Do I want a Nile Monitor?

[@IntrepidExotics]

Thank you for all the great feedback! For more CLICK TO SUBSCRIBE kzbin.info

[@sphericreptiles]

You are so right about keeping Nile monitors. I pet sat one for a fraternity brother in college. It was so stressful. I kept snakes and tegus, but that Nile monitor would bite, scratch, and defecate every time I held it. It lived for a long time, but now he will not get another one.

[@reptilemafia2738]

My nile is still just a baby I got him at a show for 100$ no questions asked it’s scary that someone else with no big lizard experience could have bought it and would have no idea what there doing one of the reasons I started watching your videos was to learn about them because almost no reptile keepers own a nile even people that have almost every other monitor refuse to keep a nile because of how much work they need and the amount of space they take up I have 2 dog tame iguanas so I thought taming this nile would be easy but this is definitely the hardest experience I’ve had taming any animal but thanks to your videos and the Nile monitor book you recommended have helped a lot👍

[@IntrepidExotics]

That's awesome to hear, sounds like you have some cool animals and a great mindset!

[@oryafitch6]

I remember when I was like 21 I got a nile for 25 dollars 😂 had him for a year and a half then he got huge and my cousin who has tons of large reptiles down in Florida took him for me so he could have a good life. But yeah scary I got one for only 25 dollars luckily even as a stupid kid I had someone responsible to take him after he quickly outgrew me lol

[@juancage9570]

What’s the name of the book! Please I have 8 Argentina Dogo’s 1 pit 1 cane corso

[@reptilemafia2738]

@@juancage9570 the book is called “nile monitor”

[@juancage9570]

Thank you kindly

[@HaPea117]

im so glad that you said thousands of hours to clarify for people

[@humbertojimmy]

I've kept all sorts of monitor species in the past and one thing that i've always loved about niles is their intelligence. These guys are smart as hell, very allert, very active, always figuring stuff out. They come second only to varanus gouldii (which is hands down the smartest lizard and perhaps reptile).

[@LorannaMae01]

I just rescued a Nile from someone who was keeping it in basically a luggage trunk with holes. Poor thing had no light, only fed mice, and only had a small water dish. Ive only had it about 24 hrs but i can not wait for this journey. Im building a massive walk-in enclosure for it while shes in qt. Shes definitely a spicy little bean right now.

[@heartlandreptiles]

Great stuff, I really appreciate how gentle, calm and respectful you are with all your animals individual traits and personalities!!!

[@alexcrowder1673]

Thank you for making this. I spent a long time trying to convince people to get other reptiles. Ive talked many people out of buying a Nile. Ive even talked parents out of buying Niles for their 12 year olds. At least in AZ you dont really see them for sale very often anymore. I used to see them for 30-60 dollars at every reptile shop. I love Niles, they are my favorite reptiles, even above retics. But they aren't for everyone. Im also convinced that they are the absolute smartest reptile on planet earth. I did SO much training with my late Male. I got him as a 6 or 7 inch runt of the clutch. Supposedly he only 2 days old. He was 6.5ft when he passed and the smartest lizard who ever lived. They claimed he was CB, but honestly im sure he was just captive hatched at best and more than likely just farmed. I only know maybe 2 people who have successfully bred them. Marsh reptiles being one of them.

[@666crazyKracker]

My Nile turned 1 today and he is super social. I’ve put in a lot of work with him since he was hardly 10inchs now he’s 54inchs. Patience and time is all it takes !!! Love my nile

[@IntrepidExotics]

I'll have to keep up with how he's doing! Mine started feeling tough around the 1 1/2 - 2yrs mark and I'm hoping this summers activity sees him mellowing out more

[@brianpartlow5530]

Monitors go through a puberty stage where you get the rebellious teenager attitude for a while. My Savanah hit it at 1 yr old but it only lasted like a month. I'm not sure what age Niles hit it.

[@brysenkelly663]

What were your best ways to socialize? Food interactions, free roam, water training?

[@brastongray2480]

Great video! I acquired my nile monitor through some crazy circumstances. I've had white throats and roughnecks, but nothing prepared me for a nile. That said, I wholeheartedly believe they are just as intelligent as any monitor, they are just less likely to be as "friendly" as others. Through blood, sweat and tears, my guy has really turned into a great Lizard, but it took way more time than my tegu or other monitors. We have a really great bond now. I hope people truly know what they're getting themselves into!

