cage for nile monitor baby?

Question

i am thinking about getting a nile monitor iam also thinking about building a cage out of wood plexiglass the size cage im thinking about buliding is 7foot long by 4foot wide by 6 foot also the size nile monitor i am looking at is 12-20 inches long

Answer 1

I have owned a few monitors in my day, and currently have a 5 foot Nile monitor. These can get up to 7 feet in length, and are one of the most difficult monitors to tame. Mine would kill me if I gave it the chance. Nonetheless, I think it is a very interesting display animal when given the proper housing and conditions. The thing that worries me is you're using plexiglass. Nile monitors have very sharp, powerful claws. I would bet it will eventually have that plexiglass so scratched up you won't be able to see through it. Glass is a much better choice, and I have heard of people using rubber coated chicken wire. A large water dish is very important. These are semi-aquatic lizards, and spend alot of time swimming and soaking. I have had mine for four or five years, and it has always defecated in the water, so make sure you can easily clean it's water. They also like to climb when they're young. Just make sure you can properly keep this lizard when it's an angry, full grown monster. These have already been banned in some places in the U.S. because thousands have been released into the wild here. They have become established in the Everglades because of this. Good luck, you'll need it! lol

Answer 2

Nile monitors grow to be large, demanding, and often savage captives.
They are not a good choice for a beginner.

Answer 3

Sounds like a good size. Here's an excellent care sheet:

http://aqualandpetsplus.com/Lizard,%20Monitors%20Nile.htm