Monitors are known for their massive lizards which are difficult to take care of. Some are best suited to experienced keepers. But there are monitor lizards that are massive and difficult to keep.
This monitor from Ackie has been voted among the most compact and most comfortable monitors.
Ackies are beautiful and eye-catching that a monitor lizard has while being easy to handle. Their size makes them appropriate for intermediate keepers who wish to be able to hold them.
Sometimes referred to as the spiny-tailed monitor this species is closely related to larger reptiles such as those of the Nile monitor, and Komodo dragon.
Are you intrigued by the beauty and intelligence of Ackies’s display? Are you willing to put in your time, effort and money required to maintain one? Read on for our care instructions for cage setup, enrichment and care suggestions…
Overview Ackie Monitors
Ackie monitors ( Varanus acanthurus) are located in the northwest of Australia which is where they live in a shared habitat with camels, kangaroos as well as other monitor lizards. This species is part of the Varanidae family of lizards that includes the well-known Komodo dragon. One of the reasons why people are drawn to them is because Ackies resemble tiny Komodo dragons!
Ackie monitors were first mentioned as well as named by Belgian Zoologist George Albert Boulenger in 1885.
They were present since thousands of years prior to 1885. According to some estimates, Ackie monitors to be around two million years old. In spite of their ancient past Ackies have just recently emerged as the most sought-after pet.
There are two different subspecies of Ackie monitors that can be kept as pets
- The red Ackie ( Varanus acanthurus Acanthurus)
- yellow Ackie ( Varanus acanthurus brachyurus)
Yellow Ackies are a little smaller than those with red eyes however their treatment is similar. They can reach two feet in length and their tails take up the majority of their size. They are often referred to as spiny tailed monitors since their tails are covered with stark, spinose scales which can be used to make an instrument for club.
Red people have a gorgeous deep rusty brown color, with light spots on their legs and behind. They have long, slim heads that have two white stripes that extend from the top of their snouts up to the base of their neck.
Ackie Monitors Good For Beginners???
Ackie Monitors are more friendly smaller, and simpler to take care of than other species of Monitor Lizards. Their intelligence is what creates Ackies beloved by many reptile lovers. However, although Ackies monitors are among the most simple monitor lizards for you to take care of, they are not an ideal reptile for beginners.
Ackies monitors have a significant obligation.
The lizards are able to be around for 20 years, and require a minimum of 120 gals of tank space with 2 feet of substrate that is loose. They are an active species that digs and climbs, lots of decorations are required to enrich the tank. Wooden limbs, acacia or cardboard boxes, the wood and rocks will endure the rigors of an Ackie’s journey.
If you’re willing to commit the time and effort it takes to take care of one, they’re one of the most rewarding reptiles to keep for advanced and intermediate keepers.
How Much Does An Ackie Monitor Cost?
Ackies monitors aren’t inexpensive and can cost anywhere between $500 to $1,000. Their cost is based on the age, color and breeder. It is also necessary to budget for $1,000 for a 120-gallon tank set-up.
You’ll need to be ready to spend up to several thousand dollars in their lifetime for the substrate, lighting, and food. It is not advisable to make an impulse buy.
The Ackie isn’t an option for anyone with a small or moderate budget. blue-tongued skinks are a far better option for intermediate keeper with less of a budget.
The wild population of Ackie Monitors aren’t threatened with extinction however, the majority of animals offered as pets are captive-bred. They are not often found in pet shops, but are accessible in exotic animal exhibits as well as from breeders online.
It is better to buy in person, so that you can examine their personality, behaviour and appetite. Be awarethat reptiles displayed at reptile shows that are busy could be in a state of stress for a short period.
A healthy Ackie Monitor will help prevent various health problems. Healthy people are quick, sharp and alert, as well as having an excellent response to food. Do not feed pets that are not responsive with their feet, are injured or spots of shed that have remained.
Appearance
Ackie monitors are gorgeous and at first glance , appear as miniscule Komodo dragons. They feature pointed heads with big eyes, large ears, and spiny tails.
Like their designation ( the “spiny tailed” lizard) implies they have extremely long tails that are covered with lines of razor-sharp scales. The tails of these lizards are twice larger than they are overall. Their body’s rest is made of small , round scales which shield them from hot and dry conditions of Australia.