[@Drquimbaymatumbo]

@brastongray2480 a nile in most cases, is akin to a very badly abused dog. It has zero trust, is extremely timid, and will lash out if cornered. The common nile never really tames..it just becomes tolerant. Anyone who thinks other wise is lying to themselves and others. Including the dick ed that made this video

[@skinnyslims5327]

Dude I just found your channel. What a great channel to be a part of. You seem super genuine and knowledgeable with your animals. That Nile monitor is absolutely gorgeous.

[@fresh5269]

I have a 4 ft nile. Might be closer to 5 now actually Enjoyed the video. I appreciate watching another handler not using a glove.

[@varanid9]

Beautiful specimen! My favorite monitor, I love their attitude.

[@mraBJJ33]

Man the beauty of that boy is something, he looks really healthy weight wise which is hard to do with monitors since you basically have to keep them in a state of slight hunger which adds to the threat of food responses during interactions. Love the patterns and coloration of Niles though

[@IntrepidExotics]

Thank you! And yes, we see too many monitors that are football shaped and really overweight. I try to keep his reasonable so he stays healthy.

[@pumpkinchow]

Great video bud and I know what video your talking about with the baby Nile’s. He’s gotta a lot of work ahead of himself if he’s going to keep them properly. I hope he knows that and does what’s best for the monitors and not what’s best for himself. I guess only time will tell and I wish his monitors the best and him as well.

[@mypawfectfamily]

Also, this is such a cool video!! It’s incredible that we share our planet with these giant monsters and watching you interact with him is so cool!! The clips of him outside were also amazing! Please keep making videos! I especially love the extra effort with the added clips:)

[@IntrepidExotics]

Monitors have always fascinated me and Niles really is a good sport about things!

[@j_hilljr_kanienkehaka]

Love the Nile Monitor education- too many of these Nile Monitors on CL for super cheap being pawned off to unsuspecting folks...

[@IntrepidExotics]

That's so true, at first glance a baby may look like a great kids pet or something but man do they keep ya busy when they grow up, lol

[@killersnake1111]

You explained all of it perfectly. And for anyone wondering it takes a hundreds of hours to even let a bigger nile to even lit you touch it belly without a least whipping you with its tail.

[@killersnake1111]

And when you guys start to even interact with a monitor that you haven't interacted with alot always start with gloves

[@IntrepidExotics]

I think gloves are a false sense of security sometimes, I've taken a couple nips on the fingers but the worst was when he latched on to the back of my neck and had my spine in his mouth for 4 minutes :-)

[@imwaytogoodlookingtobeyour1188]

U can buy a very thick sweater and just cut the sleeves off....and put the sleeves on your arms and it will be much better when u handle the monitor

[@IntrepidExotics]

until one of, or all of, those twenty 1/2 inch claws gets stuck in the fabric when he's trying to get away and I have to get his feet untangled while he's trying to bite :-)

[@apex-hybrid]

I have 2 yr old nile monitor. I have spent countless hrs with her and she let's me hold her to an extent. I would absolutely agree if u can't spend a ton of time with them don't get one. However I would say even a intermediate owner could get one if you have time and make it quality time with the monitor. Spend time with it that's not feeding time. They are extremely smart and like any animal create good bonds to an extent if you care for them correctly.

[@brianpartlow5530]

I had a Nile years ago. He was a jerk but I loved him. I lost him with a Tegu during a winter power outage 20 years ago. Broke my heart! If you are OK with a big lizard that don't like people, can tear you up if given the chance. Go for it! I have a Savanah monitor now. He's just a lovable guy when it comes to people. He likes back scratches and will chill on the couch with you. Niles are illegal where I live so I probably won't get another one. Your Nile has a great attitude! Mine hated me and was only nice when I put him in the bathtub for a swim. His water bowl in his cage was big enough to soak but he loved to swim. By the looks of his posturing, yours seems to like you. They are super smart! Try bonding with him more. If you are eating something he can have, share a meal with him. Give him a good back scratch when he's shedding and itchy. They remember things like that.

[@susanmartin3762]

Awwwww he still had his baby face. He's really cute...I mean handsome.. boys are handsome.

[@cold.blooded.envisions]

This is a very good example of the reason they’re not for everyone. Appreciate your video.

[@IntrepidExotics]

Thank you!

[@caughtafaygo]

so if youre not able to dedicate a room in your house to these guys dont even think about it lol. i mean thats just me. if i were to live in the proper climate id enclose the lower part of my back deck and make that a habitat but then you have to remember they can dig so you get into reinforcing the ground so they dont dig out. anyway im a rookie, listin to tim please people and support USARK!! much love man and thanks for the video! i watched it while working and finished when i got home and showed the kids, first thing out the daughters mouth was "i want him" LOL but she knows with our schedule thats not possible. our boas are fun enough. have a good one man

[@IntrepidExotics]

Thanks and good to see ya again. We clearly run in the same circles online!

