Reptile & Amphibian Forums

got 2 little guys in a 30 gallon aquarium. Slightly moist repltile bark, ambient air temp hovering around 76F. Basking spot 84F
New to keeping these guys. They seem to spend a lot of time sleeping. That normal?
Any help would be appreciated...
Thanx in advance

Link

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If you plan for 1 year, plant rice.
If you plan for 10 years, plant trees.
If you plan for 100 years, educate mankind.

Edited on July 17, 2009 at 23:46:17 by PHGinger.

Welcome,
I too wish people would tone down their attitudes on here. Sure, I know we all get sick and tired of incorrect husbandry but I think if a person asks and is willing to listen to improve their husbandry, that is a much better situation than someone that says, "yah, ok" and then puts their Sav on aspen anyway. Besides everyone can use pointers, no one is perfect, right?

You also have to think, with all the crates of young Savs coming in, isn't it better for those animals to have an actual owner who interest lies with their care and a support system such as a knowledgalbe forum. It is probably better than them being in a bin piled on top of each other waiting for the next round of crickets to be thrown in.
So, since not all people can afford large built enclosures, we all have to think how we can help the guys who bought that $20 Sav. from the show.
I think it is better they get sound advice rather than an attitude. Barring a $100 increase in price on baby Savs, this will be an ongoing issue.
Agreed on the PE web and the books.
Cheers

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WWW.LIZARDRC.COM

Thanks for that. I have these 2 little guys (or girls) in a 30 gallon aquarium, they are about 7 inches long.
I have had my blue tongue skink about 13 years now...
Would love to have the savs that long...just want to establish a routine with them. I know they are smart enough to build a relationship with.
Thanks again for those kind hearted people out there.
I admit was an impulse buy on my part, but I want to have these guys long term. I won't skinp when it comes to care.

so, I got the little guys a higher ambient temp, 79 on the low side...basking spot of 102F...gonna lower the bulb to raise that basking site temp up.
The temp gun from from PE seems consistent.
These guys are still thin and dehydrated looking. Gonna give them pedialyte by the dropper (they still have fresh water all the time) but I figure it can't hurt.
They still sleep alot, but are more active than before.
Might worm them with Panacur just cuz...being farmed who knows...?

what are you feeding them and how much are they eating?

Post ALL the details of their set up, so people can spot any potential problems.

If you get them set up right, they might not need drops, or wormer.

30 gallon tank for 2 6-7 inch Savs... ambient air temp of 79F...
basking temp of 104 so I gotta lower the bulb.Gotta change stuff tomorrow. Bark is moist too.

>>30 gallon tank for 2 6-7 inch Savs... ambient air temp of 79F...
>>basking temp of 104 so I gotta lower the bulb.Gotta change stuff tomorrow. Bark is moist too.

Cover the top with acrylic, Styrofoam, or something like that to help boost humidity and ambient temps.

Rather than lowering the bulb or increasing bulb wattage, elevate the basking site.

A good (moist) diggable substrate for burrowing is "almost" a necessity.

Glass tanks aren't the best choice for long term housing, but they're a good starting point as long as they're set up properly.

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Mike Heinrich,
Mike@amazontreeboa.org
www.amazontreeboa.org

Good point on elevating the basking site. Will do.
Already have styro on top of the cage to keep heat/humidity in.

If they are suffering from dehydration, which is common, you'll most likely cause kidney complications/failure if you administer wormer. It is best to get them set up properly and hydrated. Mike has some good advice and pics, I would add brown paper all over the tank to shield off view/limit their stress until they are up to speed.
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WWW.LIZARDRC.COM

Thanks for the tip on worming/dehydration. I covered the tank on the back and both ends...figured they would feel more secure that way. You are dead on when you say dehydration is common with these guys!
Everyday I make sure they drink or lick up some drops from misting. Been spraying 2 times a day.
New to these guys but doing what I can...