In captivity, an Asian water monitor needs a lot of food, especially when growing. Juveniles under one year old should be fed a diet of gut-loaded crickets, cockroaches, mealworms, small fish, and shrimp every day. Feed them using tongs, or in a separate bowl or tray.
How often should I Feed my Asian water monitor?
Asian Water Monitors are enthusiastic eaters that are prone to obesity, so monitor your pet’s body condition closely and feed accordingly. The standard feeding frequency for adults is 2 to 3 times per week. Always supplement insects and other non-whole prey sources with calcium and vitamin D3 powder.
What supplements should I give my baby monitor?
Baby and juvenile monitors should have their food dusted with a high quality calcium/vitamin D3 supplement at every feeding. In conjunction with a suitable source of full spectrum lighting, these supplements will allow for proper skeletal growth and muscle development.
How much water should babies have a day?
How Much Water Can Babies Have? When your baby is ready for solid foods, you might consider offering small amounts of water with meals, in a cup so that baby can try sipping. Four to eight ounces of water per day is adequate for babies who are over 6 months old. 1 This isn't meant to provide hydration, since breast milk and formula will do that.
Are Asian water monitors easy to care for?
The Asian water monitor is not easy to care for and requires very advanced reptile-care knowledge. The skin color of the Asian water monitor ranges from dark brown to black, and they have beautiful yellow dots that run the whole length of the body.
What do baby water monitors eat?
They should be fed mostly insects, with raw chicken, mice, whole chicks, fish, and eggs. Feeding pet water monitors requires a varied diet and a careful feeding schedule. These giant lizards will often eat as much as they can, to the point where they can easily become obese.
What can I feed a baby monitor?
Crickets, mealworms, waxworms, and roaches should be considered required items in the monitor diet. Many roach species are now available to monitor owners, and keepers are strongly encouraged to maintain a small breeding colony of them as a constant source of feeders.
How much should I feed my water monitor?
Adult Asian water monitors only need to be fed 2-3 times per week. Some food items to give them include canned insects, chicks, mice, ducklings, hard-boiled eggs or chicken organ meats. Since they are scavengers, it's perfectly fine to give them pre-killed prey.
Do water monitors eat eggs?
Diet: The Asian Water Monitors eat insects, crabs, mollusks, snakes, eggs, fish, birds, rodents, and other lizards. They enjoy to chase their prey rather than to stalk and ambush, and their forked tongue is used to smell their prey.
Can monitor lizards eat fruit?
While most monitor lizards are carnivorous, eating eggs, smaller reptiles, fish, birds, insects, and small mammals, some also eat fruit and vegetation, depending on where they live.
Do monitor lizards eat vegetables?
Can my savannah monitor eat fruits and vegetables? Given that savannah monitors are strictly insectivorous, plant matter is not a natural part of their diet and should not be offered in captivity.
How often do water monitors eat?
two to three times weeklyYearling monitors can be fed whole prey items about three to four times weekly, while full size adults over two years old can be fed less frequently, typically two to three times weekly. It is important to remember that water monitors are opportunistic feeders and will rarely refuse a meal.
Do water monitors bite?
The main weapon of the Asian water monitor is a whip-like tail which can injure you, but is not fatal, and a bite which contains a very mild venom. Both can cause lacerations requiring stitches. In the wild these lizards can be found near heavily vegetated, watery areas in Southern China.
Can water monitors be pets?
13:3518:36Asian Water Monitor, The Best Pet Lizard? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipJust make sure you keep them warm enough that's that's one of the main keys. When it comes toMoreJust make sure you keep them warm enough that's that's one of the main keys. When it comes to availability. We give the Asian water monitor a score of three out of five these guys are honestly just
Do water monitors have teeth?
These monitors have very long necks and an elongated snout. They use their powerful jaws, serrated teeth and sharp claws for both predation and defense.
Can monitors eat egg shells?
0:522:42Savannah Monitor Eating A Half Dozen Eggs - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI love how they do that they like throw. It down their throat.MoreI love how they do that they like throw. It down their throat.
Do monitor lizards eat meat?
Monitor lizards are mostly carnivorous; some also scavenge on carrion.
What does a monitor lizard eat?
Monitor lizards feed on a huge variety of food types (eg. insects, crabs, snakes, fish, etc); they control the population of their prey, and in turn are a source of food to larger predators (eg. crocodiles).
How long can monitor lizards go without food?
In simple terms, adult lizards can live longer without food than a neonate. In short, a lizard can live without food depending on its age, size, and species. The basic life span without food for a lizard is anywhere between 2 weeks to 2 months.
How often do baby monitors eat?