[@fred420]

I give you props man! I got tagged by one much smaller than that years ago and my hand is still messed up from it.. Crazy thing is that he was acting just like this and for no damn reason just clamped down it was not fun haha.

[@IntrepidExotics]

Yea, that's the thing about some of these monitors; they can be chill one minute and CHOMP all the sudden, lol

[@susanmartin3762]

The cutest baby reptiles on earth! I'm a new fan of your show. Thank you for the passion you have for this hobby. I wish I were younger. If I was, I'd have an Asian Water Monitor like Slinky. Monitors are just such grand animals!

[@brocklee1996]

This is a great informative video, i appreciate you keeping it real!

[@combatdeffective2121]

I've also got a Nile. He's bigger then the one in the video, and he's just my house cat. He just wonders around where he wants, and super calm. He's curled up sleeping under the baby bed, currently.

[@AlexanderGuevara-b5p]

He sh*ts on yiur floor

[@NUZZIE.]

Thank you helping me reconsider . I think you've save my life, wallet and house.

[@IntrepidExotics]

They really aren't terrible so long as ya have realistic expectations and have the time for em, but it is pretty easy to overlook some things that can be problems down the road.

[@drun1856]

Hey bro I liked your video alot good stuff. I've had a black throat, and now I have a Nile. I've always wanted a Nile because i know they are very difficult. But I'm working on mines and he looks good

[@tylerlogan4747]

I enjoyed this video, very informative and realistic to the species .

[@josephnelson3971]

I wish this video was out 3 years ago what I purchased my 1st 2 Nile monitors almonitors also have a 3 footer that I work with and and honest-to-God hands down hardest lizard to gain its trust ever

[@saravis56]

Thank you. What a lovely critter, and so well kept. I am amazed at how fast he is. Respect.

[@IntrepidExotics]

Thank you! He is too funny...most times he stumbles around with his little lizard strut but man when he wants to move, he can move!

[@liklic8028]

Great video thanks for getting the word out!! I get like two a year from people who pay 75 to 100 dollars as a baby and if they happen to live a year most don’t but if they do people will turn them right back into the pet store they intern call me I go recur them and try to get them to zoos or people who know how!!! Good job though

[@rachaels8leggedwonders448]

Baby Niles the Nile is so stinking cute!

[@Rebelconformist82]

Very happy lizard. Great to see that

[@NeverHaveKids]

Glad I watched this. No way am I ever getting one of these. Neither equipped nor motivated for all this work. I know I’d make mistakes and either me or someone else would get bitten, badly.

[@HeavyDutyModularSynths]

what a beautiful good boy he is. i love him

[@michaelperry8054]

Love this, it's so hard to find decent (and accurate) videos of nile monitors. That cohabbing bit especially, I don't know how others get away with it... I've been working on captive bred babies, introduction went pretty well (8Lx4Dx8H enclosure) but the male was too interested where as the female wasn't. That passion project has been the most difficult thing I've tried hands down and by far, even with being home at all times and them being the species I'm most adept with feels like we're trying to make the impossible happen over here.

[@alexcrowder1673]

Seems really really small to be breeding Niles. How big is your pair? My male qas 6.5ft alone. Hed have thrown a fit and destroyed a cage that small.

[@IntrepidExotics]

I'm not breeding, he's my only nile and right at 5ft nose to tip of tail

[@alexcrowder1673]

@@IntrepidExotics Oh no worries, I know you aren't. I was talking to Micheal. He mentioned he was breeding them.

[@IntrepidExotics]

@@alexcrowder1673 ahh, I see :-) easy to lose track keeping up with comments, haha

[@alexcrowder1673]

@@IntrepidExotics oh i feel that, thats part of why i stopped making my own videos. Too much work clarifying everything in the comments. I was also worried that I was unintentionally encouraging people to get Niles monitors as pets. My comments on my channel seemed to back that up too. A large percentage of my conments seemed to be people who just bought a Nile and were desperate for handling advice. A few of my subs had Niles that escaped and disappeared or even that died, and its hard for me not to feel partially responsible. I always said that I honestly didnt reccomend them as pets, but of course, no one listens.