There are three distinct subspecies of Ackie monitors, but only two are kept as pets.
- The Island Ackie (V. acanthurus theosophus) is very scarce and is not usually offered as pet.
- The yellow Ackie (V. Acanthurus Brachyurus) is one of the well-known subspecies of the.
- Ackies The Red Ackie (V. Acanthurus Acanthurus) is one of the most massive of all three.
Yellow Ackies have slightly smaller tail than the red monitors. They’re either dark or black with vivid yellow spots with an elongated black and white tail. A lot of yellow monitors have distinct stripes on their face and neck contrasted with their red counterparts.
Red subspecies have an rusty red color, with a creamy belly and yellow or white rosettes on their back. Their tails feature alternate brown and white bands that can split into an arranged pattern. There are two white stripes on the face on each side along with an dark stripe that runs through their eye.
Hatchlings typically measure about four to five inches long and reach their maximum size within two years. Adults range from 24 to 30 inches in length and weigh anything from 5 to 12 pounds.
In contrast to Bearded Dragons that are extremely easy to sexually assault and sex, there are small distinctions between males and females on Ackie Monitors. Males have slightly larger heads however this is difficult to discern when you compare your monitor with an adult already sexy.
How to Build A Cage for Ackie Monitor
The bigger the more effective when it comes to sizes of cages of Ackie Monitors. The monitor requires a lot of room to feel at ease. At the minimum, adults require 120-gallon tanks and children can be housed in smaller enclosures of 40-gallon as they feel at ease.
Ackie monitors are also fond of their cages as hot!
They require a place to bask inside their enclosure, with an average temperatures of between 120 and 150 degrees. The cooler part is required to have an average temperature between 80 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. As daytime lizards, Ackies require the use of a UVB light source to help them metabolize calcium. A 26-watt, high output UVB bulb is recommended all day long and changed each six-month period.
These lizards also require moderately high humidity. Keep their enclosures at 65 to 85 percent humidity by misting their substrate using a spray bottle several times throughout the day. The substrate should be slightly damp to ensure it holds its shape when it is buried the soil, but not so damp that it is so sloppy.
Insufficient humidity can cause skin irritations, so make sure to use the thermometer and hygrometer.
As with all pet lizards ensure that they have fresh water that is on the cool part of the enclosure. Clean and refill the bowl every day with water that is free of chlorine and other harmful substances.
It is important to select the right bowl for your pet’s body. Although they aren’t swimming often, they do soak during the time of shed.
Decor & Substrate
Ackie monitors originate from their dry scrublands in the northwest region of Australia. The scrublands are mostly open fields that are covered with tumbleweed, grass, outcrops of rock and trees. They can be found on the hunt for small animals in the rocks and tumbleweed. They sleep at night under the shade of stones.
Decor and substrate are extremely essential to a successful Ackie Monitor arrangement.
They require 2 feet of loose soil to burrow into. They also require plenty of logs, sticks and plants as well as hides to climb over and dig beneath. Organic topsoil combined by sand, in a ratio of 3:2 ratio makes a great substrate that mimics the natural habitat.
Care Sheet
Ackie Monitors are an enjoyable and distinctive pet for those willing to take on the uphill climb! They require a huge enclosure with high temperature, and an extensive diet to flourish. They also require a caretaker who will be willing to commit for a long time for their animal.
Feeding
Be prepared to deal with many insects while you keep the pet.
Ackies are fierce hunters who consume only meat. In their natural habitat , they generally eat insects, such as crickets, grasshoppers beetles, and Cockroaches. They also occasionally eat small lizards as well as eggs. They consume the same food all year round and display particular food preferences during the season.
The most effective method for giving your dog Ackie is to provide a variety of food items.
Variety can provide a variety of nutrients to your lizard, and ensures that it’s getting the complete diet, which includes all the essential minerals and vitamins.
Ackies are affluent and prefer live prey, but are able to quickly adapt to eating cooked or dead food with tongs.
No matter if you’re hunting dead or live prey, it needs to be sprayed with calcium and vitamin powder at least twice a week. This can help to keep the health of your lizard’s bones.
Mealworms, crickets and Dubia Cockroaches are the principal staple of the diet of Ackies.
