What is a smaller and more docile type of monitor or tegu?

Question

i am looking for a lizard that is like a monitor or tegu but gets about 2 to 3 feet and that can be handled

Answer 1

I am goin to give you a dif answer only because no one suggested this one altho akies are really great small beginner moniors too i also like dumerils alot. An average adult dumeril will get around 3.3 feet and need to be housed in a 20-40 gal tank for the first 4-6 months of its life then switching to something 3' wide by 6-8 feet long. Substrate should consist of a mixed soil with dry leaves on top the soil should be moist and damp for this monitor tends to dry out fast, humidity is the most importand factor with this and most monitors staying between 50-70%. The basking area should be at a very high temp over 100 degrees. This moniter like the ridge tailed can easily be handled as long as you get them use to it, starting at a young age. I feel most monitors husbandry and needs are fairly close, they all require lots more effort then alot of other lizards so saying one species is easier to own then another really just comes down to the species attitude and size, willingness to be handle (altho no reptile really likes to be handled some will not mind it as much). I feel if you have never owned any reptile before try starting with something simpler then work your way up to a monitor, they make awesome pets and i love mine to death but to many unexperienced ppl are buying them and causing to many of them to die way to early. Do your research and good luck, maybe one day you can get a savanna they are the BEST!

Answer 2

Savannah(bosc) monitors usually get to a max size of about 3.5 feet and are pretty easy to tame. i have two and love mine.  

Answer 3

timor monitors are quite small but they can be very nervous and edgy.  

Answer 4

ridge tailed monitors are the ONLY monitor /tegu type lizard that fits ur discription . and they fit it perfectly here is a link to all you need to know about "ackies" http://www.proexotics.com/FAQ2.html#14