[@rdnkenki]

Thank you! As much as Id love too, It's way to advanced for me

[@jonathanyoungblood8676]

I have a nile he's coming up on a yr old and getting into that don't muck with me stage haha first monitor and should of done more homework but it is what it is. He used to sleep in my pocket and ride on my shoulder after work doing my rounds with the other animals but as of the last 2 months he don't want nothing to do with me. Love him but yeah he can be an ads hat lol

[@IntrepidExotics]

That's what mine did, was sweet until he realized he was tough, lol.

[@jonathanyoungblood8676]

@@IntrepidExotics love my monitors , tegu and the rest of my animal family. Thank you for sharing your knowledge I appreciate it

[@primesspct2]

just wait, for Gods sake be careful.

[@combatdeffective2121]

They're just like toddlers, hitting those terrible twos with their personalities. Important to remember not to give up handling him while he acts up, don't let him have his way all the time, or he'll keep that mean attitude. Just keep working with him like you normally would, but go slower and be more patient and push through the attitude. Not professional advice, just my own experience with my own monitors.

[@LuckyStone888]

LOL, all I can think "Should you get a Nile Monitor? NO!!!!!" I do love them, They are so cool, but I could never properly care for one. Thanks for this video. Great title, but I fear by the time someone watches this it's too late.

[@Prestonnclyde]

Varanus niloticus has got to be one of the most beautiful monitors. Its too bad they have such a different disposition than varanus salvator.

[@myrasonger8423]

One of Thee Best!

[@IntrepidExotics]

Niles are amazing animals even with that punchy attitude!

[@aleksanderczajka6072]

He's so pissed that you won't let him go XD

[@IntrepidExotics]

He is definitely not a cuddler, lol

[@ethanbrown7198]

I have a savannah monitor. monitor lizards are so powerful and intelligent. they are incredibly time consuming to gain their trust.

[@snakemannn1744]

Cool nice 2 know about ,,,,

[@gonzaloduran6735]

Niles are by far the hardest species I have came across to tame or even handle . Luckily for me my current Nile has not learned to bite and is more Docile than my previous ones , he’s only 7 months old packing 4 ft. This video was a huge help thank you!

[@brianpartlow5530]

You might have got a nice one. They are rare but do exist.

[@jirikomestik3692]

Excelent work. I got 8 months Varanus panoptes. Its quite challenge for, me. Im trying socialize him bit, but she is just little devil. :D

[@jhors7777]

Interesting video, thank you for posting this!

[@IntrepidExotics]

We have a detailed series on the nile monitor coming up soon!

[@susanmartin3762]

Give Aqua- Scape a call!! Give em some advertising and get hooked up like Kenan!! Thank you for sharing him with us. I can't remember his name. Or did you tell us?.

[@IntrepidExotics]

Niles :-)

[@killersnake1111]

I have a 4 1/2 ft female and she Is a hand full lol. I bought her when she was about 3 ft and she acts just like yours

[@mypawfectfamily]

What’s the appeal to getting a Nile monitor over an Asian water monitor? Seems like a similar size, but the Asian water monitors seem to be a lot more tame and social?

[@IntrepidExotics]

I'm not sure there's an appeal one over the other for me. awm's do grow larger but also seem to have a better disposition than the African monitors. Niles came to me a little through chance so I took on the challenge and never looked back.

[@mypawfectfamily]

@@IntrepidExotics that’s seriously so cool! So much respect for everything you’re doing! I have a Leachie with a cranky attitude, and even he is too much for me 😂

[@IntrepidExotics]

@@mypawfectfamily oh cool! Leachies are awesome :-) thank you for the kind words!

[@fishgeeks3190]

Hey brother, long time keeper.... Just bumped into your video. Liked and subscribe.. just want to say what a fantastic job you're doing with editing and recording your videos... Really appreciate it.. you put some solid advice out there.. that hopefully people don't argue too much about.... I have a 7 ft male water and a 4 ft female teeth. Positive t negative albino.. a. 3-year-old Nile that I should seriously make my own video about.. and a quince monitor..

[@IntrepidExotics]

Thanks! Sounds like some sweet animals ya keep, welcome aboard!

[@malachispradlinstudentfvhs6832]

Great video cant wait for the building video

[@karyannfontaine8757]

Not the pet for me. He is amazing and I love learning about him. So nice you take him outside for enrichment. I do the same with my snakes.

