What Not to do with your Ackie Monitor

[@pain002]

As of today the 26th of January after 5 months 13 days I have successfully picked my ackie up without any resistance on the ackie part! I am so incredibly glad that he lost his fear of me completely! I just wanted to make some changes to his enclosure and expected to have him run away but nope. Completely calm!

[@Scales13]

Congratulations my friend. It only gets better from here!

[@3_up_moon]

Dude, Thunder is looking good!

[@Scales13]

Thank you hes my best bud!

[@scrubjay93]

Thanks for these important tips! I don't have any ackies, but maybe in the future. I just found your channel and subscribed--seems like great content and a very conscientious keeper to learn from.

[@Scales13]

No problem whatever I can do to help other keepers.

[@Misha-ov7rb]

Great video!! I hope you reach 1k subscribers soon as you definitely deserve it.

[@Scales13]

Wow thank you! We're getting close. Tell your friends!

[@niallmoseley6760]

Thunders looking healthy and strong. U been taking him to gym or something?lol. Great vid tho ,very informative as always 👍🏼

[@Scales13]

All that climbing and digging lol. Powered by insects!

[@Zay_562]

First video of yours that I’ve watched. Very informative. You got a sub and a like!

[@Scales13]

Thank you

[@Dakotahblueexotics]

great video man! getting so close to hitting that 1k subs!!!

[@Scales13]

Yeah man defently! Only need 200 more qatch hours to

[@cresteddesigns5890]

Only dude on KZbin doing Ackie monitor stuff! Here from dbcb exotics. Just picked up a 2 month old red ackie!

[@Scales13]

Congratulations! I hope you guys a a long healthy relationship. Remeber be patient with handling. Consistency is key!

[@cresteddesigns5890]

@@Scales13 definitely.. going against some of the stuff you mentioned, he is in a glass enclosure now as I'm moving to another state, but he has all the right furniture and deep substrate that he loves burrowing in and a nice warm 120-140 degree hot spot (not s focused beam) and 90 degree ambient temperature while maintaining 60% humidity during the day with a moist towel on top and spikes at night. He seems very happy and isn't shy at all.

[@Scales13]

@@cresteddesigns5890 are you saying you disagree or that your enclosure is just different?

[@cresteddesigns5890]

@@Scales13 I completely agree with you on the enclosure stuff! Just stating that my setup is different for now and temporary until I move!

[@Scales13]

No problem my friend. Even if you did disagree thats fine to. I want my blue tongue in a PVC enclosure as well.

[@gryllidaeperkcal1369]

This is a great video. I just wanted to let you know that not all reptile spot bulbs actually act like spot bulbs. I have an exo terra daylight basking spot bulb and it spreads out light and heat as well as a flood lamp that I got from Ace Hardware.

[@Scales13]

Oh that's really cool. I havnt seen those in my local pershops. Do you have a link?

[@gryllidaeperkcal1369]

Scales13 Yes, but remember the more spread out a beam is the less heat it produces. I use a 100 WATT daylight basking bulb for my leopard gecko 14 inches away from her basking spot. This specific brand of flood bulb probably won’t work for your Ackie. I just wanted to let you know that “spot” bulbs aren’t always actual spot bulbs. One way you can tell is the milky white coating on the end of the bulb. Take the Exo Terra halogen spot bulb for example, there is no coating on the end and you can clearly see the inside of the bulb so that’s a sign that it will have the unfavorable strong focused beam. lh3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/fy_ZeJaTrbQ3l1CwfVz91j1WvpLv7BRPNjCxh8xaiKeZSwCZamQO4bWg0J9MGzWFEukA-w2M-IW9j9lR3z_sSBpbPiI0-3ghMyK1UnBEKmET_Zk-fxgF5-MNXfUwBsJMfMTCSHC6uEy_jjabiwttrtGOnHQLKg. The ZooMed repti basking spot bulb has a little bit of coating on the end so the beam will be a little bit more diffused and is a good bulb for small reptiles like leopard geckos to fit their entire body in. cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-yyfec6l/images/stencil/1280x1280/products/25594/77405/SZMSL25__78241__39318.1537884824.JPG?c=2&imbypass=on Then there’s the Exo Terra daylight basking spot bulb which is very well coated like the Westingtonhouse BR30 Flood bulb that I got from AceHardware. I have some photos of some of the beams of these lights that I could show are you on Facebook? . www.amazon.com/Exo-Terra-Sun-Glo-100-Watt-120-Volt/dp/B0002AR3O4/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=exo+terra+daylight+basking+spot+100+watt&qid=1597087423&sprefix=exo+terra+daylight&sr=8-3

[@Scales13]

True but some bulbs to better at maintaining consistent heat in the spread than others. Adult Ackies need a basking spot around 150 degrees more than most reptiles. And "most" spot bulbs cant hold that temp consistently.

