Greg,



Thank you for your reply. Just to set the record straight to anyone who may think its a matter or pride, its not. My statement of over 25 years experience was not to toot my own horn. It was mearly stated just so it was known I am not new to this hobby. I read these forums a lot and sometimes dare not post because of all the "experts" that frequent here. But anyway, my enclosure for him is almost exactly as you stated it should be. This lizard just like any new arrival is put as high up as it can be in a 8 foot high room. I do not seek it out as it is always exploring its cage and making itself visible. He was purchased as a hatchling and the fact he is a wild caught or farm bred animal is well known. The substrate is cyprus mulch (about 6 to 8 inches deep), 4 hide spots are provided (2 on the ground and 2 elevated (cork tubes), a large water dish is provided and the lizard does soak occasionally, synthetic vines have been used for climbing and set in various directions from bottom to top and fake plants are used as cover and foliage, ambient temps are between 85 and 90 degrees with a basking area of 130 degrees (all temps confirmed by a Fluke infrared heat gun), humidity is between 80 and 90 percent. The cage dimensions are 30" long, 30" wide, 36" high. Ground temps are around 85 - 87 degrees and heat tape is used to provide the heat. Night time temps do not fall below 75 degrees. This enclosure was built and set up 1 week before the monitor was purchased so as that any changes to get environmental conditions correct could be made before the lizard was put in it. I am aware that dehydration is a huge factor in all animals, especially young lizards. It does not appear to be the case here but anything is possible. I do agree that the acclimation period does vary with each individual animal and some require more time then others. With the activity level of this animal being so high and its metabolism being equally as high I just find it odd that it will not eat. Emaciation will happen when activity levels and metabolism are high with little or no food consumption. I will leave the animal alone and see what happens. I do know that some animals are 100% healthy and just lack the will to survive. Thats just a fact of life. Its just hard to watch it happen. Assist feeding has always been a last resort due to stress caused, another fact I am well aware of. Again, thank you for your reply. I will try and take pics when I get a chance.

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