Reptile & Amphibian Forums

so i just picked up my first savannah monitor and im very excited. Hes only about 5-6 inches long and is a little cranky until i pick him up. Than hes cool. hopefully if i handle him everyday he'll chill out.

I currently have him on carpet in a 55 gallon. With all my readings, people say to use dirt? is that okay for a monitor that small? and do i just go to the garden store and pick up some non-pesticide, non-fertilized dirt?

I also read that it should be humid in the enclosure. anyone have an idea where the numbers should be? and how to keep it pretty constant.

Last question for the day is do they eat anything other than meat? any veges at all?

carpet is fine, but make sure to use shag so he can burrow. Just soak the carpet every few hours to keep the humidity up.

Just kidding...this should answer your questions.

http://proexotics.com/care_savannah.html

Tom

Yes, just dirt. The humidity will be easier to hold with dirt. You don't want humid rainforest....they are from the savannah.....grassy vegetation, burrows.

Meat....bugs. All he will eat. No veges.

HOT spot around 135 plus. And find some other way to keep him than a tank. Screen tops and hot spots make for dried, baked monitors.

READ all the FAQS and care sheets you can find. READ here.

Handling him is not recommended at least til he is eating, growing and trusts you a little more. It is a huge stress for him.
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Sonya

I'm not mean. You're just a sissy.
Happy Bunny