Best Beginner Monitor Lizard

We discuss what monitor lizard species work best for beginner keepers, including which monitor lizards stay small. We also discuss the basics of monitor lizard care.
Paul Burrows is a monitor keeper out of the UK and runs the KZbin Channel and Instagram page ‪@paulsmonitors‬ . This episode is for those who are fascinated with monitor lizards, and potentially would like to keep them one day but do not know where to start. Paul tells us what type of person has success with monitors, and what species are ideal for beginners, including a few dwarf options, and we always go through some general husbandry concepts such as enclosure size, light & heating, handling & socializing, and proper diets.
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0:00 Coming Up
1:02 Guest Intro
2:48 Housekeeping
4:05 Orianne Society | Turtle Conservation
5:30 Welcome Paul- background & why monitors?
16:51 Criticisms from Old School Keepers
21:48 What type of person should keep varanids?
29:29 Dwarf vs Large, Arboreal vs Terrestrial
36:57 Enclosure size for tree monitors?
46:41 Natural history & feeding monitors
55:34 Handling & Socializing monitor lizards
1:05:25 Monitor Lizard diet
1:09:45 Monitor Lizard Lighting & Heating
1:21:54 Wet & Dry Season Replication
1:27:29 Common monitor keeping mistakes?
1:36:13 Are Monitor Lizards Venomous?
1:42:02 Tell us about Paul's Monitors content
1:51:34 Closing Thoughts
1:54:45 Outro
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ABOUT DILLON:
Welcome to my channel, Animals at Home! Here you will find the reptile videos I have made as well as video versions of The Animals at Home Podcast! The podcast mainly focuses on the pet reptile industry. My mission with Animals at Home is simple: To inspire others to push the limits of their reptile husbandry by promoting the importance of high-level, creative husbandry individualized for each reptile.
• Best Beginner Monitor ...

[@AnimalsatHomePodcast]

*THANK YOU FOR WATCHING!* For more info on this podcast and the other shows on Animals at Home Network click here: www.animalsathomenetwork.com/

[@paulsmonitors]

My main regret is I shaved my beard off before this podcast! But otherwise thank you Dillion for the time and opportunity to share my passion, you and your channel are helping people all over the world and you should be so proud of that! Thank you again! Sorry I ramble! Hopefully everyone enjoyed 🫡🥹

[@AnimalsatHomePodcast]

It was my pleasure, Paul! 😁

[@GarysTandAExotics]

I almost did it opposite of you and was going to get a mangrove before I decided on Syd.

[@paulsmonitors]

@@GarysTandAExotics GARY NO!

[@GarysTandAExotics]

@@paulsmonitors this was when I was planning on getting a monitor originally.

[@turtlejeepjen314]

GREAT talk- wish it was longer- it’s not rambling when someone talks about something they’re passionate about!! (& mad respect for mentioning how your animals ARE PETS (not for primary purpose of breeding)- that’s how I feel about my Snapper turtles, but 99% of people don’t ’get it/care’! 😊💚

[@GarysTandAExotics]

Paul is a huge wealth of so much knowledge of monitors. Its nuts how it all can fit in that little guy.

[@amysreptileadventures6664]

Haha your comment is very true ! I’ve leaned A LOT & took many notes just watching his videos !

[@AnimalsatHomePodcast]

Thanks for watching, Gary! He absolutely is a wealth of knowledge

[@ramirezg193]

Paul is a cool ass dude he's helped me out so much with my Newby mangrove . Always awser my question and doesn't send bad vibes . Respect to Paul, and thank you 😊 🙏

[@AnimalsatHomePodcast]

That’s awesome!

[@paulsmonitors]

One love man 💚🙏🏻

[@ReptiChat]

Cracking episode! Paul is a brilliant keeper and very knowledgeable!

[@paulsmonitors]

Thank you mate 🥹

[@AnimalsatHomePodcast]

Thanks for watching!

[@LoriTorrini]

I really enjoyed this and it was very refreshing to hear some wise behavior and handling/non-handling information with a species other than the snakes I preach about. Patience does result in ani Al’s just naturally coming to trust you without you having to be intrusive.

[@paulsmonitors]

Thank you Lori! I was literally speaking to Liam about you last night as I’m in the process of clicker training my mangrove, but yeah, I’d rather it take 2 years of them trusting me, then me forcing them to be my friend for only selfish gain!

