Anyone keep Crocodile Monitor's? I have seen some for sale on the web lately. Anyone keep these giant lizards? How small can you find one for sale? Temperament and attitudes of individuals? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Crocodile Monitor
- Thread starter Zeke
- Start date
I've seen hatchlings all the way up 5' young adults for sale. Temperament varies from individual but most (but not all) are on the aggressive side. Google croc monitor bites before considering buying one of these guys. I've heard many keepers compare these guys to the velociraptors from Jurassic Park in that they are an extremely intelligent animal that often does not like people and has the teeth and claws to make that dislike abundantly clear.
That being said I have seen several individuals that I would definitely consider "tame" but I would say they are in the minority.
That being said I have seen several individuals that I would definitely consider "tame" but I would say they are in the minority.
First and foremost, I would like to say that Varanus salvadorii is quite possibly my favorite tetrapod. I don't know if I could pick just one, but it's a contender.
I think the velociraptor comparison is quite apt. A grown croc monitor is comparible in size to a grown raptor, and like we suppose about the monitor, is shockingly intelligent. I've had a chance to work around a few and the knowing way in which they look at you is somewhat unnerving. Most big monitors like waters and blackthroats have dead eyes and want a chicken leg and a pat on the chin. When a croc looks at you, you can tell that he's LOOKING at you. He's considering you and trying to figure you out. If you've ever looked into the eyes of an especially intelligent dog, it's sort of like that; except the croc isn't considering you in a friendly manner as most dogs do. He's looking at you as prey. And with an animal that has the weapons that a croc has, that could be an issue.
I am personally of the mind that these things should be considered in the same category as 'hot' snakes- the vast majority of people shouldn't even consider having them, and those who do should have formal training before they get it.
I think the velociraptor comparison is quite apt. A grown croc monitor is comparible in size to a grown raptor, and like we suppose about the monitor, is shockingly intelligent. I've had a chance to work around a few and the knowing way in which they look at you is somewhat unnerving. Most big monitors like waters and blackthroats have dead eyes and want a chicken leg and a pat on the chin. When a croc looks at you, you can tell that he's LOOKING at you. He's considering you and trying to figure you out. If you've ever looked into the eyes of an especially intelligent dog, it's sort of like that; except the croc isn't considering you in a friendly manner as most dogs do. He's looking at you as prey. And with an animal that has the weapons that a croc has, that could be an issue.
I am personally of the mind that these things should be considered in the same category as 'hot' snakes- the vast majority of people shouldn't even consider having them, and those who do should have formal training before they get it.
Really? Kind of makes me what to petition to quarantine whichever country they come from.Awesome comparisons, makes me want one
