A few questions for a possible first timer with varanids

[Amadeus]

Hey, I have always enjoyed seeing monitors on tv and the internet but the more common varieties seem like they get a bit to big and are a little intimidating. But I have done a fare bit of research on Ackie's monitors and Blue Spotted Timor monitors and I could definitely provide the space and build the enclosure to make one of the two species thrive with me. My questions are pretty simple probably for most keepers on here but alas I know much much more on snakes.

Also I have the time and cash to make a good home for a lizard and make it happy, but I don't really know which species I should start researching more.

What size enclosure would be adequate for these kinds of smaller monitors (soo many different opinions out there) ?

Which of the two would have a gentler disposition?

What kind of substrate and furnishings do you guys use with these species of monitor?

One more: Is there any way I can buy food for a monitor so I don't have to constantly keep going out. (I buy in bulk for my snakes)

Thanks soo much in advance =]

[Pirarucu]

Ackie Monitors would make a much better choice. They are active and inquisitive, and are not very wary of people. A Peacock Monitor (often labeled as a Blue Spot Timor, despite being a separate species) will spend most of its time hiding, and most will never become accustomed to your presence. In addition, ackies are all captive bred, whereas peacocks are almost all wild caught.

For an ackie, the minimum would be a 4x2x2ft enclosure. They will use every inch of space you give them though, so bigger is better.

For substrate, you will need a deep layer of soil (a foot or preferably deeper) that can hold a burrow, to provide an area for the monitors to dig and in the case of a female, lay eggs.
As far as furnishings, just cram stuff in, and make sure it can't be knocked over or dug under. Monitors will use every inch you give them, so you want to maximize the amount of useable space in the cage. Branches, rocks, cork tubes are good, anything.

If you plan on keeping a monitor, you will want to breed at least some of your own feeders. A roach colony is a good way to go. If you can breed other feeders too, go for it.

[Amadeus]

Originally Posted by Pirarucu

Ackie Monitors would make a much better choice. They are active and inquisitive, and are not very wary of people. A Peacock Monitor (often labeled as a Blue Spot Timor, despite being a separate species) will spend most of its time hiding, and most will never become accustomed to your presence. In addition, ackies are all captive bred, whereas peacocks are almost all wild caught.

For an ackie, the minimum would be a 4x2x2ft enclosure. They will use every inch of space you give them though, so bigger is better.

For substrate, you will need a deep layer of soil (a foot or preferably deeper) that can hold a burrow, to provide an area for the monitors to dig and in the case of a female, lay eggs.
As far as furnishings, just cram stuff in, and make sure it can't be knocked over or dug under. Monitors will use every inch you give them, so you want to maximize the amount of useable space in the cage. Branches, rocks, cork tubes are good, anything.

If you plan on keeping a monitor, you will want to breed at least some of your own feeders. A roach colony is a good way to go. If you can breed other feeders too, go for it.

I was planning on using plywood for the enclosure but the dirt would cause the wood to rot. How could I go around this? Do ackie's generally make a more easy going and tameable monitor?

[Pirarucu]

Originally Posted by Amadeus

I was planning on using plywood for the enclosure but the dirt would cause the wood to rot. How could I go around this? Do ackie's generally make a more easy going and tameable monitor?

You'll need to seal the whole cage, that's pretty much a given when building a reptile cage. Ackies are more outgoing and are probably one of the monitors closest to being "tame". If you want something that you can pull out and play with though, I would suggest looking for something else. They aren't scared of you, but they don't want to be grabbed either.

[smy_749]

I say get a Tegu. But if your set on a moni, go with the ackies.

[franks]

Tegu's seem bigger than the op is looking for. You would seal the enclosure with polycrylic, and/or use a shower liner to hold the soil. It is not too difficult to make the build. I can help you if you are serious, I go to bucks county fairly often for work.
[IMG][/IMG]

Just made this a few weeks ago, I am not going to trim, finish and paint until I move.

[smy_749]

Nice enclosure frank, and nice interior design lol
What do you house in there?

Do you go to the whiteplains show?

[Danimal]

Use a stock tank as your base and build a cabinet around it

[Amadeus]

Originally Posted by smy_749

I say get a Tegu. But if your set on a moni, go with the ackies.

Yeah I don't know if I have enough space for a lizard of that size. But I could I definitely make a 4x2x2.

Franks, I made my snakes enclosure which are also all 4x2 out of some 3/8 Masonite, would it be possible to just reinforce one of my snake's enclosures (my dum is getting pretty big for it) to handle the weight of the soil?

And how often does the dirt substrate need to be changed?

Thanks for the replies guys =]

[Toothless]

I would not use masonite. I used it for my sav's raise up enclosure and the bottom rotted out within 6 months. You're best bet is to go with plywood, and either seal it well or use FRP to line the bottom half.
You'll want about a foot of dirt/ sand mix (I believe thats the right depth for ackies??). If you set up a bioactive substrate you will never need to change or clean the enclosure (I havn't touched mine in a year and it still smells great).

[Danimal]

2 x 4 x 2, like this.

[franks]

Originally Posted by smy_749

Nice enclosure frank, and nice interior design lol
What do you house in there?

Do you go to the whiteplains show?

That is for a Savannah Monitor. Always wanted to try the whiteplains show, is it worth the trip? I usually drive all the way down to Hamburgh. When is the next show? I try not to miss reptile expos.

@ the op- I agree with the above that plywood is better. I think you will be happier with something a little bigger because ackies are very active. They are really cool animals, I think one of the members on here is selling some.

[Amadeus]

Thanks for all the replies guys and I think I'm gonna use plywood and for the dirt/sand layer I will purchase as franks said shower liner and seal it all up with silicon. I think I'm gonna start buying building materials next weekend because I am taking some vacation time from work.

I am going to the Oaks show next weekend to scout out some of these guys (not buying yet though) =]

[Grendel]

As far as buying food in bulk, you should be able to get frozen mice or rats same way you get them for snakes. As far as other variety items, a local "Asian" food store often shoild have pretty cheep shrimp, snails, clams, squid, and quail you can buy in bulk.