Should I get a monitor/tegu

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
I apologize for the double Post. Joe M beaufitul Blues that just happen to be in my possession for 95% of there life :headbang2. Regardless you take great care of them now :D


My choice for the OP is definantly Tegu's tho
 
Short answer... no I would not recommend you get a Monitor nor a Tegu.

Both are large growing and long living creatures that require a lot of time and attention. More so than the average person is willing to offer them on a consistent basis.


But if you are determined, then read on :P

Before making a decision there are a ton of questions you have to ask yourself. There are also a lot of species you need to consider. Each species will have a particular list of pros and cons.

I personally chose to go with an Argentinean Black and White Tegu. This choice took a lot of investment on my part but has been worth every minute/penny of it.

I had to build an 8' long cage as it's indoor enclosure and choose to arrange for a large outdoor enclsoure for summer time as well.

The dude eats a lot (4~8 ounces of food 5 days a week) which can get expensive. I buy frozen food in bulk to keep the price down but that means I have hundreds of dead mice and baby chickens in my freezer.

The most important detail though is to remember that these animals are going to live 20+ years unless you kill them sooner. How many things in your life so far have held your interest for 20 years? Another way to look at it is consider the changes your life will go through over the next 20 years and try to foresee what obstacles will interfear with your commitment to your animal.

Lizards like large Monitors or Tegus require a lot more personal time and attention than large snakes, and also require larger enclosures (pound for pound).

Keep in mind that sub par housing, handling or feeding usually results in an angry animal. And being the owner of a 4', 12 lb lizard, trust me, you don't want to try to house an angry adult tegu :P

All I'm saying... is think the decision through and don't bite off more than you can chew...
 
Very wise words nc_nutcase. Tegus are not something to take likely and I hate hearing "oh i just went to the pet store and i saw this savannah monitor/tegu and descided to pick it up". these aren't animals you just "pick up". I spent two years researching and pondering if tegus were right for me. Not saying you have to do that but they are a huge responsibility. If you think tegus are right for you then go ahead but please don't take these guys lightly.
 
nc_nutcase;4462000; said:
Short answer... no I would not recommend you get a Monitor nor a Tegu.

Both are large growing and long living creatures that require a lot of time and attention. More so than the average person is willing to offer them on a consistent basis.


But if you are determined, then read on :P

Before making a decision there are a ton of questions you have to ask yourself. There are also a lot of species you need to consider. Each species will have a particular list of pros and cons.

I personally chose to go with an Argentinean Black and White Tegu. This choice took a lot of investment on my part but has been worth every minute/penny of it.

I had to build an 8' long cage as it's indoor enclosure and choose to arrange for a large outdoor enclsoure for summer time as well.

The dude eats a lot (4~8 ounces of food 5 days a week) which can get expensive. I buy frozen food in bulk to keep the price down but that means I have hundreds of dead mice and baby chickens in my freezer.

The most important detail though is to remember that these animals are going to live 20+ years unless you kill them sooner. How many things in your life so far have held your interest for 20 years? Another way to look at it is consider the changes your life will go through over the next 20 years and try to foresee what obstacles will interfear with your commitment to your animal.

Lizards like large Monitors or Tegus require a lot more personal time and attention than large snakes, and also require larger enclosures (pound for pound).

Keep in mind that sub par housing, handling or feeding usually results in an angry animal. And being the owner of a 4', 12 lb lizard, trust me, you don't want to try to house an angry adult tegu :P

All I'm saying... is think the decision through and don't bite off more than you can chew...
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Good points when referring to large species of monitors/tegus, however with monitors there are dwarf species that are now very affordable like ackies. They stay small have great personalities and are easier on the food housing and light bill.
 
So an ackie monitor would be good? And what is is a timor monitor? Saw em in an expo and they were pretty intriguing. But I am thinking about getting a Blue Tongued Skink cuz they are awesome
 
Ackies are small active a make great smaller pets but are VERY expensive. I don't know much about timor monitors but I know they don't grow all that big. Blueys sound like a good choice tough. You won't be disappointed with them.
 
Yeah theyre very cool and special requirements I should know about? and whats a good price? I saw juviis for 125.. But I did see a fire side skink for 7$?
 
rrcoolj;4463652; said:
Ackies are small active a make great smaller pets but are VERY expensive. I don't know much about timor monitors but I know they don't grow all that big. Blueys sound like a good choice tough. You won't be disappointed with them.
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I disagree you can find yellow ackies all over kingsnake for 200 or less, closer to 150. Thats about the going rate for cbb red,blue,argentine black and white tegu more or less as well. Where the op will save a ton of money in the ackie vs tegu battle as to which is a better is in the enclosure build once either animal hits adulthood.
 
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