r/MonitorLizards • u/Odd-Effect6457 • 12h ago
Looking for tips! ( kinda long srry)
Hey guys !! So this is my little asshole Solas. Im just looking on tips you guys would recommend to get this little guy more tame 🙂
Now im not completely hopeless when it comes to monitors as I have a 2 year old savy. Raised her since she was about 3 months. she was pretty spicy too, but w tong feeding her, handling, and a LOT of time, she's extremely tame now.
The difference and problem im having is this little mf BITES , constantly. My sav would mostly just whip me, so I'm kinda struggling on how to minimize that. Even trying to simply put my hand next to him results in it being cut up. I don't mind it right now, but not something I want to keep happening 😅 I also recognize that there's obviously a difference between the two, and some monitors may never actually be tame, but i wanna try my best for him 👏🏻
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u/EmployeeAlive7936 7h ago
I also would make sure there is one main hiding place and he can always see you, and you are around as much as possible, and let him come to you on his on choice, it will work.
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u/Desert_Heat_ 10h ago
5 tips for socializing a water monitor (other than obvious things, like husbandry parameters):
Make sure your enclosure is conducive to socializing. They do need to feel secure, but don’t create any opportunities for them to hide where they cannot view you. This is one of the best things you can do. Make sure they are studying you!
Never force handle. Everything happens on their terms 100% of the time. And if something happens on your terms, make sure the animal thinks it was their decision.
Don’t stare a nervous monitor in the eye. Use your peripheral vision when interacting with them.
Water to water transfers. Salvators feel safe submerged in water. One good way to transfer the animal in and out of the enclosure is to move it directly from one water source to another. I fill a large tote with a few inches of water when I work with my animals.
Always end each interaction on a positive thread, and know when to end a handling session. Short, positive interactions are all you should be doing at this point.
Note: water monitors often reach a point in their maturation where they become naturally less fearful of the world at large. They sort of age out of fearing predation to the degree that young individuals do.
Hope this helps. Enjoy your monitor responsibly, give it the best life, and don’t shortchange your enclosure/setup and the rewards of owning such a special creature will fall into your lap.