Adults should be fed several insects 1-2 times a week (larger monitors may eat less frequently). Juveniles should be fed 2-3 times per week. Babies should be fed every other day.
How often should you feed a monitor lizard?
Adults should be fed 1-2 times a week depending on their body condition (obese monitors should eat less often than under weight monitors). The bulk of an adult Savannah monitors diet should consist of rodents (mice to small rats), the occasional baby chick, insects, eggs, and fish should all be offered as well.
How big should a monitor enclosure be?
The enclosure should be large enough for your monitor to turn around comfortably, but it shouldn’t have much empty space left when the lizard uses it.
What temperature should monitor lizards be?
72°F-75°F. UVB lighting for monitor lizards is still a source of debate amongst keepers. While they may not require UVB lighting to survive, most reptile species will thrive with UVB lighting. The most convenient way to provide UVB is to use a mercury vapor bulb, which offers UV light and heat for basking.
What is the second largest lizard?
Asian Water Monitors are the second-heaviest species of lizard globally, and they’re known to be capable of growing longer and heavier than an average person! With their large size comes the need for a large enclosure and large amounts of food (more on this later).
What do tamed water monitors learn?
Tame Water Monitors may learn tricks, bond with their owner, and actively seek human attention and companionship.
What is an Asian water monitor?
Like most other Varanid species, Asian Water Monitors are known for being intelligent and interactive animals in captivity. However, their exceptional size and predatory nature require experience, confidence, and caution during handling and interaction.
How much does an Asian water monitor weigh?
More typically, mature Asian Water Monitors weigh 20 to 40 pounds and measure 4 to 5 feet long. Their long tail makes up ½ to ⅔ of their total length.
Why is the Asian Water Monitor so popular?
The Asian Water Monitor is a popular pet, thanks to its hardiness, adaptability, and prevalence in the wild.
Why wait to give baby formula?
Why wait? Well, provided you are breastfeeding on demand or offering enough infant formula your baby will get the appropriate amount of hydration from that. And because breast milk and formula provide important nutrition along with hydration, you don't want your baby to opt for hydration without nutrition before they're at an age when they're getting nutrition from food sources.
Why is water bad for babies?
Nutritional deficiency: Offering water to young babies puts them at risk of diarrhea and malnutrition because they could fill up on energy- and nutrient-free water and drink less breast milk or formula. 2.
How much water should a 6 month old drink?
When your baby is ready for solid foods, you might consider offering small amounts of water with meals, in a cup so that baby can try sipping. Four to eight ounces of water per day is adequate for babies who are over 6 months old. 1 This isn't meant to provide hydration, since breast milk and formula will do that.
What happens if you drink too much water?
Water intoxication: Though not all that common, water intoxication is a serious issue that happens when someone (baby or adult) drinks too much water, which throws off the electrolyte balance . 3 This can lead to seizures and even death.
Does Verywell Family use peer reviewed sources?
Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources , including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Who is Willow Jarosh?
Willow Jarosh, MS, RD, is a registered dietitian and nutrition coach specializing in intuitive eating.
How big should a lizard enclosure be?
For yearlings, a custom enclosure measuring 4’x4’x4’’ is sufficient, and adults will need to be upgraded to an enclosure approximately 8’x6’x8.’ When decorating an enclosure with lizard habitat products, it is particularly important to utilize vertical space as this will increase the surface area available for the lizard. Varanus salvator are an active species and are avid climbers, therefore, having a well-furnished enclosure for them to explore will benefit both their physical and mental well-being. Caution must be exercised when opting to use fragile decor like live plants, as such items can oftentimes be easily damaged even by a gentle giant. Vertical space however can be created by including items such as branches, shelves, and logs as basking areas.
What temperature should a water monitor be?
Therefore, ambient temperatures in their enclosures should be maintained in the low to mid 80º Fs. Although temperatures can be allowed to drop slightly at night within reason, many keepers perpetually maintain conditions constant with great results. When adequate temperatures are combined with a large water reservoir, the humidity levels in the enclosure will rise.
How big is a hatchling monitor?
A hatchling monitor can initially be housed in an enclosure with the size equivalent to a 40 gallon reptile terrarium (dimensions of 36”x18”x16”). There are commercially available alternatives to glass tanks readily available, as an actual tank is not recommended because glass enclosures often do not adequately maintain the temperature and humidity required.
How often do water monitors cycle?
