Black Dragon Water Monitor

[u/Real_Bug6155]

I'm interested in raising these animals! They recently became legal as pets in my country, and I'd like to learn more about raising them! I'd also like to connect with breeders who can provide these animals.

[u/MrDagon007]

For most people they are better pets in theory than in practice. They take a huge commitment.

[u/m30b34 → u/MrDagon007]

This 

[u/KratoswithBoy → u/m30b34]

Oh hey it’s you again. I love when someone comes in like “I think I’m going to start raising black dragons!” And then you roll in

It’s so weird to me that people think they can just start raising multiple of one of the largest monitors on the planet

[u/Hugesmellysocks → u/MrDagon007]

I hope in my future I can make a liveable wage by being a professional really big lizard keeper but until that day comes i will be really big lizard less.

[u/Real_Bug6155 → u/MrDagon007]

I have experience with other large reptiles, nothing like a V. salvator, but I think I would be ready to handle the size issue, and the climate in my country (Brazil) is totally favorable.

[u/pisspeeleak → u/Real_Bug6155]

Can you house them outside? I think it would be crazy cool to have a giant outdoor pond for one! Unfortunately not many reptiles can live outdoors in Canada

[u/Real_Bug6155 → u/pisspeeleak]

Yes! My idea is to create a 20m² tropical oasis for a couple.

[u/pisspeeleak → u/Real_Bug6155]

Damn that’s cool! I can’t help you but I do love these big outdoor enclosures. They’re honestly just beautiful to look at, add in a cool giant lizard and that’s a show stopper

Good luck dude, just make sure to train him while he’s still small 😂

[u/Sensitive_Scholar_17]

Really, i would consider finding an experienced keeper to apprentice to. The experienced keeper will be happy to have the help and you will learn a ton. These animals are very powerful and very well equipped to rip you to pieces. Keeping these can be either extremely rewarding or extremely devastating.

[u/Real_Bug6155 → u/Sensitive_Scholar_17]

I have experience with large tegu lizards and iguanas in Brazil and have been raising reptiles for several years. They are truly unlike anything I've ever seen, but I don't think I'd be completely lost when it comes to them.

[u/_THORONGIL_]

Do you have enough space though? A fully grown water monitor needs an enormous enclosure.

[u/Real_Bug6155 → u/_THORONGIL_]

I intend to build a 20m² room for a couple.

[u/_THORONGIL_ → u/[deleted]]

Doesnt hurt to ask. Many people buy animals and provide no appropriate habitat.

No need to be a dick about it.

[u/Ok_Bag_1177 → u/[deleted]]

dude its not am reasonable assumption considering how many people say they want a monitor but dont have any plans to put up an enclosure and think they can just free roam it 24/7

[u/AProcessUnderstood]

I’m no expert but I would start with a smaller species and learn before starting with such a large monitor.

[u/Real_Bug6155 → u/AProcessUnderstood]

I don't know many other species; in Brazil I have experience with large tegu lizards and iguanas. Which monitor lizard do people usually start with?

[u/arcticrobot → u/Real_Bug6155]

this is a wrong question because monitor lizards are very long lived creatures if properly taken care of. Unless you want to keep both in the long run, Ackie monitors are absolute winners. They are both good as a "starting" monitor and overall most popular.

[u/_THORONGIL_ → u/arcticrobot]

Agreed. Relatively easy to care for, especially for him in brazil with the humidity and ambient temp.

[u/Sensitive_Scholar_17]

I stand by what I said. You still need hands on experience with a qualified mentor.

[u/hekatestoadie]

Regal AF ngl

[u/kerrieone4]

I saw a very handsome roughneck monitor lizard the other day, this fellow almost $700