[@gryllidaeperkcal1369]

Scales13 Yes, like par38 halogen bulbs. I highly recommend you join the reptile lighting group on Facebook lots of knowledgeable experts on reptile lighting there.

[@Scales13]

@@gryllidaeperkcal1369 yes im on there. I dont post or talk much i just read the conversations.

[@embracenreborns6997]

Awesome video can you share link as to where to get the best enclosure or can you do a setup from beginning to end for newcomers such as myself? Do you breed or can you share links to where to get one from ? Is getting a baby better than getting a adult ?

[@Scales13]

So I don't know much about building enclosures but I d9 know of a few good brands. DIY makes a good 4x2x2. Animal plastic makes a decent enclosure. Takes a while to ship but they're pricing is good. KAGES is top notch from what I've seen. They're alittle pricy but it's worth it. Babies are better because it gives you a chance to build a relationship from scratch and learn more. I don't breed at the moment maybe one day but not right now.

[@Scoonie]

Glad i watched this, super interesting :) doing all the research before i buy one xx Thank you

[@Scales13]

No problem!

[@jjc5840]

Congratulations on 1k

[@Scales13]

Thank you new video will be up today thanking everyone

[@jjc5840]

Great can’t wait for it

[@jjc5840]

Now it is time for 2k

[@Scales13]

@@jjc5840 grind never stops! 💪

[@Scales13]

Are there that many people in the world? Lol

[@reignokeefe6471]

that's really good to know

[@Scales13]

Just trying to help the Ackie community

[@elsreptilesandmore1686]

Great video!

[@Scales13]

Thank you i like your Icon!

[@elsreptilesandmore1686]

Thanks!

[@amydpnw]

Ackie’s live in AUS in the outback where it’s really hot and hide in burrows that allows for humidity buildup. I like the new setup and Thunder looks a lot more content in his enclosure. Less focus on trying to get out.

[@Scales13]

Yup hes likes this alot more. Its actually the same enclosure just a different setup. Also I know hence the reason I added substrate as a point on humidity.

[@310ExoticReptiles]

Great info much needed 🤝👍🏾

[@Scales13]

Than you! I might make a part 2 on less common mistakes.

[@310ExoticReptiles]

Scales13 much needed for us new ackie monitors keepers & breeders

[@mitch1611]

Well thats actualty a pretty accurate info vid👍

[@Scales13]

Thank you

[@mattm7798]

Yeah, I mean think about where these guys live. In the Australian outback...there are far far more insects available than rodents. Honestly, I'd wager that 97% of people on the planet do not have the means to properly set up ANY monitor bigger than an ackie. Ackies are a dwarf monitor and STILL require at minimum a 4 to 5 foot enclosure...start multiplying for anything bigger. Great video TY

[@Scales13]

Thank you

[@lostfound8112]

awesome info..thanks

[@Scales13]

No problem. I do whatever I can to help.

[@Amo888]

Hey Can I ask if there’s any vents in your enclosure at all? I’ve just started an order for a wooden 5x3x2 but not sure if to say no vents ( currently there will be two at the back panel at top) ?

[@Scales13]

If your house is normally cold all year round no need for vents. If summer time is alittle hot in the room the enclosure is in you can have vents. Just tape them up during colder months.

[@vipirrr4974]

I have an exoterra enclosure it literally checked all you bad enclosure boxes. But even tho it has glass and an screen top I’m really diligent about maintaining the temp and humidity. temp stays consistent at 80 on cool side and 95 hot side with humidity hanging around 40% in the air and I always wet the substrate daily making sure it is higher. He will change enclosures eventually but what are your thoughts for now? His behavior has been totally normal nothing odd or out of the ordinary. He is about 2 months old.

[@Scales13]

Personally i would start an Ackie in nothing less than a 4x2x2 as far as size goes. And cealing top is usually mandatory for monitors. Your animal may be healthy right now but keep in mind the quicker you get tour ackie in the proper enclosure the better. What is the environment in your house like. If its usually cold and dry that can cause issues. Humidity at 40% is a little low. Also how much substrate can your provide in that exoterra. Do you have a digging box? Also what size is that exp terra? Oh and don't feel like I'm judging or anything bro I just want to help.

[@vipirrr4974]

Scales13 it is 36”x2’x2’ and I have about 9-11” substrate rn. He himself isn’t much bigger then 6”.

