Socialization Caging System, at Mike's Monitors!
Or MMSCS.

So over the last several years I've developed my Socialization Caging System! My System works very well on Socializing My Monitors that I put out into the world.

I want everyone and more importantly my Monitors to have nice comfortable lives in captivity.

It's a very easy and inexpensive way to start your Monitors. I have also developed a Socialization Caging System for Odatria and wild caught imported Monitors. (Parts 2 and 3 coming)

So I suggest you get a new or used 40 Breeder Exoterra type front opening enclosure. Next with a green diamond glass hole saw, cut a drain into the bottom of your Exoterra type enclosure,
use a bulkhead fitting and a ball valve for water maintenance. This allows you to drain, rinse and fill your MMSCS without disturbing your Monitor.
Fill about 2" of water on the bottom. And then add a fake plant for your Monitors to wallow on, along with open water for swimming. I also recommend using an OASE BioPlusThermo100 to heat and filter your water. (78-80°F)

Next get a cork tube that runs diagonally from the bottom side to Top side of the enclosure. One end in the water and the other end near the top of your MMSCS. This is where you'll place a painters dome light with a 50watt Halogen Flood bulb for basking. (120°F)

Take a hole saw and cut into your cork tube 5 or 6 well places 2" holes. These serve 2 purposes, one your Monitors will feel secure and 2 these ports allow you to monitor the health and food intake of you Monitors without actually disturbing them. The angle of the cork tube will offer a nice thermogradient for basking, either on top of or within the cork tube.

Now that you have your MMSCS setup. Here are my methods of Socializing my Monitors.

Start ALWAYS with a calm, confident attitude, they are very intelligent Animals and can pick up on negativity. Make sure any dogs, cats, birds or kids are nowhere around during these first few interactions.

Slowly approach your MMSCS, sit for a few seconds just observing. Open the doors Slowly. With your hemostats offer a small bit of food (chopped silversides or pinkie parts), once they take it, let them swallow. Then remove your hand and hemostats. Offer a few more pieces of food and your done.

Keep these interactions very short at first, increasing durations of sessions as you go.

Next use this technique to slowley lure your Monitor on to your out stretched hand. Repeat these sessions till your Monitor is very comfortable doing so. Over time eliminate the food offer and just put your hand into your MMSCS.

In a very short time, if you follow these instruction you and your Monitors will begin to have a personal TRUSTING relationship!!

Then my goal is done, for both you the keeper, and your Monitor, the kept!

Mike's Monitors Socialization Caging System will cut your Socializing time from months to weeks! Its a Great System!

Mike Stefani,
Mike's Monitors!