‘ We set about scouring the
internet for care sheets and old forum posts , and read every magazine article we could find about these monitors .’ and the monitors were observed to drink from the bowl on multiple occasions . The animals and the substrate were misted once a week , or more often if they were seen to be shedding , to help with the removal of dead skin . Other than increasing humidity slightly , the misting doesn ’ t seem to provide a significant source of drinking water , despite what we have read in other care sheets .
The wait is over !
Ever since these amazing lizards were first held on license in Queensland some five years ago , we have both been desperate to own some . So after finally getting our hands on a pair each about 12 months ago , we thought it may be valuable to attempt to provide some basic information about our experience with them in captivity .
Once we had confirmed we were actually getting some of these monitors , we set about scouring the internet for care sheets and old forum posts , and read every magazine article we could find about their captive care . Given their rather finicky reputation , and that they were the first monitors I ( Dave ) had ever kept , it was a daunting prospect to know that I would soon be bringing some home ! It wasn ’ t long before Joe and I were taking a drive to collect the first pair ; these would be housed in my collection , while the second pair , which would be ready in another month or so , would be kept at Joe ’ s . Seeing them in the flesh again brought back memories of drooling over the one which was on display at a Scales and Tails expo a few years ago and reminded me that the pictures you see online cannot do these animals justice . The vivid green colouration is incredible , and some animals also have blue highlights along the back . The tail is incredibly long and when the animal is relaxed it is often wound into a nice neat spiral .
When we first took possession of the monitors they were young and still quite small , weighing approximately 25g , so they were set up individually in enclosures measuring 60cm cubed . Heating was provided by a 60W ceramic
‘ We set about scouring the
heat emitter to create a basking spot of approx 40 o C . The modest size of the enclosures and ample heating enabled the ambient temperature to remain fairly stable and consistent in the high 20s , which we felt would be beneficial to the young monitors . UVB was also provided for between 6-8 hours per day to facilitate good bone development . Cage furnishings were kept relatively simple , with a hide and a few branches and vines for the animals to climb on and access the basking spot . The substrate consisted of either shredded hemp or something similar to Kritter ’ s Crumble . A medium-sized ceramic water bowl was provided ,
internet for care sheets and old forum posts , and read every magazine article we could find about these monitors .’ and the monitors were observed to drink from the bowl on multiple occasions . The animals and the substrate were misted once a week , or more often if they were seen to be shedding , to help with the removal of dead skin . Other than increasing humidity slightly , the misting doesn ’ t seem to provide a significant source of drinking water , despite what we have read in other care sheets .
As the animals grew they were moved into larger enclosures measuring 120cm x 60cm x 60cm with the basking spot set to about 45 o C and UV provided for the same duration as before . Once again , branches and fake vines were provided , but instead of misting , the hide box was simply filled with moist sphagnum moss to create a humid retreat . This was positioned under the heat source , in order to avoid a cold , damp environment , which would not have been appropriate . Ambient temperatures were allowed to fluctuate more in these larger enclosures , but with winter night time temperatures dropping below 10 o C in my reptile room , I decided to leave the basking spot on 24 hours a day ; I did , however , turn it down to