[@Scales13]

Ok the reatin is good but he will quickly grow out of a 36 long enclosure theyre activity level makes up for there small size.

[@vipirrr4974]

Scales13 oh yeah for sure I knew I wouldn’t keep this enclosure long it just wanted it to be slightly smaller so I could monitor him close for his early days make sure he’s normal eating normal ect. I’ve already been looking at his next enclosure.

[@Scales13]

Thats good. Make haste that enclosure won't last long that grow quickly.

[@soundzythedev]

What should I get for food for my future ackie? I can’t get roaches so what else should I feed them?

[@Scales13]

Most of there diet consists of insects.You can use crickets Grasshoppers, locust, mealworms, superworms, black soldier fly larva. Try to use the worms less than other prey items. Anything besides insects is only once a month.

[@soundzythedev]

@@Scales13 ok thanks so much!

[@Scales13]

No problem

[@quindariusgooch3957]

I've had my ackie for about 2 months now and you say not to handle them straight away but she already seems to be really docile and calm when I handle her and she sometimes sleeps on my hand or shoulder while handling her and to make it clear I dont try and force handle her, sometimes I just put my hand in front of her while shes basking and she will crawl onto my hand

[@Scales13]

Thats good that she's approaching you. I ment for on the stance of chasing ackie around to pick them up when they dont want to be. And I remember to read there body language.

[@quindariusgooch3957]

@@Scales13 ty, I also wanted to know if the 6x3x3 ft encloser from custom reptile habitats would be good cus it's the only one that ships to the uk but the only thing with it is that it has a screen top but I cand get a pvc hood to go right over it.

[@Scales13]

A PVC hood should do the trick. I havnt done a build like that so I can't really say but it sounds like good idea. Let me take a look at the enclosure and get back to you.

[@mattpray9376]

That’s awesome!- I have a juvenile Ackie(7-8 months)that I’ve owned for 4 months already and I’ve never handled him, he hasn’t ever given me the proper opportunity, most days he won’t even let me pet him, my GF he will let her touch/pet him more often than me, but he was only handled 2 times since we got him(we got him from a pet store that was force handling and letting lots of ppl do it, so I think that’s where the damage was done)once for a vet visit and once to move to a larger permanent enclosure(violation #1)but we are taking it slow and hopeful for the best!- he’s slowly coming along- but we have years so no rush! Anyone with any suggestions, they are appreciated!

[@Scales13]

@@mattpray9376 My Ackie didn't let me pet him for the first 6months of his life. Even still it was sparingly. Just take your time my friend. They will become more qurious as they age. Hes still getting used to his new owners and home.

[@derhauptmann2359]

Just a question about the lights. What kind of bulbs are these exactly? I don't find anything useful in German (only stuff like "Proper Lighting" or "additional UVB") And most reptile Bulbs are spotlights and not floodlights (most even mention, that they don't raise the air temperature) EDIT: Have no problem finding UVB. Just talking about the Basking light

[@Scales13]

I use 90watt par38s flood lights personally. They last a few months at a time and worl great and have a wider beam for an even basking spot.

[@derhauptmann2359]

@@Scales13 Thanks for the answer. But I have a extremely hard time finding them in Germany. I can only find PAR38 flood lights as LED. So they are Missing the heat. But I managed to find some Halogen flood lights (not PAR 38, they are quite a bit smaller in size. Still use a E27 threading) They have a 38° light cone (PAR 38 have 30°) but only come in 20,35 and 50 W. Using a 35W and a 50W or two 50W could work.

[@Scales13]

I think those might work give em a shot

[@amydpnw]

One question, are Ackies venomous at all?

[@Scales13]

Technically no. Ive heard rumors that they may have a natural blood thinner in there saliva. But I havnt found any documented proof of it.

[@amydpnw]

Scales13 Thanks for the quick response. I love the progress you have made with Thunder and the transformation with his environment as you learn more about him. I wish for a very long relationship for you two. Awesome channel!! I’ll keep following as I I need to enjoy through you due to where I’m living. I’ll just keep on trying to tame the wild lizards around here. :)

[@Scales13]

@@amydpnw glad to have your aboard my friend. Where part of the world are you in?

[@amydpnw]

Scales13 Phoenix area here. Living life small here so no place for enclosures here but so many herps here. I’m currently trying to setup an environment around out place that makes our nature all lizards life a little better (mostly water) which allows us to be able to observe and get pics and videos. I’m really enamored with the whiptails here as they are a small cousin (1 ft for adults) of the tegus so focusing there for now. Keep up the awesome work!!

[@Scales13]

@@amydpnw thank you defently will. I love to travel the u.s. and see more of our local reptiles

[@dragnboi3926]

Do Ackies need uvb lights?