[@AnimalsatHomePodcast]

Thanks for watching, Lori! And very well said.

[@citizenoftheninthdivision]

The tiny Western Fence Lizards in my back yard use the entire length of the three brick walls of my property. Our idea of "minimum enclosure size" is horrendous when you really think about it.

[@paulsmonitors]

This is why it hurts my head keeping them in ‘boxes’

[@beenherebrforemurry6365]

Totally get the big boy pants bit . I put my big boy pants on and got my green iguana. Best reptile we ever got .

[@willexotic]

Only a quarter of the way through, but this is awesome. Paul is a great keeper and a great guy. Super proud of you my brother!

[@paulsmonitors]

Thank you man, you’ll be on soon enough!

[@willexotic]

@@paulsmonitors 👀 lets make it happen

[@paulsmonitors]

@@willexotic easy son!

[@AnimalsatHomePodcast]

Glad you enjoyed the episode!

[@Angry_Vikings]

I just found this video. I have had mangrove monitors for 2+ decades. I got my first over 20 years ago. She lived 24 years in my care. My current mangrove is 3 yrs old. I have been bitten and put in the ER do to this species. I was one that got my first due to holy cow what a beautiful lizard. And the body build, the attentiveness, but I was not ready! I have had reptiles; lizards, my turtles, and even a snake. But the monitor and in particular the mangrove was a hit! I was in for a wild ride. I did my research, and knew I was in over my head. But given time and lessons and mistakes I became successful with her. Now, when she passed, I knew I’d have another. They are fantastic, but I will say I do not handle to mangrove, mine are wild caught and are predatory reptiles. I don’t feed them everyday. I tend to feed occasionally, not at the pace of a snake, but not at the pace of most lizards maybe 2 to 3 times a week, it keeps the weight down and to mimic wild mangroves. The tail thickness is key. And the tail is used for swimming, it is strong and thick and tapers down. They are extremely skittish and always feel threatened. They are wild animals, tame isn’t in their DNA, not for a mangrove, at least. I don’t try to even attempt to tame mine! But I’m content, I will only work with a mangrove. I have space and land to build, I have kept mine in vivariums, and now I’m working on a palidarium because they love and I mean love water. 25 years I’m still experimenting with them. I love it. Such an amazing animal and a pleasure to have. Plus, guest come over and are in fear and awe all at the same time. It’s rad, but they aren’t for most people. It is said they are the predecessor to the venomous animals with the bacteria in the saliva, that’s how I ended up in the ER. And lesson learned, respect the animal! Well, I’ll keep to my mangrove. Just wanted to share, being I came to this.

[@CricketsMa]

This episode is outstanding for illustrating so thoroughly, the pros and cons of keeping veranids. If I weren’t so old, I’d definitely begin the journey. Thank you for producing such an exceptional episode, Dillon.

[@paulsmonitors]

🤟🏻🤟🏻

[@AnimalsatHomePodcast]

Glad you enjoyed it, Suzanne! 😁

[@windserpent]

Thrilled to hear some gilleni love. I've been obsessed with them for a few years now! Were it not for the higher price due to the lower availability I'd likely have a pair already.

[@paulsmonitors]

Gilleni are great! Thankfully not even expensive here in uk, feel bad for places where they are! I think they will bump in popularity so price should hopefully come down

[@Agg1E91]

Even though it isn't a monitor, my Keel Bellied Lizard looks and acts "monitor-esque". Mine's about 8 weeks old, and as I raise and socialize it, I will be approaching it as monitor. Using those techniques. Will be interesting to see how it goes. I love its strong feeding motivation. I very quickly, after 3-4 weeks, got it to have no issues climbing onto my hand to eat a mealworm. Having said that, at present, if food isn't involved, neither is any motivation to interact with me, other than some tongue flicks. Which is ok. I want every interaction to end with a meal, or at the very least, it not being eaten. That's my first goal. That I no longer be seen as a potential predator. From that foundation, I think we can have some fun interactions.

[@paulsmonitors]

Sounds great! I personally think a captive who picks you through choice is so muck more rewarding! Enjoy the journey with them!!

[@AnimalsatHomePodcast]

Keel bellied lizards are awesome!! Sounds like you are on the path to having an amazing relationship with that animal 😁

[@spacecoasttortoise]

Was really looking forward to an episode like this! Awesome interview!

