Reptile & Amphibian Forums

yeah, thats what i named her. i have a couple questions...is there a way to sex savannahs or do I just have to wait until (it) is bigger? ill just call it a her. i got her a week ago, she is about 10 inches long and is healthy and eating well. i am currently trying to get her to eat goldfish but she cannot figure out they they are under the water.
she eats nonstop, which is expected with the whole 'opportunistic feeder' thing but how often and how much should i feed her at this young age to keep her not overweight and not underweight?
also, i have been reading up on past posts on taming of savannahs. the first sav i had (about 7 months ago) was docile and as calm as a hermit crab...but it had parasites. and it died, shortly thereafter i got it and discovered the parasites too late. So i got annah savannah last week knowing monitors are NOT supposed to be like the last one and are crazy natured but she will run and hide when she sees me walk into my room and hisses and bites when i try to pick her up. i know she is not going to be like a friendly hermit crab and dont expect her to but is there anyway she will maybe at least be less shy?

thanks in advance

Hi there!
Post your Qs in the main "monitor" section for better results. Here's the link: forums.kingsnake.com/forum.php?catid=55 Give it a catchy title to attract lots of attention.

Also, check out this thread that was posted in that section last week: forums.kingsnake.com/view.php?id=1375517,1375517

Take care!
HH
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Due to political correctness run amuck,
this ol' hillbilly is now referred to as an:
Appalachian American

will do thanks for the help!

Just give it time... I bought mine 3 months ago when he was only 6 inches. He was VERY aggressive (hissing, whipping, biting) when I first got him. I thought he would never let me even touch him. I didn't even try to handle him for the first month or so, inorder to minimize stress. But I slowly earned his trust. And now finally, in the 3rd month, I have no problem picking him up out of his cage without him reacting in a defensive way. Just make sure he is READY to interact with you. If not, let him be and give it time until he is comfortable and confident enough to be handled. I started by petting him on his head and neck, then a month or so later, I was able to pick him up. Now he doesn't mind me touching him at all, because he KNOWS I am of no threat. Just make sure your movements and actions are very slow and gentle, never threatning. It's better than making him do what you want him to do by forcing him. Just give it some time, and let him come to you, when HE is ready. You can usually tell if what you are doing is making him happy, mad, uncomfortable, or scared. You have to pay attention to his expressions and really try to understand what he is trying to let you know, that way you can correct the problem, or try another approach. This is just my personal experience and oppinion. GOOD LUCK, and I don't think you have to be really worried because yours is still young. Remember, it took me over a month just to be able to pet him, and almost 3 months to be able to pick him up. You can achieve this quicker, if you force it, but you wouldn't have genuinely earned his trust. Hope my advice was helpful.

Se7en,