[@powerwolf-vw8st]

Hes still cute at his current size imo.. it's just that now hes dangerours on top of that lol hopefully hel mellow out more for you as he becomes more mature and realises your are scaleless fren not enemy

[@jrbp33]

Hey Tim, how well do you thin niles would do with clicker/target training when it comes to food? Ive seen a few people do that with tegus and would think that niles are certainly smart enough to pick up on that rather quick. Just thought that may help curb his food response when hes not getting food and maybe save you from a bite or two.

[@IntrepidExotics]

He would do well I'm sure, he is incredibly smart and I may try that at some point

[@pumpkinchow]

It’s best to clicker train them as babies but he could very well still train his and I’m sure he could. Tim knows his stuff 🙌

[@SwiperTheFox12]

I'm really trying to get a big lizard pet but my only experience with them is when I owned a water dragon for a year and a half and I babysat a bearded dragon. Any idea on the best big lizard? I'm kinda worried the nile will be too much but they look so cool with there patterns. Any help from professionals would be great

[@SwiperTheFox12]

I'm going to continue doing research on the smoothest introduction to the big lizard world I can get.

[@IntrepidExotics]

If you like the look of monitor lizards there's others like tree monitors and ackies that are MUCH more manageable both from a space and temperament standpoint. Tegus are great larger lizards that can have great dispositions but require a good bit of space and also brumate several months a year which is frustrating if ya like interacting with them. I've always like rhino iguanas too, the one's I've interacted with were a blast :-) Niles, Asiana water monitors, croc monitors, iguanas...all of those can be really challenging to keep either because of temperament, space requirements or both.

[@SwiperTheFox12]

@@IntrepidExotics I was looking at a bunch of others but they are very expensive.. kinda on a budget. So now I'm looking at savanahs which seem super great and I'm positive i have room to build one an enclosure. I just want a decent sized lizard that I can make a bond with and wont have to worry about it being fiesty if I'm calm and patient with it. But for some reason ackies are super expensive( I found them before savanahs) and omg the price is.. sheesh dont worry though I'm continuing research about diets, space, humidity, and burrow sand. thanks for the help though, greatly appreciated:)

[@xavierhart100]

great video man keep up the good work

[@IntrepidExotics]

Thank you! We have a lot of great things happening this summer!

[@armedmonitor9332]

So I have a Argus and I’m thinking about getting a Nile aswell

[@Dragon_Whisperer]

Another great video Tim!

[@IntrepidExotics]

Thanks Will! Hope you've been well!

[@joshuahawkins2743]

When i had mine he did well with me but was extremely aggressive towards anyone but me sometimes he would be ill with me but he tolerated me and there memory is better than you would think my dad used to tease him when he was a baby in his aquarium he remembered that and when he got bigger when i would sit on the couch holding him with my dad close by when my dad would move it tried to smack him in the face with its tail it seemed to aim for his eye or eyes every time like i said they will remember people they dont like

[@bruce5168]

Great video, very informative. New subscriber!!

[@fredschmidt6802]

Are you able to trim his nails or claws ? Is that a shower in closer or tube in closer ? Reminds me of a raccoon I had except three feet longer & built like a weight lifter .

[@IntrepidExotics]

It's a standard tub built into it, transferred it over to his larger enclosure since this video, he's 6 ft now :-)

[@larachaplauske8818]

Absolutely beautiful lizard, and I have zero desire to own one. A tegu is much more reasonable.

[@IntrepidExotics]

I do love my tegu!

[@tonimindnich1296]

Gorgeous animal, unfortunately too complicated as a pet. Good video, thank you for the information 🙋🏼‍♂️

[@IntrepidExotics]

They are complex little creatures!

[@justinbutler2870]

I have Nile monitor she's super nice and calm I feel like they all have different personalities just like any animal some are dicks and some are nice , definitely one of the coolest animals Ive ever owned crazy how smart they are and what they pick up on. My lizard listens to me better than my dog lol as long as you work with them every day and teach them your not food they know I can go right in with my hands and dig in the dirt with her to find bugs, go right in and hand feed her and pet her before and after she eats never had a problem but who knows maybe she's plotting to kill me just gaining my trust till she strikes! Lol

[@IntrepidExotics]

That's awesome :-) I'm really looking forward to getting mine to that point, I really think this summer will help a lot because we will have a good deal of time interacting outdoors.

[@philmorris7419]

How fast do Nile Monitors grow? Looking at getting a baby (3-5 months old). How long before he’s 5-6 feet? Thanks!