[@paulsmonitors]

Hope you enjoy!!

[@AnimalsatHomePodcast]

Thanks for watching!

[@Aquarimax]

Great info, and a lot of fun. Thank you both!

[@paulsmonitors]

🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@AnimalsatHomePodcast]

Thanks for watching, Rus! 😁

[@KylesMonitors]

I've been keeping for a handful of years now and I'm constantly learning and researching stuff related to monitors and boas. From my experience Paul is spot on with just about everything he said here. One thing I can say about the venom question is the one bite I took from my little female green tree monitor was worse than the bite I took from my black dragon that was 10 times her size. She bit down on my finger and chewed for about 30 seconds before I was able to peel her off gently. I've had a lot of nasty cuts and a handful of food related bites but nothing was like that. It was a strange sharp, burning and stinging pain for hours, then a dull ache for for a few days. The water monitor bite was just a quick chomp around my hand that was 100% my fault. 4 punctures from teeth, no burning or stinging. My hand was bruised and sore for a couple days, but it was just normal pain you feel after having your hand crushed.

[@AnimalsatHomePodcast]

Very interesting! Thanks for watching the episode, glad you enjoyed it

[@turtlejeepjen314]

Wow- I had NO IDEA monitors were this amazing, intelligent, & GINORMOUS!!! (All I knew prior to this awesome interview was: 1.) i haven’t actually met or even KNOWN of anyone who actually KEPT a pet monitor (thus, I have nearly impulse bought them a few times when they pop up at our local pet shop 2.) i have only known that Tom Crutchfield got EEF-ed UP by a Crocodile Monitor, & Kevin & Clint seem to both FEAR THEM… 😳 (just my observations, as a Common Snapping Turtle person)…. so HERE I am… & this is FASCINATING!!! (One thing I LOVE about our Reptile Community is how everyone has their OWN passion for a specific type of animal, but all of us SHARE the same passion for all OTHER reptiles, too!!💚💚🐢

[@AnimalsatHomePodcast]

Thank you for watching, glad you enjoyed it! 😀

[@rickcroney1286]

Great episode, I came across Paul a few months ago and really enjoy his honest, outspoken approach. While we only have an Ackie at the moment, I enjoy learning about what else is out there in the world of monitors!

[@AnimalsatHomePodcast]

Thanks for watching, Rick! Yes, it’s easy to tell that Paul has a serious passion for varanids!

[@HKH_Oficial]

Super useful podcast, love these episodes, plan to start with a tristis

[@pklfeedtheflame]

Love this episode so much

[@paulsmonitors]

🤟🏻

[@AnimalsatHomePodcast]

Thank you for watching!

[@turtlejeepjen314]

This looks VERY INTERESTING… I’ve never kept monitors, but they sound like very intelligent & interesting animals!! I’m a Common & Alligator Snapping turtle keeper, & Common Snappers are VERY underestimated AND very INTELLIGENT… I’ve heard that about monitors, too!! I would LOVE to keep a monitor- I’ve been VERY close to getting one, but I need to keep myself reigned in!! MY GOAL, & first thing I EVER wanted to do when I moved out from my parents house was to get a SNAKE- (it was my dream as a kid)…. AND I DID! 🥰

[@samajier2566]

Good job

[@AnimalsatHomePodcast]

Thanks, Sam!

[@MrUptown420]

Loved this one , pauls the man both of you keep up the great work 🫡

[@AnimalsatHomePodcast]

Thank you very much for watching, Dan! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@paulsmonitors]

Thanks Dan 🥹

[@chilloutsessionsv1]

Just a bump for the algorithms

[@caughtafaygo]

Dope cast! Loved this guy. I dont keep monitors. I want to but cant yet. I have several boas. That was awesome ty so much!

[@AnimalsatHomePodcast]

Thanks for watching the episode, glad you enjoyed it!

[@paulsmonitors]

When you’re ready message and I’ll help all I can!

[@bross2793]

Wonderful little demon is the best description for these tiny reptilian pitties. I had a wild caught fot 5 yrs. She was so rewarding to work with. Truat was hard to gain but well earned. So beautiful too.

[@mandiegannon9479]

I love my mangrove and would love fo get more info since you have picked them as your favorite

[@b_bogg]

Such a great and informative podcast! I have a mangrove monitor and there was a lot of great info!

