I brought this up from below because I wasn't sure you'd see it.



I did not get to finish or write enough yesterday because I was working.



Here is a quote from you:

"There`s nothing wrong with including a moderate ammount of rodents, but insects should form the main part of the diet."



I think this is mis-leading to others.. as you suggested that Savannah's should only be fed a MODERATE amount of rodents.



What gives you the basis for saying this?



Also, we raise everything here on rodents and insects, with rodents being the MAJOR bulk of the diet... even to the extent of rodents being exclusive with our larger monitors (ex: croc monitors).



As for working with monitors- I have not worked at a zoo (as you have).. However, I probably have more hands on experience with monitors then the zoo experience offered to you.. This has more to do with the zoo itself and not you as a keeper.



I was striving to offer good advice to this keeper- as so many things were wrong. However, your post was off base- and this is a common topic- feeding and what to feed. If it wasn't so off-base- I likely would not have replied. This response- which was yours this time- has been rejected many times before.. in the past.. and has been discussed here for years and years and years-look-up the archives. The topic being- the suggestion that rodents should not be the bulk food offered and other such foods should take precedence.. Everything from insects- as you mentioned, and others- fish/shrimp, etc.



You have to consider- which I mentioned when I first replied- this is not the wild, it is captivity. So, ideally, what is most abundant in their wild environment is not necessarily what is best to feed. In captivity, in some ways, we are so confined and do not have as many options. But, in many others ways- we do. We can offer, for example, an unlimited supply of rodents if we so choose.



So, I question your thought. That is- that rodents should only be fed moderately to Savannah's.



Taking an observation from the wild-- it was stated by Daniel Bennet- that baby Savannah's will feed plentifully on crickets.. And adults- millipedes, etc. So, I get it- that is, where you get your information.



This is not false either- as baby Savs do very well fed crickets. We have raised fresh baby Savannahs off crickets (initially) and their growth was swift.



But, he also suggested that mice should be fed too. Not that using him as a reference point is necessary, but for you, this seems to be where abouts you get your info- journals, articles, etc.



You seem to think that because they have been observed eating insects- in the wild- that rodents should only be fed moderately. It is common to think this way. I suppose the same would apply to other animals, people too. That the food most plentiful or the food available is best. This is not true.

We, as people, tend to think this way and form our own thought or opinion because it is what we see or what we think.



You many even go so far to say that they are DESIGNED to handle insects more.. and rodents are too bulky- this again, is another common thought- and an already anticipated response. Perhaps I should refrain from saying it, because now, you won't.



With regard to Sarah- she was feeding, among the things she mentioned- scrambled eggs and canned tuna. This is horrible. So, suggesting she keep it simple, and stick to rodents- is spot on and necessary advise for both her and her monitor. Context. Suggesting crickets is important too.. this is not a feeding animal, and sometimes, the enticement of movement and the smaller prey will encourage feeding.



This all is of no significance, however, if the conditions are not improved.. and the lizard supported.



The argument isn't that crickets, or insects are no good- because they are- it is that your thought says rodents are not. You did not say this.. I know, you said they should be fed moderately. But, if only in "moderation" relative to insects- insects being the bulk portion- as you suggested- then you're suggesting there is something non-beneficial about rodents.

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