clear video this time.
k-STUHTENm8

them doing the deed AGAIN he gets more nokey than me:mad:
http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/185396_275618149211106_101200686_n.jpg
http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/376742_275618202544434_679439335_n.jpg
nashers enclosure piccy with them mating
http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/224610_275618182544436_790229925_n.jpg
look at them CLAWS skin rippers
http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/418510_275618342544420_1355205986_n.jpg

[infernalis]

He's a real playa

[MonitorMad]

Nice work with the salvadori pair Phil mate

Steve

[Gatorhunter1231]

good job, I hope you have lots of nesting options ready to go.

[AjaMichelle]

I love all of this monitor copulation!!! :) It's amazing!!! :) I just saw my first salvadorii in person at the Denver Zoo! They are a sight to behold! Thanks so much for all of the photos! :)

How are their dispositions? Are they a species with whom you must be extra careful as anything can spark a feeding response? (I've heard some monitor species are worse than others?) What's it like to interact with them? Do you have to wear gloves else the claws will cut you?

I don't know if these questions really have answers but I have an exanthematicus and I don't imagine that my interactions with her would parallel those with salvadorii lol

Also how do they stay so clean?! I can't see any of my sav's patterning or coloration. She's sort of brown and covered in dirt lol

[philipniceguy]

I love all of this monitor copulation!!! :) It's amazing!!! :) I just saw my first salvadorii in person at the Denver Zoo! They are a sight to behold! Thanks so much for all of the photos! :)

How are their dispositions? Are they a species with whom you must be extra careful as anything can spark a feeding response? (I've heard some monitor species are worse than others?) What's it like to interact with them? Do you have to wear gloves else the claws will cut you?

I don't know if these questions really have answers but I have an exanthematicus and I don't imagine that my interactions with her would parallel those with salvadorii lol

Also how do they stay so clean?! I can't see any of my sav's patterning or coloration. She's sort of brown and covered in dirt lol


they are not diggers by nature (arboreal) so staying clean is easy plus I spray them daily, like a shower LOL which must help. They don't have a feeding responce really the female (nasher) will take from tongs but very gently (see on my utube), and the male (dasher) tends to wait until im not around even if I put it right in front of his face. I don't handle them, but claws are sharp not sure gloves would help much and teeth even worse. There are a few "tame" ones around but the damage that can be inflicked by these is HUGE and always serious even compared to other monitors due to the way the teeth are (t-rex like), so I personaly wouldn't keep this type of monitor if handling it was important. My two are very differant my male hates humans but rather than attack them he just walks of angryly to his fav hide. The female is (before this mating stuff) very relaxed rarely gets upset with me I can enter setup so on with no problems but she has had the off day were something upsets her and charged me LOL.

[philipniceguy]

I thought as I posted and others have posted pics of other croc monitors here are 2 more at a zoo in the UK, both not in great shape (i think) both must be at least 7ft maybe close to 8ft.

croc 1
http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/575037_277673409005580_1277352537_n.jpg
http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/486538_277673455672242_313300619_n.jpg
http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/394342_277673525672235_960684576_n.jpg
http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/555637_277673549005566_717348564_n.jpg
http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/294540_277673612338893_653728022_n.jpg
Croc 2
http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/391436_277673579005563_830401964_n.jpg
http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/s720x720/558420_277673592338895_983556579_n.jpg