[@IntrepidExotics]

Thinking mine is 3 and broke 5ft a few months ago I would say. I'm about to build his 3rd enclosure upgrade since I've had him :-)

[@philmorris7419]

@@IntrepidExotics Excited for your build video on that! I am definitely willing to do the learning and work necessary but I want to be as educated as possible before taking the leap. They are such beautiful lizards and I will have one soon but I’m trying to be patient and not impulsive. My local shop has a baby now and I want him. I figure I’d have a year to learn and build his enclosure.

[@IntrepidExotics]

@@philmorris7419 start looking for a bathtub, if ya frame it off the floor so ya can use the drain it's awesome, ya can frame around the tub and will last a good long while :-)

[@philmorris7419]

@@IntrepidExotics will do! Thanks for the info!

[@alisaurus8254]

I have a baby savannah monitor and he’s starting to mellow out but still kind of hissy😅 I want a Nile but I’d need a bigger house I have a tegu also 😂

[@larachaplauske8818]

Does he have uvb? Couldn't tell.

[@IntrepidExotics]

Has a 3in1 heat bulb and another uvb on top of the enclosure, all on timers

[@larachaplauske8818]

@@IntrepidExotics thanks for the reply! I got to your channel from NERD, and subscribed after seeing a couple of videos. Your content is excellent so hopefully your channel will grow quickly 😊.

[@IntrepidExotics]

@@larachaplauske8818 Thank you for the kind words and welcome aboard! The community has been absolutely awesome since we posted the first video back in October and I will grow this just as big as the community wants! I really work hard to strike the right balance between confidence and caution with reptiles so that we can show how great they can be while still making sure people take it seriously and know how to handle everything safely. We have had some great feedback and I'll keep working on improving something every time!

[@larachaplauske8818]

@@IntrepidExotics I was very happy to find the reptile community. Most are great people. I used to have reptiles a long time ago and when my situation improves I'm going to try to adopt a tegu from Florida. It's nice to interact with people who also love critters a lot of people think are scary and gross.

[@jonathanyoungblood8676]

Speaking on the cohabiting I'm sure you seen Chandler talking about his male lace monitor killing the female and they were brother and sister and grew up together the male hit sexual maturity

[@IntrepidExotics]

Ouch, no I didn't see that..so sad when those things happen.

[@1ntense796]

Are Niles really Harder to keep than similar sized monitors like the Argus monitor? Or do they just get a bad rap because they are cheap and inevitably, they are the monitor inexperienced people end up buying. I know they are flighty and like to bite, but are they really that much worse other monitors like the blue tail, argus, or mangrove monitor? It's hard for me to believe they are worse than a croc monitor.

[@IntrepidExotics]

I can't speak to all those species first hand because I've worked with AWMs, Niles, cross and mangroves...but in my experience the Nile is the most reactive. Of course socialization matters a lot...a Nile ya spend thousands of hours with will be easier than an awm that is left alone. Crocs of course are much more dangerous because of those monster teeth but most of those I've seen have been fairly mellow.

[@1ntense796]

@@IntrepidExotics Thanks for the quick response! You earned a subscriber!

[@IntrepidExotics]

@@1ntense796 awesome, welcome aboard!

[@markhauxwell1230]

I had a Bosc he was wild! £50 lizard I spent several times that on his vivs n soil…he still hated me 🙈

[@GettingthruLife]

Definitely some wicked claws.

[@GettingthruLife]

I'll stick with my two Tegus. My red 9 month female's nails are ridiculous needle sharp but maybe only 7-8mm long. I can somewhat deal with them. They cause me to bleeding often but smaller scale bleeding than a large monitor. The 3ft B&W male's nails are bigger/longer but not necessary razors which is much better. Just typically leaves red skin raised marks. Those monitor lizards are insane 1" long cat claws/daggers. Downside of cats imo have always been their claws and feline teeth. I'm a dog person.

[@combatdeffective2121]

Mine sits in my lap once a month and gets his claws trimmed down. It's not too bad if you just stay on top of it.

[@YachtRockFiend]

Is Niles like a foot bigger now since this vid Tim?

[@IntrepidExotics]

Oh yea he's a growing boy :-)

[@YachtRockFiend]

@@IntrepidExotics that's awesome!

[@josephkaneaster1053]

He is a captive bread,,not sure how many generations

[@josem.lopezjr.2605]

Sold lot places low $19.99 babies know illegal own place believe including New York State , thanks important information ℹ️

[@kadenbane]

Do I want a Nile Monitor?... Yes. Yes, I do.

[@Mr.Nobody653]

I would get one if they weren't very big and lead you to the hospital. What other monitor would be smaller but looks and acts the same as a nile? Basically a velociraptor.