Adults may also receive some treats for special occasions like raw turkey, mice, fish or eggs from a scrambled chicken. It should be limited to at least once every month, and care must be taken to prevent overfeeding. The species is easily overweight because of their appetite and inability to resist eating anything.
| Age | Schedule | Food |
|---|---|---|
| From 0 to 12 months | Daily | Cockroaches, mealworms and crickets |
| Between 12 and 24 months | 5 days per week | Small mice and insects (once every month) |
| 2 years and more | All week long, 4 days | Insects, eggs and turkey and mice (once once a month) |
Children should be fed at the rate they are able to consume in 10 minutes every day. Adults can consume food for four or five days every week.
It is crucial to track the weight of your pet’s lizard. Growing and young Ackies will likely increase their weight, however the weight of people who are more than two years old shouldn’t alter significantly.
Health
Ackie monitors are usually healthy and robust lizards which last between 15 to 20 years. They may suffer from ailments if they are not cared appropriately. The three most prevalent diseases are:
- Parasites
- Obesity
- Metabolic bone disease
A lot of wild monitors have parasites which they get from their diet. The worms can lead to an increase in weight, lethargy and a decreased appetite. The pets of Ackies are not often affected by parasites if they are they are fed a healthy diet. Do not provide your insect monitors with food or any other animals that have been caught in the wild.
Pets can easily gain weight in the event that their diet isn’t well-controlled. Healthy Ackie Monitors are slim oval-shaped body when seen from above. People who are overweight will begin to glance around. If an adult Ackie is still gaining weight, you’re feeding them.
The metabolic bone disorder is disease caused by an absence of calcium the blood. Replace the monitor’s UVB bulb each six-month period, and make sure your diet is rich in calcium. A poor diet and lack of UVB light cause a decrease in calcium levels, which causes an expulsion of calcium from bones. This leads to soft bones that are prone to fracture.
Behavior
It is believed that the Ackie monitor is an extremely active lizard that can be found roaming throughout a wide area. They’re usually found within small numbers in nature, and they can also be kept in groups in captivity in a space that is sufficient.
In the event that more than one monitor is housed in one enclosure, they can create a dominance hierarchy. The dominant individuals might try to smack other monitors, however this is usually a matter of play, not an act of aggression. Always be aware of the people living together and quickly break them up if there are injuries.
Ackies are long and have curved claws, which make them great climbing and digging tools.
If they are threatened by a predator, Ackie monitors try to escape or dig to avoid danger. If they’re unable to escape, they’ll use their tails as a club to repel predators.
Pets are simple to control and show no aggression towards their owners when handled gently and with care.
Like the majority of monitors, they are extremely intelligent and require plenty of stimulation to keep them happy.
A space that promotes natural behavior such as climbing and digging will aid in providing your monitor with a sense of enrichment. Monitors that are bored may be inactive or engage in routine behaviors such as pacing, scratching, or rubbing your enclosure’s walls.
The handling of your Lizard is also a rewarding experience read on for suggestions!
Handling
Ackie Monitors can be adapted to handling, however they’re initially more timid than common pets such as geckos. The key is patience and keeping.
Introduce yourself slowly by placing your hands within the enclosure and letting the lizard approach you. It could be a few weeks.
Like all lizards patience and consistency are essential to build an enjoyable relationship.
After a few months of gradual introductions Ackies usually respond well to handling. If you’re Ackie likes handling, it is a fantastic method to give them physical and mental exercise.
When your monitor has gained trust the monitor will often begin handling by coming towards you. If this occurs, pick up your lizard using the scooping motion, and keep it in a position to support its entire body.
Are Ackie Monitors Good Pets?
This Ackie monitor is an ideal animal companion for people who want to transition into caring for a more advanced species. They are highly intelligent and active creatures require a lot of attention and attention, yet they offer endless entertainment and develop a connection with their keepers.
Three types of Ackie monitors are offered as pets: Ackies with red Ackie along with red Ackie.
Red Ackies are slightly longer, cost more and aren’t as popular as yellow species.
Both species enjoy digging and climb. They also love to explore. They can also be around for 20 years.
They require at least an 125-gallon tank, with one foot of substrate as well as plenty of branches, rocks and plants to ensure they feel secure. Additionally, they require food that is mostly insects, but also eggs, mice and even raw poultry periodically for variety.
