Outdoor Enclosure For Monitors?

[spix14]

So in a month or two, the hubs and I plan to move to Louisiana and get ourselves a house. I've been promising him for years that when we have the space for one he could get a big monitor. We plan on having a room devoted to reptiles but I was wondering, is it ok to keep monitors outside? We would have a decent sized yard so we would be able to build the enclosure as big as needed. I have a few questions, though.

What materials would be good to use? Obviously it would have to be very secure. How would you go about preventing them from digging out? Would the climate in Louisiana be good for a Mangrove monitor (which is what he wants)? If not, are there any species that would do well in that sort of climate? What about winter? Do they hibernate (for lack of a better term) or would he need an indoor cage for the colder months? I have also read in a couple of places that natural sunlight makes monitors "revert" and become very aggressive. True or a load of bunk? Given how high of a basking spot temp monitors need is this even feasible? Any advice is appreciated!

[DRZRider]

There are some people in Florida and other deep south states that keep monitors outside during the summer. I believe they all bring the monitors inside in the winter. Some people have heated out building they keep them in.

Monitors don't hibernate. It is thought that they don't understand cold. Even if there is a warm house for them to go into, they don't when the temperature drops at night. A lot of monitors have died of exposure instead of going into their heated house.

There is a guy in CA that keeps his outside in the summer. He has heavy duty wire underground and above ground to keep the monitors from digging out. Other people have put a cement slab below the ground. I was told the big problem is drainage in the outdoor enclosures.

[Xeikeness]

If I lived in a place that I could keep my monitors outside, I'd dig the area 3' deep, lay down 2 or 3 layers of hardware cloth that extends 2' past the perimeter area, then install chain link all the way down to touch the hardware cloth, and use wire to bind the two together, then pour cement along the crease where the two meet. After that sets, I'd fill the area back in with the 3' of fill dirt/sand mixture.

This prevents any sort of digging out while still allowing for decent drainage. The chain link should go up at least 5' over ground, and then I'd go around the bottom inside of that with vertical boards to prevent climbing. the boards would have to be a sturdy and sealed plywood, you'd be amazed what monitors can climb.... Or better, you could use that solid-sheet plastic fencing stuff.

I'd make a large hide box, set a planted pool in there, and toss in a bunch of huge logs and rocks and bushes.

That allows for hiding spots, basking spots, and with the hardware cloth so far below ground, they could even build burrows without worry.

Hope this helps!

	Toss To Throw

[Xeikeness]

Also, as for your other questions, this is to the best of my knowledge:

Would the climate in Louisiana be good for a Mangrove monitor (which is what he wants)? If not, are there any species that would do well in that sort of climate?

Louisiana is very hot, and very humid. I'd think a mangrove monitor would be fine if the enclosure were appropriately "furnished". Also, a Savannah monitor should do well, and some species of Tegu(please someone correct me if I am wrong)

What about winter? Do they hibernate (for lack of a better term) or would he need an indoor cage for the colder months?

I have to say that for the cooler months, it would be imperative to have them indoor-only pets.

I have also read in a couple of places that natural sunlight makes monitors "revert" and become very aggressive. True or a load of bunk?

I'd say that's completely false. Sunlight is sunlight, whether coming in through a window, or shining on a rock in your backyard. Namely - monitors will be monitors. There's a very high chance that your monitor will just be aggressive. They're monitors. If you work with it consistently and gently, it may settle down and be manageable. but no matter what, if it's kept inside 100% of the time with no UV, it's just as likely to be aggressive as one kept in sunlight all day.

Given how high of a basking spot temp monitors need is this even feasible?

You would be amazed how hot a rock or log sitting in the sun can get, even on an overcast day in Oregon. During the summer months, temperatures should be just fine for a monitor. (again, someone please correct me if I am wrong here)

[luker3232]

I personally wouldn't do it.
There is to much room for error.
The weather is unpredictable, especially in the south!

You could build an outside "play" enclosure. Keep them inside and let them rome the cage when your there.

[luker3232]

Originally Posted by spix14

I have also read in a couple of places that natural sunlight makes monitors "revert" and become very aggressive. True or a load of bunk? !

Eh, yes and no. My sav when and if I take it outside gets rambunctious(sp??)
I doubt its from the sunlight, Freedom sweet freedom is what hes thinking, lol

[razeraze]

Here is a great read spix:
Varanus.nl forum / Info