[@Scales13]

Yes 100%

[@pizza4681]

Would a large enough glass enclosure be good when living in Australia (don’t live in outback but it is pretty humid most of the time)

[@Scales13]

If you live in Australia in a very warm humid climate it should be ok. I can't say for sure though hows the temperature in the room you'd be putting it into?

[@pizza4681]

@@Scales13don’t know the exact temp atm but the humidity stays 51-65% year round

[@Scales13]

@@pizza4681 what does your thermostat say? Or do you have some sort of thermometer in the room?

[@pizza4681]

@@Scales13 it’s about 21-24 degrees Celsius (room temp)

[@pizza4681]

Also another question that one of my mates asked me today - can you feed freeze dried mealworms? (he doesn’t like live)

[@alanwisse192]

Can you recommend a few good choices for 4x2x2 ackie enclosures.. Thank you!

[@Scales13]

Sure a 4x2x2 is only good for a young Ackie. A full grow Ackiw which is 2 to 3 year will defently need a larger enclosure. Mine is a DIY critter condo. Which are pretty good and solidly built. But a few other people make enclosures as well Kages is excellent. Animal plastic is good to just have Long waiting time but are a cheaper price. Those are the big one there's a few custome enclosure Creators that are smaller and less know but are more local. Where are you located.

[@alanwisse192]

@@Scales13 I'm in Southern Oregon.. Thank you and happy holiday!

[@Scales13]

Thank you and I think Google DIY critter condo. They are in California and should ship quickly. Only thing you may need to do is replace the fixtures with your own. Other than that solid enclosure.

[@Nellzurkat]

Depending on your budget Reptile Kages and Scalebox are great. I have Kages for my ball python and I plan on using scalebox for my boa (needs heavier locks).

[@poshbureaucrat9917]

Would a 4ft x 2ft x 2ft enclosure be a good size for the enclosure?

[@Scales13]

For a baby it isn't bad. Just keep in mine you will have to upgrade to atleast a 5x3x3 by the time its full grown.

[@poshbureaucrat9917]

@@Scales13 thanks for replying. I love what you’re doing, keep it up.

[@Scales13]

Thank you glad I can help.

[@alexcontreras6103]

but dont they come from a very very dry region with low humidity

[@Scales13]

Negative my friend. Alot of the area they cover have higher rainfall than the US. But the keynpoint is Ackies in the wild can button 7 feet into the ground. They're burrows have been not to been 90 to 100% humidity and they can stay down they for days. With that being said they need moisture in the form of humidity to stay hydrated.

[@alexcontreras6103]

@@Scales13 I do agree on the burrows, but from what I know they inhabitant north western Australia (eastern is the very wet and tropical areas) down to Alice springs, i have read that the Yellow occupies more north while the Red a little bit further south. The majority of those places seem to get 11-12 inches of Rain a year about the same as SoCal or Israel which are semi desert.

[@Scales13]

that is true they do come from scrubland and dry regions but humidity levels are higher toward the coast. Also monitors will spend alot of time in areas with humidity while they are growing up. Under rocks, leaf little, logs etc. So really most of the time when we see these lizards basking on rocks they can retreat under the basking spot to a moist place.

[@jelefaz]

Height of the enclosure is not important, right? So 1,5 ft would be ok too maybe? Less volume to heat/spend energy. More space for other animals too ;)

[@Scales13]

Height of the enclosure effect what kind of lighting you can use. For example if your using a T5 high out put bulb I would make the enclosure atleast 2 feet height from the surface of the dirt to the cealing. 3 feet in height allow for deeper substrate which is great for digging. Now dont make it to height because ackies can easily injure there small legs from a fall. Although they have been observed in small trees in the wild keep in mind nature isn't always in every animal favor. We have even seen birds and souls taking a nasty fall and getting hurt so the same can happen for an Ackie. My friend Darren Oliver showed me some examples.

[@jjc5840]

Your so close to 1k

[@Scales13]

Yeah getting close. Only need like 200 watch hours to.

[@jjc5840]

Great I am going get my family to subscribe to you

[@Scales13]

@@jjc5840 thank you 🙏 that is much appreciated

[@jjc5840]

Don’t worry

[@jjc5840]

My family at subbing now

[@MrBlancodan]

use Nerd to how to handle monitors - force handling is okay they get used to everything and they understand that you are not a threat

[@Scales13]

Agree to disagree my friend. The animals I get are not fresh out of the egg so I'd rather choose the longer method. Works well for me.

[@MrPeter924]

Nice video Reptiles room good pets animals reptiles 🦎 👍

[@Scales13]

Thank you!

