I can almost understand the feeding schedule, as monitors will usually eat if there is food available.(Often becoming obese) As desert reptiles, monitors are opportunistic drinkers and can handle long periods of drought, but I highly disagree with the practice of withholding water simply because it is tolerable. I repeat, I HIGHLY disagree. There is NO benefit to withholding water. Humans can withstand weeks without food, but that does not mean we eat once or twice a month.
I feed my Savannah monitor a single, pre-killed hopper once a week, and offer a few adult crickets once per week. I have two shallow water dishes that are filled once per week.
Another thing to consider is the monitors environment as a whole. The enclosure should be at least twice the length of the reptile. Elecrto-magnetic wavelengths from infrared to UV should be offered.(i.e., HEAT--VISIBLE LIGHT--UVA/UVB) Heat is needed for digestion and internal homeostasis. Visible light, in specific light/dark cycles, helps maintain circadian rythems which are important because monitors like a routine. The UV is essential: UVA for metal wellness, and UVB for bone growth and metabolic function. In the absence of artificial UV lighting, several hours, several times per week in direct sunlight will suffice. This only works when it is warm enough outside. (late spring to early autumn) All in all, monitors can be advanced level pets. Make sure your roommate is dedicated to the responsibility of owning a monitor. There is no shame in admitting that any pet is too much to handle, especially if you seek a more suitable home.
Hope this helps!
Posted on Mar 15, 2008, 11:02 AM from IP address 12.44.67.146