Nile monitor

[freeskierrocket]

I don't want to sound rude here but, no they most definitely cannot grow as large as an American Alligator. The Amer. Ally will reach lengths over 13 feet and weigh in excess of 800 lbs. The Nile Monitor will rarely exceed 25 lbs. and usually top out at about 6 feet or so. The biggest I've seen (and I've seen hundreds) was 78 inches and weighed 27 lbs and at the time he was 14 years old.

I'll take that back............what i meant was length wise (snout to tail) they get big and need lots of room.........thats what i was attempting to emphasize....I am sorry and yes american aligators do get alot bigger than niles. Not trying to put out false info...which i guess i did in the process!!

 

[cichla1004]

LOL, it happens man. They do get very long and seem much bigger than they really are most of the time.

 

[freeskierrocket]

LOL, it happens man. They do get very long and seem much bigger than they really are most of the time.

Right .....the hissing and tailwhiping when they are ticked off can make them seem that way..........

 

[Jeox]

Real fast...Niles are fine on rodents as a saple right? Just checking..
(Mines too small except for pinkies...
How long should I let him settle in before attempting to feed him?

 

[elevatethis]

Wow. I'd better start on the outdoor heated pen. I wasn't expecting THAT kind of growth..

You bought a nile monitor w/o researching how large they get?

Also, how are you 99% sure that it is captive bred? Nile, Savannah, and Water Monitors are some of the most heavily imported animals and because of that, there is not a huge captive breeding effort going on.

In any event, it sounds like you've got a lot of research to do, based on the questions you've asked. That's why you're here, right? I guess what I'm saying is I like to see people do research BEFORE they have the animal in their possession.

Here's an adult nile, have fun with your new "pet":

 

[cichla1004]

I fed mainly rodents, quail and other small birds to mine. with hissing cockroaches every now and then. I would also offer crickets if he's still small enough to fill up on them. As far as letting him settle before offering food, he should eat the day after being brought home. These guys are eating machines.

 

[cichla1004]

You bought a nile monitor w/o researching how large they get?

Also, how are you 99% sure that it is captive bred? Nile, Savannah, and Water Monitors are some of the most heavily imported animals and because of that, there is not a huge captive breeding effort going on.

In any event, it sounds like you've got a lot of research to do, based on the questions you've asked. That's why you're here, right? I guess what I'm saying is I like to see people do research BEFORE they have the animal in their possession.

Here's an adult nile, have fun with your new "pet":

Why post condescending messages instead of trying to educate? At least he's asking questions and cares for the well being of the animal. Also, I don't see any posts of his asking how big they get. That was just something I stated in case he didn't know. Also, he lives in southern cali and stated he will be building an outdoor pen. I think this monitor will be much better off in his care than 99% of the other folks who buy them.

 

[elevatethis]

I wasn't trying to be condescending at all. He was asking basic, simple questions on husbandry that, in my opinion, are things that are inexcusable not to know prior to owning the animal. I don't think we need to debate here that a lot of people buy these animals on impulse, without knowing what is involved in caring for them - that needs to change. What's so wrong with attempting to call attention to that?

 

[cichla1004]

Your post seem to berate more than educate. That's not what this thread is for. I agree that a lot of ppl impulse buy and they shouldn't but it wasn't necessary to go attacking this guy for help. Why not help to educate the impulse buyers so they can properly care for them instead of telling them how wrong they are for having the animal. I wonder how many animals suffer improper husbandry because someone was attacked when they asked for help.

 

[Ophiuchus]

Your post seem to berate more than educate. That's not what this thread is for. I agree that a lot of ppl impulse buy and they shouldn't but it wasn't necessary to go attacking this guy for help. Why not help to educate the impulse buyers so they can properly care for them instead of telling them how wrong they are for having the animal.

I kinda agree with Elevate on this one. While we do try to help people out, I for one do not like advocating the idea that impulse purchases are okay. We just want to make sure the person knows how ill-advised that line of thinking is. I don't care, but buying an animal just because it looks cool and/or was a really good price is one of the stupidest things anyone can do, especially if they have no prior knowledge of it. The sad truth of it is simply that people just don't think anymore before taking out their wallets.

I wonder how many animals suffer improper husbandry because someone was attacked when they asked for help

I wonder how how many animals wouldn't suffer improper husbandry at all if people did more research before buyingthem.