[@1ntense796]

Quince monitor, very friendly

[@josephkaneaster1053]

Just got a very very good hatchling nile, he never bites me ,, but i wont ever put it past him,, my last one named surge bit me every time i picked him up or enter acted with him,, this guy looks way smarter and ,, more calm ,,,, hes at 95 degrees though ,,ima bring his 75 gal up to 120 and then study his behavior,, he will be in a big outdoor enclosure soon 😀 i just have to build it for him ,, and yep he has a tub

[@josephkaneaster1053]

120 degrees

[@ggoannas]

I was given a baby. Fine with me but terrified everyone else.

[@123456789021630]

I agree and thank you for this video, as most people get a neonate and they release them into the public not nice as they will not survive as they are not acclimated to this enviroment. And after all of that please just dont get one, thank you Agassi n great information, they are not good pets and you will get hurt eventually , Stiches and everything maybe not right away but you will and they can do do some serious Damaste!!

[@IntrepidExotics]

In all fairness, we can't say that "most" people release them. Challenging animals? Yes. That being said they are manageable for anyone willing to put in the work. I've had my incidents with mine but still wouldn't trade him for anything and he's an awesome animal to keep.

[@brianpartlow5530]

For his new enclosure. Here's an idea. Use your entire reptile area in your basement. Huge walk in enclosure. You can have your smaller enclosures as decor inside his house, as long as the monitor can't break in and eat his neighbors. How often does your monitor try to bite you? Not feeding reaction but angry bites. Mine would act nice then start chewing on my knuckle. KZbin has videos of nice ones but every nile I have met were jerks. They are still cool!

[@IntrepidExotics]

That is an interesting idea, I'm sure a lot of safety considerations but maybe good if ya could work all those out.

[@bruce5168]

You say he's unfortunately bitten you. What did it take to get him to release his bite??

[@IntrepidExotics]

One time it was a mistaken food bite and he released immediately. All of the other times I just had to wait for him to release while controlling his head which didn't take too long. He's taken a couple nips here and there but only really latched on a couple times. Same with any bite though, just have to suck it up and wait for them to let go because fighting it and pulling away will slice ya good

[@bruce5168]

@@IntrepidExotics WOW.... Thank God it didn't turn into any major incident!! I learned my lesson quick when I received a snake bite on the hand, pulling your hand away fast is a big NO NO. I did more damage then he did honestly. You live, you learn. Glad to hear your alright after a few incidents.

[@IntrepidExotics]

@@bruce5168 My worst bite is still the 16 ft retic that I took a food response bite-wrap from. She latched onto my wrist and I took some tendon damage from that losing some range of motion in my wrist.

[@bruce5168]

@@IntrepidExotics Holy crap!!!! God man

[@coreythomas699]

Great video, that’s not the animal for me

[@dianekern1040]

fantastic

[@IntrepidExotics]

Thank you!

[@EddieDubs]

Velociraptors were the size of turkeys and heavily feathered. They didn't look anything like monitor lizards.

[@IntrepidExotics]

Yup.

[@bruce5168]

Friend of mine, many years ago... Had a Brazilian Tegu lizard. They are an invasive species today in Florida but anyway... His lizard he kept in a 60 gallon tank, the Tegu was about 4 ft long head to tail. He invited me and a friend of mine over to watch him feed him. He fed him Rats, - live at the time back then, not like today they are frozen. As we watched... He dropped a pretty sizable white rat in the tank, and I have to say that till this day I will never forget what we witnessed. This lizard swung his entire body around in an instant and grabbed the rat with such vicious strength and ferocity it was mind blowing. The blood that shot everywhere when he started to tare the rat apart. Then he wanted to take it out of the tank!!! Needed our help to do so, HELL NO!!! We didn't take part in that. My point, they are one of the most ferocious animals I have ever seen. Yes I've seen videos of what appear to be friendly ones, but what I saw in person was what they can really do. Not a suggestion for a pet.

[@IntrepidExotics]

Well, have you seen wild dogs hunt or feral cats? Have you seen what human being do to each other? We don't discount what animals we keep by what they do in the wild or we would have no relationships with animals if any kind.

[@bruce5168]

@@IntrepidExotics my point was just an opinion. I just think most people are not suited to have certain pets of different kinds. Some people can't take care of a dog or cat let alone a Nike monitor, it a Tegu lizard. I was just stating a fact that they don't stay babies forever, and if you don't spend time with them, they will not be the friendliest or predictable.