Breeding pairs of water monitors will require a large enclosure measuring at least 8’x8’x8.’ Properly fed females kept under correct husbandry parameters can cycle several times a year and it is important to recognize when a female is cycling. Females tend to have strong appetites and feeding responses while cycling in an attempt to increase their caloric intake in preparation for potentially becoming gravid. Since females tend to have regular cycles, scheduling breeding based on the last time she laid eggs is also possible. The preferred monitoring method at our facility however is ultrasounding female water monitors. Ultrasounding takes the guesswork out of breeding. When a female possesses optimally sized follicles, in the 15-25mm range, a male is paired with her. If she is receptive and copulation is successful, she may become gravid and will lay eggs approximately 30-45 days later.
Why is my monitor lizard not basking?
Conversely, if a monitor lizard is never basking then this may be because temperatures are too high.
How to choose a healthy animal?
When you choose your animal there are a few tips that can assist you in choosing a healthy specimen: You should choose an animal that appears robust and active, with open clear eyes and no excessive secretions from the nose or mouth. Keep in mind that an inactive animal may appear more “friendly,” but this lack of vigor could potentially indicate health issues. There are currently some reputable breeders of Varanus salvator, making acquisition of a healthy, hand-raised specimen practical for all expert keepers. Maintaining a healthy animal will of course significantly reduce stress for both keepers and their clever monitors.
How many eggs do squid hatch?
Depending on the age and size of the female, clutches range between six to 18 eggs, although more or less is not uncommon. There must be deep substrate of proper composition and consistency present in order to increase the likelihood of successful nesting. Females prefer their nesting site substrate at 86ºF, and will spend several days digging “test holes” until she finds a suitable nesting location. In a correctly maintained enclosure, meeting such requirements should be straightforward. Once the female has laid her clutch, the eggs are placed in a plastic container filled with hatchrite media and incubated at 86ºF. At this temperature babies will begin to hatch in six to seven months. Hatching baby water monitors is truly one of the most rewarding experiences as a reptile keeper.
What is the diet of Asian water monitors?
Asian water monitors are hypercarnivores. This means their diet is 100% meat and wholly consists of other animals and their eggs. There are even reports of water monitors uncovering and eating human remains.
What temperature do Asian water monitors need?
This enclosure must have areas to climb and swim. They also need a temperature gradient, with highs from 120 to 150°F for basking and lows of 74°F for cooling off.
How big are monitor lizards?
As well as having an appearance straight out of Jurassic Park, these lizards are heavy too. They tip the scales at 44 to 54 pounds. Male adults can grow over eight feet long. Females are slightly shorter, growing up to six feet. Despite their size, monitors are quite agile and can easily climb trees with the help of their curved claws and strong legs.
How long does it take to get used to an Asian water monitor?
Asian water monitors can get used to being handled if introduced to it from a young age. Building trust with your water monitor can take several months, but this long process is both rewarding and very useful. A tame monitor is a lot easier to manage in case of an emergency than a distrustful one!
What do opportunistic predators eat?
This results in a naturally varied diet that includes: rodents, domestic animals, birds, crabs, snakes, lizards, young crocodiles, eggs and turtles.
Do water monitors work?
Feeding pet water monitors requires a varied diet and a careful feeding schedule. These giant lizards will often eat as much as they can, to the point where they can easily become obese. Water monitors are a lot of work, but provide a rewarding and unique experience when cared for properly.
Can Asian water monitors be pets?
Experienced reptile enthusiasts have been raising these lizards as pets for over twenty years. But, keeping an Asian water monitor as a pet lizard is difficult because of their giant size and aquatic lifestyle.
What do monitors eat?
This monitor is an obligate carnivore, which means it only eats meat. It is far from picky, and will eat almost anything it can catch and tear apart. Some common prey items include fish, lizards, snakes, birds, rats, turtles, frogs, crocodile hatchlings, and carrion.
What is the water monitor?
Water Monitor. By. Animals Network Team. The Asian Water Monitor, also known as the Common Water Monitor, is a large reptile that lives throughout Asia. This widespread monitor lives throughout large regions of southern Asia, and it is one of the most common species of monitors in the region.
What is the behavior of a water monitor?
Behavior of the Water Monitor. This species spends most of its time foraging for prey and sunning itself. Younger reptiles are much more wary of predators, while larger individuals do not have as much to fear. When threatened, they climb trees and leap into the water to swim away.
What do zookeepers feed their animals?
Zookeepers also feed them a variety of foods, including rats, mice, ground carnivore diet, rabbits, fish, and more.
How do juvenile monitors escape predators?
Aerial Escape – Juvenile monitors sometimes flee predators by climbing into trees. Granted, this method does not always work, because some predators can climb too! When this happens, these reptiles take a page out of the green iguana ’s book, and launch themselves from the tree into a nearby water source to swim away.
How big is a squid monitor?
