|
1-2 of 2 messages
|
Page 1 of 1
|
|
roughneck monitor
|
Reply
|
|
by Az on March 27, 2006
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
has anyone on hear ever owned or regularly worked with black roughneck monitor lizards. What where they like to work with in term of there diposition etc.
Thanks peeps Aaron
|
| |
|
RE: roughneck monitor
|
Reply
|
|
by AS on April 3, 2006
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Black Roughnecks are one of my favourite species of monitor lizards. They have a reputation as difficult captives, which I think is unfair. The problems are man made, nothing to do with the animal. The first problem is poor quality imports, make sure the animals are properly hydrated and housed in quarantine enclosures that allow easy monitoring for a minimum of three months. Once properly acclimated I would make the following suggestions. BRNs do not appreciate basking spots as high as other monitors (at least not in my experience)I wouldnt go higher than 110 preferably 100 with ambient temps of about 80 degrees. High humidity is obviously critical and i would suggest a dedicated misting system/rainmaker, BRNs also appreciate a pool, something like a cattle trough ( I also like to use reverse osmosis water, probably not vital, but I feel it has contributed to my success with this species.) Humidity gradient of 60-90%.
Obviously diet is very important, BRNs are not your typical varanids and will languish if fed on rodents exclusively, dehydration and inadequate temps compound the problems of a rodent diet, but even with ideal conditions those fed on rodents are not as active or colourful as those fed a varied diet. I suggest cockroaches, I use lobsters and orange spotted, walking stick insects, locusts, hornworms, embryonated eggs and most importantly lots of shellfish and similiar items, espec. crayfish. I use miner all w/o d3 in conjunction with mercury vapour lights for supplements.
Enclosure size at least 8ft by 4ft by 6ft tall, roughnecks dont burrow like other monitors but appreciate a deep layer of leaf litter something like 10-12" hides on the ground and elevated, a really good tip is to get a cork tube that runs from the floor to the ceiling with an access hole in the middle.
Temperament is said to be fairly poor but i dont like making generalisations, all animals are individuals, let your monitor show you what it is comfortable with and work around that. A tall or raised enclosure will help as they seem to be more comfortable if they can remain above head height ( much like tree monitors. Otherwise wait for your monitor to come to you. I have some very tolerant animals that seem to solicit handling and others that although skittish, tolerate my presence if not unduly harassed. These animals are truly unique and i wish you every success if you decide to go ahead with them.
|
| |
|
Email Subscription
You are not subscribed to this topic.
Subscribe!
My Subscriptions
Subscriptions Help
Check our help page for help using
, or send questions, comments, or suggestions to the
Manager.
|
