Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello,
I have a few questions that I hope someone can help answer regarding Black Tree Monitors and housing. I recently built an enclosure measuring 5' tall by 4' wide by 3' deep, fully furnished with proper heating, ability to thermoregulate, humidity...etc. But looking at it today it seemed a little small for an adult pair of these monitors. I finished this cage in anticipation of buying the pair I've had my eyes on within the next month or so, but now I have a few questions.
Do you think the current enclosure is a suitable size? and if not what size should I build the next one?

One last quick question, I don't have much substrate in the cage as of now, but looking through the archives I'm suprised to see that quite a few people remarked at the fact that their beccarii dug alot. What depth should the substrate be?

Thanks a lot
Ian

Hi
These are active monitors.
Unfortunately, because they are physically small, many people will think they only need a small cage. What you built is OK, it is more than some people give them. Why don't you observe the monitors, and judge for yourself, if they would use more room?
That is really the best way.
Same for the substrate question. Start with a foot of dirt, and if they use it a lot, feel free to add more! Let the monitors 'tell' you, not people.
Or maybe, change the composition of the dirt. If it packs too hard, they may give up trying to burrow in it. Becarri have not the burly shoulders of the gouldii complex! My rudis did not dig in the topsoil I got, until I mixed it with playsand to soften it. Try to make the most of the space you have. Multiple shelves, boxes, cork tubes, keep in mind becarri like to wedge themselves in tight places. Roomy hides do them no favors. Pack the hides with moss and leaves.

I know you probably have other animals to house too, but its better to ask yourself, how much room can I give? not How little can I get away with? This statement is more for others that may be reading this. D.

Thank you very much....I was thinking about your advice anyway. Although their current enclosure would be adequate, I know that I have the space and the funds to go bigger, and bigger I shall go. As this isn't going to be a cage in the middle of a herp room, this is most likely going to be a big display enclosure in my living room.
Thanks a lot, I've long admired your pictures of your black roughnecks, but they get a little too big for me. Keep pictures of those little guys coming.

Thanks again,
Ian

We are currently house our trio of black tree monitors in a Habitat Systems cage that measures 6' wide x 3' deep x 6' high complete with natural rock background (forming many crevices that the monitors love to wedge into as well as ledges that serve as additional basking areas), misting system, uv lights, basking spots, lots of vertically and horizontally mounted branches, cork tubes (another item the monitors love to hide in), tons of plastic plants to provided additional security, a deep substrate (right now we are using cypress mulch, however, we will probably be adding a soil/sand mixture as a base, and a large shallow water pan that also doubles as a hide box due to the knotches on the side (these pans are used in raptor centers but work amazingly well for various herps).

In your case, just keep an eye on your lizards and observe their daily behaviors. They should be active but they should also spend a considerable amount of time resting on the branches. Feeding response will also be a good indicator for how they are adjusting. We feed our's various insects (dusting twice weekly with Minerall Indoor OR RepCal/Herptivite), fuzzy/hopper sized mice and 1-day old quail. Hope this helps.

Thanks a lot for the information. I'm hoping to use roaches and a large amount of fuzzies, as I can't stand crickets and the others are more readily available.

Sorry to hear about the bite you received from the beccarii, I've heard some horror stories from a friend who has an absolutely vicious female black tree. Atleast from that experience you've helped to educate some other people....and have put the fear of God into me about handling my black trees. Too bad it was at your expense.

Would you suggest that I install a UV light? I know that it can't hurt...and I'll probably put one in eventually, but do you think it's necessary that it be put in before the animals arrive?
Thanks again,

Ian