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Nile monitor question

marina322

marina322

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Hi everyone, quick question, do nile monitor hatchlings mellow out at all when they get older? I know that they have a tendency to be aggressive all their lives but does their temperament get less aggressive at all as they get older? Just curious. Thanks.
 
Nile Monitors have a tendency to stay aggressive, now they're are plenty of reports of tame Nile's but you have to remember, most of those are by people whose job it is to raise them. If you spend enough time with them, they will calm down, but not otherwise

TL;DR Handle them and they will, if you don't they won't
 
To adamhess,
So I hope I'm on the right track. I have a hatchling nile and his temperament seems nicer than most. I don't handle him, I actually don't ever plan to and that's ok with me. I started tong feeding, now I'm hand feeding. He doesn't run away at all when he sees me because I make sure I move very slow so he can see every move I make. He is in an enclosure in his own room that only I go into. I put socks that I have worn into his cage so he can get use to my smell and some time he lays under one. He has come up to me a few times since I had him so I hope I'm on the right track I guess only time will tell. Do u think I am doing things right or can I improve? Like I said before I don't plan on him ever being tame enough to hold him but I would like him to not see me as a threat and be able to walk around me when he gets older.
 
If you don't want to hold him then I suppose you are doing everything correctly. I would handle him once a month because you never know when you are going to have to move him.
 
Classifieds is not really the place for this, but the short answer is some will some won't and handling often odd more damaging then helping. I have several niloticus that are very calm and acclimated and several that aren't and none get handled. Even my cbb babies have distinct personalities. Their psyche is complex and cannot be answered in this short response. If youd like more info you can pm me as to not continue to detract from the classifieds.
 
You seem to be on the right path! I have had a few niles and they all seem to calm down for me once they get to be 3-4 foot. They are the most beautiful of all the monitors but that's just my opinion! Good luck!!
 
Dnaexotics yes I agree I shouldn't have posted in the classifieds, I'm still pretty new here and can't seem to figure out how to post in the discussion section. Probably really obvious but can't seem to figure it out lol.
Clemc yes they are beautiful and I hope u r right. Thanks.
 
Any monitor lizard can be tamed but just remember even though it was captive breed dose not mean its blood line is not wild.All monitors lizards have predator instincts but with a lot of care and trust they can become your best friend...

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I'm sure everybody wants to be encouraging but no, not every monitor can be tamed with handling.
I've got Niles that are puppy dog tame and have been since i got them and I've got a few that try thier best to remove my hands at any chance they get.
If you love Niles it's for the love you give to them. Not the love they give too you.
I've got tons of nasty scars from these guys. Even the tame ones can Jack you up fast.
 
Im not trying to tame him and definitely not from handling. I was just curious to know if they usually calm down at all as they get older, like any less skittish. I'm trying to work on showing it that I am not a threat and hopefully it will realise that, if not it is ok I love Niles no matter what their personality is. Crazy or calm.
 
Yes correct but I have some of the largest lizards you can have in captivity water monitors to black throats and niles seem to need more work then the others types but my 8 years of experience ive never had to worry hatched all of them on my own or bought baby no later then 2 days old and have good thread methods to make them what they are today good luck

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Making them fat is the best method.
Once he sees that he rely on you for a food source and he weighs 60pounds or more he could calm down.
My first Nile 20 plus years ago was mean as hell until he got to a year old. Back then i didn't know hamburgers and hot dogs were bad for them. He died fat, but friendly no less...
 
they should....

sounds like you have the right idea,

My advise would be, never try to grab the animal and restrain it into submission, you'll end up with a lizard with a broken spirit and will eventually just give up, not to mention terrified of you every time it sees you.
Your also sending yourself back to the beginning again in the trust/bond building process.

Start by making sure your husbandry is in the ball park, temps/humidity, hides, etc,etc, you didn't mention it? This is most important for long term success.

Keep up the tong feeding and I wouldn't handle the lizard at all.
good luck Robert
 
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