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water monitor

Posted By:

rich

how long does it take for an asian water monitor to get fully grown form a baby?


Points:	100
Topics:	Feeding , Caging
Tags:	Adult, Baby, Growth, Monitor, Size, Time
Species:	Lizards > Monitors > Varanus salvator salvator
Administrative:	Show/Hide

Assisted Answer

9/29/2008 9:50:22 AM

Jeffriey

A long time I hope for my sake......

Accepted Answer

9/29/2008 11:03:51 AM

Jeffriey

Like most monitors under the proper conditions they can grow quite rapidly in the first year. Then they slow down. Kind of like Retics and burmese pythons. A friend had a 6 footer but it was 18 years old. If you're looking to get one they are very high maintenance and have huge appetites.

Member Comment

9/29/2008 5:14:25 PM

Ophiuchus

I would guesstimate about 2-3 yrs if kept in optimal conditions.

Assisted Answer

9/29/2008 11:13:47 PM

Jeffriey

Either way whether it takes 2 years or 10 years this is one animal that needs some serious consideration before getting. They are probably one of the most docile of monitors but also the closest thing to getting a Komodo Dragon when it comes to size. They can be as tame as a Bearded dragon but even with an accidental bite they can cause some serious damage. I recently purchased 3 imported Indonesian babies only because I saw over 50 of their siblings sold off within 4 days at a rediculously low price to what they are worth around here. Who knows where all these babies went to but in the hands of an irresponsible owner it will only lead to bad news for our hobby if something happens. I'll get them to a healthy stable size and more importantly make sure they are handled, very tame and not fed live feeders to hopefully lose that natural hunting instinct. Spacewise I will eventually have to find good homes with responsible owners for them. They need and deserve lots of room. Besides...man can these puppies eat !!

Member Comment

9/30/2008 8:06:17 AM

Jeffriey

My appologies Rich if some of my last comments came on a bit too strong and I wasn't trying to not discourage you from getting one. That's if you're asking how long does it take to grow because you're thinking about it. If you think you're ready and can make the commitment by all means go for it. With the proper care and attention, I've seen them make great pets. I've just seen it happen so many time especially with large snakes like retics and it's my initial reaction when I hear people asking how big or how quickly will it grow. Two years later they have this animal they can no longer handle. Out of all of my animals they definitely take up the most share of time but for the positive side of it my babies are quite friendly and you can already go up to rub them under their throats like you would a dog or a cat and they won't flinch a muscle or try to run. I can reach into the tank and they will come and climb up my arm to come out. They are quite fascinating and intelligent creatures.

Member Comment

9/30/2008 11:02:08 AM

GarbrechtRE

An average species of Varanus reaches adult to near adult size in 3 years depending on feeding regimen, and overall husbandry practices.

Member Comment

9/30/2008 11:18:40 AM

Jeffriey

3 years is about right. I try not to comment on exact growth rates except to quote references because from what I've experienced in the past, take my Anancondas for example. Two of them the same age, both male from the same location under the same conditions and one is more then double the size of the other and catching up to my larger male who's a stubborn feeder. Big difference to a point where I may have that one checked again to see if it's actually a female. Might be a good thing all 3 of mine being sexed as a male. I've seen it with other large snakes too. Gender has a factor in this too with Male water monitors being larger than females.

Sooo Robb when are you getting a Water to keep that cool Timor and Savy company... :D

Member Comment

10/5/2009 11:18:34 AM

dalvers63

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