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The Ultimate Guide to Australian Monitors in Captivity: Care, Housing, and Diet

Jack Butler

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Australian monitors are a group of large, carnivorous lizards that are native to Australia and New Guinea. They are popular pets due to their striking appearance and docile nature. However, they can be challenging to care for, as they have specific requirements for their housing, diet, and care.

A Guide to Australian Monitors in Captivity

by Anita Kelsey

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	568 pages

This guide will provide you with all the information you need to know about keeping Australian monitors in captivity. We will cover everything from choosing the right enclosure to feeding your monitor a healthy diet.

Choosing the Right Enclosure

The first step to keeping a healthy Australian monitor is to provide it with the right enclosure. The enclosure should be large enough for the monitor to move around comfortably and should have a variety of hiding places and basking spots.

The minimum size enclosure for an Australian monitor is 4' x 2' x 2'. However, larger enclosures are always better. If you have the space, a 6' x 3' x 3' enclosure would be ideal.

The enclosure should be made of a sturdy material, such as wood or PVC. The walls should be high enough to prevent the monitor from escaping, and the top should be screened to allow for ventilation.

The enclosure should be divided into three sections: a warm side, a cool side, and a humid hide. The warm side should be maintained at a temperature of 85-90 degrees Fahrenheit, while the cool side should be maintained at a temperature of 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit. The humid hide should be maintained at a humidity of 60-70%.

Substrate

The substrate is the material that covers the floor of the enclosure. It is important to choose a substrate that is safe and comfortable for the monitor. Some good options include:

* Newspaper * Paper towels * Aspen shavings * Cypress mulch

Avoid using substrates that are dusty or that can be ingested by the monitor.

Hiding Places

Australian monitors need a variety of hiding places to feel secure. These hiding places can be made from a variety of materials, such as:

* Cardboard boxes * Plastic tubs * Caves * Plants

Make sure that the hiding places are large enough for the monitor to fit inside comfortably.

Basking Spots

Australian monitors need a place to bask in the sun. The basking spot should be located on the warm side of the enclosure and should be raised off the ground. The basking spot should be heated to a temperature of 95-100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Water Bowl

Australian monitors need access to fresh water at all times. The water bowl should be large enough for the monitor to soak in. The water should be changed daily.

Diet

Australian monitors are carnivores and their diet should consist mainly of live prey. Some good options include:

* Crickets * Dubia roaches * Mealworms * Pinky mice * Mice * Rats

The size of the prey should be appropriate for the size of the monitor. Adult monitors can eat prey that is up to half their own size.

In addition to live prey, Australian monitors can also be fed a variety of frozen and thawed rodents. Frozen rodents should be thawed before feeding to the monitor.

Australian monitors should be fed once or twice a week. The amount of food that you feed your monitor will vary depending on its size and age.

Supplements

Australian monitors require a variety of supplements to stay healthy. These supplements include:

* Calcium * Vitamin D3 * Multivitamin

Calcium and vitamin D3 are essential for bone health. Multivitamins provide a variety of essential nutrients that may not be present in the monitor's diet.

Supplements should be given to the monitor according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Health Care

Australian monitors are generally healthy animals, but they can be susceptible to a variety of health problems, including:

* Respiratory infections * Skin infections * Parasites * Metabolic bone disease

It is important to take your monitor to the vet for regular checkups to prevent and treat any health problems.

Australian monitors can make great pets for experienced reptile keepers. However, they can be challenging to care for, as they have specific requirements for their housing, diet, and care. By following the advice in this guide, you can help your Australian monitor live a long and healthy life.

A Guide to Australian Monitors in Captivity

by Anita Kelsey

4.7 out of 5