They are quite large monitors, and some individuals measure over 9 ft. long. Large adults can weigh 40 lbs. or more. The heaviest specimen on record weighed 110 lbs. and some unverified reports exceed 150 lbs. or more.
When do water monitors reproduce?
Reproduction of the Water Monitor. These reptiles breed between the months of April and October. After mating, it takes about a month for the female to lay eggs. The larger the female, the more eggs she can produce. Females lay their eggs in rotting vegetation, usually logs or tree stumps.
What is the importance of knowing your animals' natural history?
Knowledge of your animals natural history, that is where they come from, and how they behave in the wild, can be one of the most important tools when developing a husbandry and feeding regimen.
What do monitors eat?
Recent studies have shown that presumed rodent eaters such as savannah monitors, actually consume mostly termites, millepedes, and scorpions. In captivity, these foods may be difficult to procure, but other insect species are readily available, and should be part of every monitor diet.
What are the prey items on a monitor?
Depending on the species of monitor you are keeping, other prey items such as fish, shrimp, and baby chicks can be offered, the frequency of which will depend upon your specific situation.
Do monitors need calcium?
I am of the opinion that growing monitors benefit greatly from the use of calcium and vitamin supplements in their diets. Some argue that if fed a varied diet of whole animal prey, monitors will not face any related health issues. I have simply encountered too many monitors raised on un-supplemented diets showing severe signs of dietary nutritional deficiencies to accept this as truth.
Can monitors eat non rodents?
Keepers who have been working with monitors for any length of time may be aware of this dietary option, while it's existence may come as news to less experienced hobbyists. Quite a few years ago, keepers and animal nutritionists at the San Diego Zoo were experimenting with non-rodent diets for their larger monitor species. At the time, they were working intensively with Komodo Dragons, but the diet that they derived is acceptable for all monitor species.
Can you raise monitors on a rodent diet?
Keepers who choose to raise their monitors on a rodent-only or mostly rodent diet should be encouraged to avoid unweaned mice, as they have little or no calcium, and are fairly deficient in other vital nutrients. Furthermore, animals fed a diet high in mice should be exposed to basking temperatures at the very high end of the recommended range, and given ample space to run around, dig, and thermoregulate.
What is the original recipe for a steamed bone meal?
The exact, original recipe is not really known, but it is widely accepted that it contained nothing more than raw, ground turkey, eggs, steamed bone meal (as a source of calcium), and multivitamins. This original formula has been passed around for years, with subtle changes being made along the way.
What to do if the monitor is still wet?
The challenge you are facing is to let your monitor dry before mold starts to grow in hidden corners. Also, depending on the type of liquid you drop on your monitor, they might be still residue, like sugar, laying on the circuit.
How to save electronic devices from water spill?
The most common way to save electronic device from water spill is to put them in rice. For this operation, you need to use un-cook rice. There’s no better rice type; any kind will do the job.
Can you replace a baby monitor if it gets damaged?
If it’s the camera of your monitor who got damaged by water, you could replace the camera. There’s no need to replace the whole baby monitor. It will be cheaper only to replace one end of the monitor.
Can you use a rescue kit for a baby monitor?
You might have a rescue kit for your cell phone, and you can use it for a baby monitor too. Those products were meant to save expensive smartphone from water damage, but they also work with any other electronic device.
Can you use rice instead of silica?
If you do have a large amount of little white bag, commonly used in packaging to absorb humidity, you can surely use them instead of rice. But you must be aware that the silica’s powers of water absorption will reach a limit and there a good chance that it will not be enough.
Why do Asian water monitors need a certain temperature?
Digestive issues: Asian water monitors are prone to food impaction and constipation. They need a certain basking temperature to be able to activate their digestive enzymes. If the basking area is not hot enough, their food will not be digested completely, and this can lead to a serious impaction.
How to know if your monitor is set up correctly?
You’ll be able to know if you’ve set it up correctly because your monitor will demonstrate a consistent basking and roaming pattern.
What is the biggest challenge when deciding on the type of enclosure you are going to build?
The massive size of the Asian water monitor is going to be your biggest challenge when deciding on the type of enclosure you are going to build.
What goes into an Asian water monitor enclosure?
Asian water monitors are very intelligent and active reptiles, so your enclosure should contain lots of things that are going to create both physical and mental stimulation.
What is a monitor lizard?
These lizards have the characteristic monitor body that features a long neck and snout, serrated teeth, sharp claws and almond-shaped eyes. A long, muscular tail is also typical for a monitor.
What is an Asian water monitor?
Asian water monitors are a fascinating reptile that have earned plenty of respect and interest from humans over the years. These massive lizards are no joke!
How much does an Asian water monitor weigh?
At maturity, this lizard can weigh as much as 150 pounds!
