Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've owned reptiles all my life, from 5 ft. iguanas to anoles to skinks. u name it. But monitors are new to me. I am very interested in the savannah monitor. Iv'e been doin some research but have some smaller questions I cant seem to find answers for. Is it possible to train the monitor to go poop in a litter box or water tub? Iv'e read that people sometimes dedicate a room for there monitor, is this healthy and safe for th monitor? Would it be better to keep it in a tank or just 'monitor proof' a room? I can't seem to find much about there temperment either, are they aggressive or are they more relaxed reptiles?
Thanks
-Cheyenne

Training? I do not believe so, but I believe the sav has the ability to learn and likes to keep a tidy cage. they will usually go in the same corner or spot. I thought mine was 'trainedto only go poo outside but she was just trying to tell me she needed a bigger cage, cause after I built her one she started pooing in the cage again.
It is better to have a custom built cage that can handle the heat, humidity and contain the lizard without it getting out, which is a challenge sometimes. Rooms are built to do the exact opposite of what savannah cages calls for, as SHvar will tell you. As far as aggression goes, depends on the lizard. I would try to find one captive bred, for sure. Get it small, as a baby and do a lot of handling then, if it is willing, if not leave it alone and handle on it's terms. I have one now that i raised from a baby who is like a 4 foot long puppy dog, and another one that i bought as a yearling and he is testy, so it just depends. The puppy dog one has not always been that way; it took a lot of work. search the forums because I have posted about every question imaginable and have been posting since i got my first sav almost three years ago, so i have left a pretty good trail of info and the people (some people) on here return very good information and really know what they are talking about.

Good Luck!

It is worth your time to look into ackies. They make a much more manageable and enjoyable captive when compared to a Sav.

Cheers

Steve

I think you're confusing room-sized cage, or cutom build monitor room/cage with people just giving an extra room to their monitor.

Definitely don't keep it in a "tank". Build a nice enclosure, do some reading and other research, and you'll do real well with a savanna.
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Mike Heinrich,
Mike@amazontreeboa.org
www.amazontreeboa.org

a sav shouldnt be kept in a tank as an adult, as a youngin i keep mine in a tank when i am not home but i do have a room half blocked off for him to be in when i am around. they need space. mine uses a water tub for a potty. he never makes a mess. takes baths in the tub. with proper socialization and training a sav is a great pet but not something that needs to be kept locked away build or buy a big cage and make sure the animal gets out alot if you get one, they get bored and are far to clever to be let alone too long. good luck.