[@bruce5168]

@@IntrepidExotics and I've owned all kinds of reptiles through my life from lizards, turtles and mostly snakes. King snakes, boas, pythons, I'm no animal hater sir, I had a Columbian red tail boa from a baby and reached over 8 ft long. Always took care of them, always loved them.

[@IntrepidExotics]

@@bruce5168 fair enough :-) I agree a skill level is required, most reptile keepers, myself included, tend to just be specific when anyone says something "shouldnt" be a pet, bans are an ongoing struggle. Definitely respect your opinion as it errs on the side of the humane.

[@bruce5168]

@@IntrepidExotics I should have been more specific, my fault. I love all reptiles. My friend at the time just did nothing with this Tegu but food and water. Personally a bit of neglect. The animal was just extremely nasty. Would have taken a lot of time to calm him down, he never took that time. Some people get them, then confine them to a cage or tank and never interact with the animal. Again just an opinion, but to me that's not right.

[@susanmartin3762]

What's his name? Diver Dan?😅😅

[@MADExotix]

I have never bought a nile monitor, they always just end up at my house. I love these demons.

[@yesidtac7863]

Hi my friend

[@IntrepidExotics]

Hello!

[@SeraphimDW]

The answer is almost always ‘no’

[@susanmartin3762]

Hey! What's up with all the mouthwash?? Do monitors have bad breath?😅

[@joshuahawkins2743]

Asian water monitors get larger i think

[@IntrepidExotics]

yup!

[@pauloqueiroz6837]

Are nile monitor lizards dangerous for people? I fell scared about them because this type of reptile have serrated teeth, sharp claws, strong tail and very aggressive behavior. I suspect that an adult honey badger would win of a nile monitor lizard. In short: Beautifull reptile, but seem dengerous!

[@IntrepidExotics]

Any big monitor can be dangerous, they have a lot of weapons. Niles aren't as big as asian water-croc monitors-komodos but they may have the worst natural disposition

[@pauloqueiroz6837]

@@IntrepidExotics ,Yes, I don't be specialized like you, but i watched many videos about interaction between monitor lizards and mammals and i agree with you, nile monitor lizards are bad-boys, precisely bullies, in my view point

[@Drquimbaymatumbo]

I had one...up til i was put onto 14 hrs shift at work... so had to sadly rehome him. I was really sad. He was just under 5 feet, and starting to show interest in the world outside his viv. I'd never keep another. They're not suited to life in captivity. Anyone who thinks otherwise, is lying to themselves.

[@IntrepidExotics]

Opinions vary, your experience is not the cumulative experience of every keeper, it's yours. If you can't keep them, don't. Disparaging the ability for anyone else to keep isn't justified.

[@Drquimbaymatumbo]

@IntrepidExotics if i cant keep them....i was keeping them 20 years ago. Truth seems to have triggered you mate.... whats up?

[@IntrepidExotics]

You said they aren't suited for captivity, I disagreed, what's with the ridiculous "triggered" crap? There are rational world views beside your own.

[@Drquimbaymatumbo]

@IntrepidExotics so you think a Nile monitor is suited to captivity???? Wow! 🤣🤣🤣 And you're all upset and spat your dummy, because i respectfully disagreed? So what you mean really, is you want a dictatoship channel where they all suck your dick and no one dare challenge your ideas. Speaks volumes about you really.

[@soradicalreticsandmonitors2390]

Nile are just too reactive no way I own one eaters lace crocs Yes please !!

[@nathanwood1567]

Ive had reptiles my entire life. Im 39yrs old. Im an experienced monitor keeper. I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND A NILE MONITOR TO ANYONE‼️‼️‼️ Get an Asian water monitor or a White Throat or Black Throat if you want a large monitor that keeps well.

[@IntrepidExotics]

It's definitely like Clint Laidlaws best line that i love: "if your watching to decide if a nile monitor is the best pet lizard for you, it is definitely, absolutely, under no circumstances the right pet lizard for you."

[@JoenBjerregaard-i1p]

Why dont you wear something to protect your arms? I dont think getting those dirty claws is good.

[@IntrepidExotics]

Never have, claws just come with the territory with these guys.

[@JoenBjerregaard-i1p]

@@IntrepidExotics Many years ago when I was a kid, I had a fairly large green iguana. I sadly sold it when I left my parents home. It would really tear my arms sometimes, sometimes I could see tiny pieces of my skin falling to the floor. If I got a big lizard today, I would look for something like what they wear with falcons. Now I am back in the hobby but I think and hope I can stick with my anoles and timor monitor lol. Very cool lizard you have.