Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Since when is zoo-meds compressed coconut fiber bad for Monitors? Im pretty sure it says on the package "harmless if ingested" I use zoo-meds on both my snakes, (boa and python), my treefrogs, I breed my crickets in them, and when need be I use it for my mice, I have never had any ill effects, so I would have a hard time believing that compressed, almost powder coconut fiber can cause impaction, while im not 0 sure on this, im pretty sure. They wouldnt sell their product in hundreds and hundreds of stores if it harms the very animals it is intended for. If it was harming peoples lizards there would be complaints and it would either be removed from the shelves or come with a warning, if ANYONE here can prove that this causes impactions or any other helath problems please let me know, becuase this sounds like a load of bull.

Hope I didn't offend anyone. Zoo-med or T-rex or both have a "calci-sand" product -pure calcium carbonate (coral origin) sand which they claim is harmless to reptiles and is a good source of calcium when accidentally ingested.
EVERY vet I have spoken to re: substrates claims that this product is responsible for more impactions than any other.
The coconut (husk) fiber is NOT digestible. I could swallow a fistful of pennies every day and they would pass harmlessly through my body day after day...until there IS a problem. Then, the body has absolutely no way to correct the problem.
The skin and the digestive system require the most delicacy in husbandry. Impactions can occur even under ideal circumstances, so I worry about anything that will increase that risk.
As a result, I prefer a consumable substrate with laxative properties.
Please understand - I am not saying that you're a bad guy for choosing husk. The product is labelled as you mentioned, but all such products claim to be harmless when many are not. What I have written is little more than opinion, based on my experience with the vets from the Fort Worth Zoo and my loss of my first Savannah.
The fact that you are using this board to gather information places you well above the thousands of monitor owners who know nothing about what they're doing and don't care to find out. The fact that you are here says good things about you.
Regardless of what substrate you use, please let me know if there's anything I can help ou with. (even if you don't agree with everything I offer)
Don't forget to have fun --------------- Pippps

Its nice to talk to another intelligent person with expierence, thank you for helping me in my decision, what substrate is the best to use? Im not going to take any chance with my baby.

While I have you here pippps I have another question, I just bought a book on raising and housing savannahs, it says to turn off the light at night as long as it doesnt get below 54 degrees, so ive been turning it off at ngiht and it hovers at around 65-70, should I leave the light on all the time, or do as the book says and turn it off at night?

You've asked me a multi-part question, which means that I'll really screw it up!!! Lots of guys use leaf litter (leaves) and it works pretty well. Mixed with a bit of fine soil, it holds moisture well, and your guy can burrow into it while he's watching TV or drinking tea.LOL
My setup may be a bit different. I've set up a humidity gradient (as well as thermal). I've got a humid bit (leaves) on the left, and a drier side (alfalfa pellets) on the right. The two are separated by a group of sandstone slabs (the nail file!)in the center. The warm area stretches across the rear of the enclosure. The cooler area stretches across the front. That gives 'em every temp/humidity variation possible. (the idea is like a "punett square", with three variables in one side, and two variables on the other)
65-70deg may be a tiny bit cool. I think the "best case" temp is supposed to be 70-72. I guess you could use a really low power ceramic heat emitter for a few extra degrees of "local" heat if you want to(they're cheap, and don't burn out).
DO turn the light out at night. I understand that it's supposed to be very important for their "circadian rhythm" and therefore their well-being.

PS If you opt for leaf litter, it helps to fluff it frequently (keeps it fresh, keeps it from rotting).

PPS I only feed on the alfalfa, or the sandstone (better for impaction risk, plus it's much easier to keep clean).

PPPS The sandstone can be easily stolen from construction sites. (Just kidding - if you ask the builders, they'll give you the leftovers)

PPPPS I'd love to see some pics of your baby. Post some when you get the chance. Post age/sex info (if you have that info). BTW, my guys discovered raw shrimp last night...it was frightening!!! I guess that'll have to be part of their diet now. I'm trying to figure out whether they'll eat cash. If I can feed them a steady diet of $10 and $20 bills, it would save me from all the runnin' around...