[@StLMikie]

Just remember Scales. It’s not bragging if it’s true.

[@Scales13]

I dont understand what do you mean?

[@StLMikie]

You don’t tell people of your Credentials. When in fact it will lend credence to the points you’re making in a lot of your videos.

[@Scales13]

Thats true. Its just that my Biology background is more general. The base knowledge helps me learn & understand reptiles knowledge quicker but its not like I have a zoological degree.

[@Ven0mSymbi0te]

What kinda substrate is that?

[@Scales13]

70% topsoil and 30 percent playsand.

[@Ven0mSymbi0te]

@@Scales13 word thanks

[@Scales13]

@@Ven0mSymbi0te No problem. Be careful with whatever topsoil you pick. Some container fertilizers and pesticides that can make your Ackie really sick.

[@Ven0mSymbi0te]

@@Scales13 of course! 👍🏾

[@Scales13]

✊🏿

[@aronheathcock]

If I hear ‘guys’ or ‘I know you’re excited’ one more time...

[@Scales13]

Youll do what?? Dude if you Don't like it dont watch it

[@aronheathcock]

@@Scales13 triggered much?

[@Scales13]

Haha little bit. Guess I mistaked this for a hater comment

[@aronheathcock]

@@Scales13 maybe constructive criticism. I don’t know about you, but I know I’m not perfect and can use some advice from time to time.

[@Scales13]

Well I appreciate it my friend. Sorry if I came off defensive

[@ericwall9518]

Does he not jump onto that light?

[@Scales13]

Never had an issue with that. Might throw some type of cage around it though now that you mention it. I just don't know if that will encourage him yo try and jump on it it. Dont want him clinging to a hot metal wire frame. Atleast if it just the light he cant hold onto it. Just thinking outloud.

[@Martin-vx4nx]

@@Scales13 Good question. Asked myself the same, since i have a snake and we tend to always put the heat into some cage. Keep us updated on the outcome if you have new information what is better.

[@Scales13]

No problem just learning as I go. I'm only on my 2nd snake

[@Mariofredx]

How do i get my ackie to get in a dig box

[@Scales13]

What do you mean?

[@Mariofredx]

Scales13 i made a dig box for my ackie and she never used it. And i want her to use one because i have a 4x2x2

[@Scales13]

Mine only uses his when humidity gets low. Its just good to have. If he's not using it no worries

[@Mariofredx]

Scales13 oh ok. I was asking because of she does sneezing sounds and stuck shed.

[@Scales13]

Thats a temp and humidity problem. Do you have thermometers and hygrometers? And I mean digital ones

[@BXJAR1690]

Wait so questions. 1 ackies to lose fingers due to respiratory infections? Really? I thought it would be from 2 ackies living together. 2 just using regular bulbs form home depot amaxon etc, doesnt contain uva or uvb. So U use the calcium power on their diets instead of the bulbs? Please educate me. I'm new to this.

[@Scales13]

No my friend. I have 2 separate bulbs 1 is a desert rated 12% D3 plus UVB. Which is the long linear bulb. UVB allows the animal to synthesize Vitamin D3 within the body allowing it to absorb calcium for bone density. Thats why its recommended for humans to get some sun so we don't get vitamin D deficiency. So they're is no need for D3 supplements on every feeding. Once In a while won't hurt but over doing Vitamin D3 will have the same negative affected a Metabolic bone disease. The Large round bulb is only for heat which is a Par38 90watts flood bulb. The beam is large enough to efficiently heat the animals body evenly. I dont quite understand your first question. Ackies can loose finger due to bad shedding which comes from dehydration and low humidity. Respiratory infections come from cold dry air and low humidity as well. Which is why a cealing enclosure is best for Ackies because the moisture and heat is trapped inside rather than rising out of the enclosure. I hope that helps lf you have anymore questions please ask away.

[@BXJAR1690]

@@Scales13 appreciate it. So which enclosure is recommended? PVC? Or just somewhere off zilla or reptile based? I'll read this later just heading off to bed. Merry christmas btw

[@Scales13]

@@BXJAR1690 Merry Christmas and personally I like PVC more than wood. Dont get me wrong wood is better for DIY setup and is cheaper to but however if no sealed properly they wood will bow and a new enclosure will need to be built. I choose PVC because it will last a lifetime although PVC is more expensive.

[@BXJAR1690]

@@Scales13 but yet pvc is worth it. I do have more questions so can we chat more here or on idk fb Instagram?

[@Scales13]

Of course IG is scales_13

[@pteromalid]

Great video!

[@Scales13]

Thank you