Varanus Acanthurus (Ackies)

SnakeyJay · 02-05-13, 02:45 AM

Hi everyone.. I'm currently trying to prepare myself for my first foray into the world of varanids and ackies seem perfect for us with their smaller size. They're amazing lizards and I'm trying to learn what I can before we make a final decision..

However here comes my problem because as usual, everywhere I look has differing information. So I was wondering if anyone who keeps ackies could help me out with some resources or just general advice/tips.

I wish to stress that I'm not looking to be spoon fed information but I do want to find the right info. I'm looking for ANYTHING ackie related.. Whether it be general husbandry, advice/tips to research papers/studies carried out in relation to these stunning reptiles..

Thanks in advance and any help much appreciated.

Jamie.

SnakeyJay · 02-05-13, 03:23 PM

Come on guys/gals, somebody's got to know a good site to start looking at

jarich · 02-05-13, 03:28 PM

Sorry Jay, I dont keep Ackies so havent gotten really into depth with finding a good care sheet personally. I think generally they have pretty similar requirements regarding temps, humidity, substrate, diet etc as most terrestrial monitors. The major difference I think is that they can be kept in smaller enclosures, of course. I can contact a few breeders I know to get their opinion on the best care sheet, but I have heard them recommend almost an identical set up to the Boscs.

Pirarucu · 02-05-13, 03:37 PM

Jarich is correct, their requirements are almost identical to those of a Savannah Monitor, but on a smaller scale. Of course, they certainly will put a large cage to good use, like any monitor.

SnakeyJay · 02-05-13, 04:08 PM

I got a care sheet link sent to me in a pm by Wayne so I've started reading that.. So if I take some of the info of Wayne's Savannahmonitor.net on a slightly smaller scale then all should be good?

I've been reading the monitor threads on here lately and trying to learn what I can without interupting but I was struggling to know what applied to ackies and what didn't... Thanks for your replies guys

Barlow · 02-05-13, 04:22 PM

http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/varan...uirements.html

jarich · 02-05-13, 04:26 PM

Ha! Guess you need look no further than here. Thanks Barlow.

Pirarucu · 02-05-13, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snakey-Jay

I got a care sheet link sent to me in a pm by Wayne so I've started reading that.. So if I take some of the info of Wayne's Savannahmonitor.net on a slightly smaller scale then all should be good?

I've been reading the monitor threads on here lately and trying to learn what I can without interupting but I was struggling to know what applied to ackies and what didn't... Thanks for your replies guys

Or on a larger scale, if you're able to. Put some ackies in a large cage and sit back with a bucket of popcorn..

SnakeyJay · 02-05-13, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pirarucu

Or on a larger scale, if you're able to. Put some ackies in a large cage and sit back with a bucket of popcorn..

I like the sound of this..

this is all way in advance as I won't be able to house them until I move, and that will be a while off. I'll give them as large as I can realistically give them and let them have fun with it.

SnakeyJay · 02-05-13, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barlow

http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/varan...uirements.html

Thanks Barlow, that's much appreciated.. I'm off to bed now so I'll read it in the morning.

Lankyrob · 02-05-13, 05:09 PM

I kept one but in what i now know are substandard conditions, i can guarantee that you will love them but dont do what i did

SnakeyJay · 02-05-13, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lankyrob

I kept one but in what i now know are substandard conditions, i can guarantee that you will love them but dont do what i did

We all make mistakes rob, I'm sure when it's time you'll make a fresh start with one.

Lankyrob · 02-05-13, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snakey-Jay

We all make mistakes rob, I'm sure when it's time you'll make a fresh start with one.

I agree, i followed what i thought was best at the time but now know better, it wont happen again on my watch

Gatorhunter1231 · 02-06-13, 10:07 PM

Nice link barlow. Follow barlows caresheet and you should be golden. You have to be willing to adjust when needed though. Remember caresheets are just guidelines. I would suggest a trio out the gate. Watching them act with each other is amazing and if all things go good then you could hatch out a few babies yourself.
Most common are red and yellow ackies.

I think I have 18 red ackies right now running around and they all have their own ways of doing things

SnakeyJay · 02-07-13, 01:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gatorhunter1231

Nice link barlow. Follow barlows caresheet and you should be golden. You have to be willing to adjust when needed though. Remember caresheets are just guidelines. I would suggest a trio out the gate. Watching them act with each other is amazing and if all things go good then you could hatch out a few babies yourself.
Most common are red and yellow ackies.

I think I have 18 red ackies right now running around and they all have their own ways of doing things

Sounds great.. However I don't like the idea of breeding.. Purely because I'd only just be starting out with varanids I know I wouldn't be able to guarantee good homes for the baby ackies..