[@AnimalsatHomePodcast]

Thank you very much for watching, glad you enjoyed it!

[@paulsmonitors]

My main focus species, glad you liked 🙏🏻

[@b_bogg]

@@paulsmonitors definitely! I have taken a lot of info and applied it to my setup such as rearranging things and even added cat toys with mirrors and bells, but was also pleased I was already doing most things talked about.

[@paulsmonitors]

@@b_bogg I have many videos on them on my channel 🫶🏻

[@xc1971pp]

Hi, Dilon. How are you? I couldn't agree more that the common people's usual mindset while keeping pets and handling them is selfish and immoral ( despite not intentionally, certainly ) and letting your pet decide its preferences is the best way to interact with them, to allow them to understand that you do not intend to harm them and for them to let you get to know them in order to better care for them. That's what I do with them, intending to give them the same rights and free will as I have. I think the mindset should be caring for your pet as a friend or your child and not your posession. Hugs from Portugal.

[@AnimalsatHomePodcast]

Exactly! Choice based care is really the best way to build a strong, trusting relationship with your animal

[@Trazor2k0]

Why no mention of Quince Monitors? They're like a more chill and better lookin Mangrove! I'm getting one someday soon

[@paulsmonitors]

They’re only chill with work and better looking is debatable 👀

[@michaellastoria2240]

Is that a lace monitor below the crocodile monitor?

[@AnimalsatHomePodcast]

The top right is a mangrove monitor and the bottom right is a emerald tree monitor (assuming you’re talking about the thumbnail)

[@mypetvelociraptor]

In need a lizard big enough to keep me entertained and just a little bit terrified. Lol Definitely want a green or blue tree monitor in the near future maybe a crocodile monitor one day.

[@AnimalsatHomePodcast]

Yeah, tree monitors are incredible! Croc monitors need a tremendous amount of space and height, I would think they could only kept successfully outdoors. Another amazing species.

[@paulsmonitors]

Crocs need a house 😂 tree mons much more obtainable!

[@mypetvelociraptor]

@@AnimalsatHomePodcast I live in Tampa Florida. I plan to move all of my Lizards outside as much as possible. I definitely wouldn’t get a Crocodile Monitor until I had an outside enclosure for it. Now I have a pretty large outdoor enclosure and indoor enclosure for my Argus Monitor.

[@mypetvelociraptor]

@@paulsmonitors 💯 I would definitely keep my crocodile monitor outside! Luckily, I live in Florida! I won’t be ready to do that for a while! Probably try to breed tree Monitors first.🤔 I’ve been working with monitors most of my life.

[@paulsmonitors]

@@mypetvelociraptor yeah outside is the way to go

[@straightwhitemale5753]

I think I have a dwarf Asian water monitor.

[@TVelodrome]

I just saw the start, but it doesn't sound that bad considering what size saliva, etc. Common knowledge that komodo dragons is venomous, i knew that in 95 😂 Many keep poecilotheria. Interaction with dangerous animals is another level, than srrong venom & big snakes reticulated etc, ye a big aborial snake, scub pyton have quite big teeth, but I take that over a mamba every day.

[@paulsmonitors]

Oh yeah for sure! Big teeth over venom anyway!

[@warlordzephyr]

Animals are animals, people are people. I've seen some of the worst mis-handling from people who treat their dog like their child, sometimes if you're not willing to treat an animal like an animal you end up doing more harm than good.

[@AnimalsatHomePodcast]

That’s definitely true! Way too many dogs misbehave for that exact reason

[@poohpiffy8196]

Bro who told you….you not supposed to feed them rats and things. Thats not true I had mines for 12 years and fed her rats ,worms, and grasshoppers 🧐🧐🧐

[@AnimalsatHomePodcast]

Are you talking about savannahs?

[@poohpiffy8196]

They are not venomous smh

[@AnimalsatHomePodcast]

No? I’d be curious to know why you think they aren’t! Always open to new ideas.

[@Heikin-Ashi-Larry]

None of these animals should be incarcerated. Never made sense to me to keep something I love in a cage for its whole existence. If you love something set it free

[@L.V.exoticpets]

I can't stand herptaculture gate keepers I help everyone I can in the Facebook groups I'm in