Aussie Pythons and Snakes

Varanus1 · #1 14-Jun-06, 09:29 PM

Hi guys,

This is my first time posting here, and I thought I might start off by asking a question about how to tame my bells phase lace monitor. I purchased him about a month and a half ago, from the pet store where I work. While at the store he was the most placid animal you could imagine, and could literally be handled like a big blue tongue. Since I brought him home, he has been fairly nervous, and won't let me grab him without putting up a fight. He is kept at the right temps and feeds well, but spends almost all his time sitting in the one place in the enclosure. He is otherwise an exceptional animal.

P.S he is about three and a half feet long, so I would really like to hear ways that don't involve being bitten!

Regards,
Trent

raptor · #2 14-Jun-06, 09:47 PM

could still be settling in

MrBredli · #3 14-Jun-06, 10:07 PM

What was he being kept in at the pet store? Perhaps it was so stressed there that it was no longer 'putting up a fight'. Perhaps the stress was mistaken for the animal being placid?

Varanus1 · #4 14-Jun-06, 10:24 PM

He was definitly not stressed in the pet store as he had lived there since he was a hatchie. the enclosure I have him in now is the same model as the one he was in at the shop.

deathinfire · #5 15-Jun-06, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Perhaps it was so stressed there that it was no longer 'putting up a fight'. Perhaps the stress was mistaken for the animal being placid?

Interesting point made MrBredli

freerider · #6 15-Jun-06, 10:24 AM

what size is the enclosure, what is the temp under the basking site, is there plenty of hides?, and what is it feeding on.
The more we know about the animal the more we can probably help.
cheers

JasonL · #7 15-Jun-06, 10:41 AM

It is not unusual for reptiles to change their behaviour when they get moved, He may just need time to settle into his new surroundings, it could also be a temp. thing. Was he kept alittle cool in the shop? as most monitors handle well when cold but can turn into tyrants when heated. Be careful as a three and a half foot lacie can inflict alot of pain and damage. I would be leaving him alone untill he hopefully settles in. Good luck.

Varanus1 · #8 15-Jun-06, 04:58 PM

Thanks for that guys.

the max temp in the cage is 31-32 degrees celsius, the min. is about 24. the enclosure is 5' x 80cm x 1m (will be moving to an outdoor 4m x 4m enclosure mid spring). He has a hide plus climbing areas. Feeds on anything small enough too overpower, but prefers mice, rats and chicken. With the temps I have him on at the moment he seems fairly relaxed, just gets real agro once the cage is open and you try to touch him! I still love him no matter how grumpy he gets though.

Regards,
Trent

peterjohnson64 · #9 15-Jun-06, 05:30 PM

Its a short term problem anyway Trent as he will go wild when he goes into the pit anyway. It will be very unlikely that he will stay placid once he is outside.

kwaka_80 · #10 15-Jun-06, 06:22 PM

pics of the pit

Varanus1 · #11 15-Jun-06, 09:52 PM

Pics will come as soon as I get a new camera. doesn't look like anything at the moment anyway as i'm only halfway through making the pit and at the moment it looks more like a rubbish dump than a reptile enclosure

Pete, I know that the chances were he would go wild anyway, however I wanted to make the most of his pleasant nature while I could!

Regards,
Trent

indicus · #12 15-Jun-06, 10:36 PM

The change in surrounding's and new owner will be the problem....
Most species of goanna are 'switched on'....and dont miss a trick.
It's been said; they are some what like parrots, inregards their intelligence.
They really get to know who you are......
Some of mine will hide if someone different turns up.
Give it sometime to settle.....try spending time working/watching TV etc
in full view of it; without freaking it out. All most ignore the fact it's there....
It will soon get used to seeing you; and will realise your no threat.
Try to keep a reguliar feeding routine (same time, each day);
doing any cage maintainence at the same time....avoid eye contact; sounds strange but works.
Approach the cage with care or without sudden movenment.
After sometime it will get used to you; and you'll find that you can almost get away with a stroke of the hand etc. It's at this point that i will say care should be taken....they are fast and can inflict terriable injuries. They are inderviduials; and should be treated accordingly......with time and patience; you'll at least be able to get quite close; and develope an understanding with it.....good luck.