The space given to most monitor lizards in captivity is inadequate. Even with smaller species such as Bosc’s ( Savannah) Monitor which in fact could be considered a medium size species compared to the smaller Australian monitor lizards. The lack of space and a diet of Lab rodents can cause obesity, which leads to a large number of health problems. Below is a list of a balanced diet which is low in fat.
- Madagascan Hissing Cockroaches
- Locusts
- Low Fat Tinned Dog or Cat Food
- Commercial Tegu & Monitor Lizard Food ( Comes in tin, not yet available in SA)
- Hens Eggs
- Giant Mealworms
- Snails
- Large Stick Insects
- Non Toxic and non venomous invertebrates collected from pesticide free areas.
- Lizards and frogs will be eaten by monitors but will pass on internal parasites, do not feed toads
- The occasional rodent may be offered
A monitor lizard is a very demanding pet, do not acquire one unless you have space and money. A monitor lizard should not be your first lizard, previous experience with keeping lizards is necessary.Bosc’s Monitors are cheap because they are wild hatched, many of these imports die in the pet shop before they can be sold. All monitors are difficult to sex and are not easy to breed in captivity, some captive breeding has occurred with the smaller Australian monitor lizards. Wild hatched monitors should be evaluated by a reptile vet who will de-worm and rehydrate your reptile.
Timothy Zedi
Tim Zedi is a seasoned reptile enthusiast with over 25 years of experience in keeping and breeding a wide variety of reptiles. Tim was the former chairman of the West Rand Herpetological Association and volunteered at the Transvaal Snake Park.Tim has been instrumental in creating knowledge in the reptile community. He is a regular contributor to Practical Reptile Keeping magazine, where he shares his expertise and insights. Through his work, Tim has become a respected figure in the herpetology field, dedicated to educating others and promoting responsible reptile care.