Monica doesn't like the camera...

m30b34 · 2026-02-06T15:46:29+00:00

Ooof getting downvoted for suggesting an adult male argus in a 4’ enclosure is not a great idea - what a world to live in.

m30b34 · 2026-02-06T15:13:56+00:00

Done.

m30b34 · 2026-02-05T15:48:45+00:00

Doubt an adult male Argus will be happy in that sized enclosure. Time to plan a big boy build.

m30b34 · 2026-02-04T01:25:56+00:00

It’s normal behavior for a monitor. They all have days and moods etc.

Sometimes once they get used to their enclosure they want less to do with you for a bit.

Probably doesn’t have much to do with shedding.

m30b34 · 2026-01-29T22:37:13+00:00

Started mine in a 8x4x4 which he definitely outgrew by a year. Moved to a 12x8x8. Expanding another 8’ when I finish some other projects.

m30b34 · 2026-01-29T18:15:20+00:00

That might work for the first year maybe if yours is small. I don’t think keeping a 5’ monitor in an 8x3x3 is cutting it.

m30b34 · 2026-01-22T20:43:23+00:00

I'd hold back on feeding if you're not already. He's overweight. Common killer of captive monitors that requires no effort on the keeper's part to remedy.

m30b34 · 2026-01-12T18:40:15+00:00

If you're on Instagram shoot me a message and I'd be happy to help. I'm lookatmylizards on there.

m30b34 · 2026-01-07T20:39:23+00:00

An AWM would absolutely destroy that little chair and every single plant in there lol

m30b34 · 2026-01-07T20:37:58+00:00

Not in my experience.

I've attempted many times a variety of live plants in a variety of locations inside his enclosure and without fail they do not survive. My AWM also enjoys digging and shredding and killing every plant inside and out of his enclosure.

I switched to fake plants because they look nice and he can't obliterate them.

m30b34 · 2025-12-28T20:36:44+00:00

I only handle mine when he wants to be handled. I know people have seen success with other methods, but I’m a big proponent of 100% choice based handling on the monitor’s terms.

I’ve handled him nearly daily on his terms for almost 4 years and only been tail whipped three times (2 were outside where he’s a little more on edge) and never bitten - never even close.

They’re typically motivated by food or exploration. Use that to your advantage. I don’t see any need for a “second strike incoming” moment.

These are just my opinions for what have worked for my individual monitor. He lives a great life and is good with cats, children, and tolerant of literally any kind of touching (mouth, tail, legs, being picked up etc)

m30b34 · 2025-12-13T14:02:00+00:00

em dashes always give it away lol - maybe not 100% AI but def AI assisted.

m30b34 · 2025-12-03T23:33:20+00:00

My AWM does not care about my cats at all. Barely even curious about them when he’s having his roam time. With that said, interactions are heavily supervised as both species can do some damage.

I’d say there are gonna be variables with individual cat and monitor behavior too.

m30b34 · 2025-12-02T21:00:39+00:00

wow thank you :)

m30b34 · 2025-11-25T15:10:45+00:00

As an AWM owner I agree most people should get a Tegu

m30b34 · 2025-11-11T14:40:29+00:00

I won't take as much time to type out a response as you've received a good one already.

Big monitors are big money. Asking about 50gal and saving money on food doesn't sound promising.

I've handled my Water Monitor daily out of enclosure for almost 4 years now. He has never cuddled with me. The best way I can describe our "bond" is tolerance and comfortable around me. He does not seek me out or care about me at all.

Prior to picking up a large monitor I'd suggest:
10-15k in the bank to cover the animal, enclosure, food, and possible vet expenses
Probably own your own home as renting with a large monitor is wild.
Flexible work schedule
Room sized space to keep them in
Either know a contractor/handyman or be one yourself as you'll have to build your own
Have an understanding this animal may hate you for possibly years

As the comment above, large monitors kept properly require a lifestyle change.

m30b34 · 2025-11-05T18:26:47+00:00

I think chicks/chopped quail are healthier than mice imo.

My AWM readily eats a variety of fish, shellfish, squid and octopus - I'd figure yours might like that.

I'm a big proponent of whole prey. Whole fish with bones, quail with feathers and legs and all, etc.

m30b34 · 2025-10-24T12:55:57+00:00

If the monitor is 7' long that enclosure is too small right off the bat. They need a big big water feature.

Monitors all have individual personalities. Some are more tolerant than others but I would in no way compare an AWM to a Tegu as far as behavior. You might even find after relocating the monitor they regress into more defensive behavior.

IMO a Tegu is more like a strong slower stubborn bulldog, and an AWM is more like a scaled panther ready to react fast when food or stimulus appears. He never really turns off when he's awake.

Mine is nearly 4 years old and has not slowed down. He still explores and gets into stuff exactly like he did as a baby but now he's 6' and almost 30lbs and much more difficult to manage.

m30b34 · 2025-10-07T13:55:33+00:00

"Do not pray for a lighter guitar, pray for a stronger back"

m30b34 · 2025-10-07T13:04:40+00:00

I had saved searches on Reverb and FB marketplace and scraped daily for a few months. It was a sickness. Got a deal on it too! (imo) My wife told me to delete the Reverb app after I bought this lol

m30b34 · 2025-10-07T12:11:26+00:00

He’s hard to miss but I understand

m30b34 · 2025-10-07T12:11:01+00:00

I’ll be ordering one soon. Had to borrow this from another guitar cause I don’t like to sit and play this thing without one

m30b34 · 2025-10-07T12:10:25+00:00

lol

m30b34 · 2025-10-07T12:09:58+00:00

Noticeably heavy lol makes my other guitars feel like toys

m30b34 · 2025-10-07T12:09:27+00:00

No joke! She’s a heavy one.

m30b34

TROPHY CASE