A red tail monitor, or Ackie monitor as it’s commonly known, is a type of lizard that is native to the humid and tropical rainforests of New Guinea. They are also commonly found in Australia, the Solomon Islands, and Northern Queensland. Adult Ackie monitors grow to an average length of 18 inches with a maximum length of up to 36 inches. What do Ackie Monitors eat? They are carnivores (meat-eating animals) that eat smaller animals such as frogs, lizards, and small birds as well as insects and worms. Like all reptiles, they are ectotherms; their body temperature fluctuates with their environment. When they’re cold, they will sit by an open window or bask in the sun; when they’re hot, they will find somewhere shady to cool off or drink more water.
What Do Baby Ackie Monitors Eat?
Baby Ackie monitors are born with their eyes closed and no teeth. This is because their mother’s egg is still inside her body when it is incubated (this is called ovoviviparous) and the hatchlings need to eat their way out of the egg.
For the first few days after they hatch, Ackie monitors babies eat their yolk sac to gain strength. Once they are ready to start eating solid food, you can give them a finely chopped salad of mixed greens, infant-grade green super worms, or crickets.
When monitoring hatchlings that are 2 weeks old, feed them every day. As they grow, you can feed them every other day. Monitor hatchlings should be between 18-24 inches when you stop feeding them. Smaller Ackie monitors may need to be fed more often.
How Often Do Ackie Monitors Eat?
Ackie monitors are omnivores, and, like humans, need a balanced diet. They eat both meat and plants. Ackie monitors are opportunistic feeders and will eat whatever is available.
They can survive with one large meal a week, but they are more likely to be healthy on a moderate diet of insects and worms supplemented with a few fruits, veggies, and other plant matter.
When Ackie monitors are young, they can eat three times a day, but when they are older, they would do better on two meals a week. This will help you keep an eye on their weight and make sure they don’t become obese.
Ackie Monitor Diet
Ackie monitors are omnivores and will eat both meat and plants. They are opportunistic feeders and will eat whatever is available. They can survive with one large meal a week, but they are more likely to be healthy on a moderate diet of insects and worms supplemented with a small number of fruits, veggies, and other plant matter.
Insects and worms are the most common Ackie monitor diet, but some other foods include crickets, roaches, grasshoppers, moths, silkworms, mealworms, and larvae. Avoid feeding your Ackie monitor large meals such as mice or birds. They can eat these, but these foods are more likely to cause an intestinal blockage.
Which Foods do Ackie Monitors Eat?
– Fruits for Ackie Monitors
Fruit is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals and will help keep your Ackie monitor healthy. Some fruits that Ackie monitors can eat include apples, pears, kiwis, oranges, kumquats, and grapefruit.
– Vegetables for Ackie Monitor
Vegetables are a good source of fiber and vitamins and are a great way to bulk up your Ackie monitor’s diet. Some vegetables that Ackie monitors can eat include broccoli, peas, carrots, zucchini, and spinach.
– Grains for Ackie Monitors
Bread and other grains are a good source of carbohydrates and protein. Some grains that Ackie monitors can eat include oats, brown rice, quinoa, and millet.
– Beans for Ackie Monitors
Beans are a good source of protein and fiber. Some beans that Ackie monitors can eat include black beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans.
– Nuts for Ackie Monitors
– Nuts are a good source of fats and vitamins. Some nuts that Ackie monitors can eat include pistachios, almonds, peanuts, and cashews.
Concluding Words
Ackie monitors are beautiful, big lizards that make excellent pets. They are relatively easy to care for and are a great choice for a child who is interested in getting a lizard as a pet. They are omnivores and will eat both meat and plants.
In general, foods from the list above are great options for Ackie monitors. Insects and worms are the most common Ackie monitor diet, but some other foods include crickets, roaches, grasshoppers, moths, silkworms, mealworms, and larvae. Avoid feeding your Ackie monitor large meals such as mice or birds.
