Reptile Forum, Reptile Classifieds - CaptiveBred

[neep_neep]

Hi all,

I'm brand new to the reptile keeping scene (and don't actually keep any at the moment...) but i've been creating my little list of things to research and potentially keep when circumstances allow (frogs, various geckos, uromastyx and chameleons are top of the list at the moment!)

After browsing many a forum and herp site, and seeing an article about Kimberley Rocks in one of the recent Reptile Care Magazines, i've decided that I quite like the look of monitors (I can fully understand how people's herp collections can expand to pretty substantial sizes!)

Anyway, my problem is that I wouldn't be able to bring myself to feed rodents to my reps (personal choice having kept rats for 10 years...i'm not having a go at anybody, I have no problems with others doing it - after all, captive reptiles have got to eat! I just personally would not be able to do it! )

So, in a bit of a rambley, roundabout way, are there any types of monitor kept in captivity in the UK which require a diet that doesn't include rodents? I have no problems with crickets/locusts etc. (however hypocritical that may seem )

Of course, if there aren't any monitors with the sort of diet i'm suggesting, then no worries, I shall cross them off my list!

*sigh*

(I can just imagine the OH sighing with relief...if he could get me to cross off even a quarter of the things on my list it would save him a small fortune! )

So yeh, any input most appreciated! Though I have a feeling that the answer to my question will most likely be a resounding 'No'.... but thanks in advance

[huskers360]

there are many monitors that you can keep that dont require rodents for thier diet, such as all of the dwarf monitor species; ackies, timors, kimberly rocks, pilbara rock monitors, black head monitors, freckled monitors. Of that list I suggest you do some reseach on the ackie monitors, they are the best overall monitor for a beginner, or for anyone in my opinion, and im sure most will agree with me. Hope that helps.

[Scott W]

As said above, you can keep the dwarf monitors on an insect diet but it's harder to supply enough food for them, not impossible at all but just requires more frequent feeding.

V. kingorum are good insect eating monitors, very small and active. Ackies are also good.

To add some meat into the diet you can feed them rabbit (diced) from a butchers.
_________________

Please DO NOT pm orders for reptiles, send email instead scott@captivebred.co.uk

[Kat]

what is the smallest dwarf monitor?
_________________
Kat

[JStroud]

Varanus brevicauda (Australian Pygmy Monitor)
_________________
Regards James Stroud

[Scott W]

[neep_neep]

Oh wow, that's excellent! Thank you!

From reading the article, I was under the impression that Kimberley Rocks were supposed to have a mainly rodent diet supplemented with locusts and crickets etc...but, thanks for letting me know otherwise!

Also just wondering - you mention diced rabbit, what other sorts of meat would be suitable? Or is it really only rabbit?

[Mwoxy]

Hey rabbits won't interfere with your non rodent diet.....they're lagamorphs!!!! And you can get it from the butcher.

Cheers
Mark

[neep_neep]

No worries, I wouldn't have any problems with feeding rabbit/other meats (as i'm not a vegetarian by ANY stretch of the imagination! ) was just wondering whether other red meats such as beef/lamb were suitable, or even white meats like chicken?

[Bloodboy2000]

I have found turkey mince to be a firm favorite as well.

Tom