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I just aquired a new CBB Dumeril's monitor. I wanted opinions on my setup. I have him housed in a 20L with a basking spot of 102F and cooler side between 85-90F. I am using cypress mulch and sphagnum moss for substrate I also have a bowl big enough for him to submerge. I have a branch for him to climb and deep substrate for diggig and a hidding spot (cork bark). The guy I bought him from says he is on a diet of crickets mealworms snails fish and once in a while cat food. He is a little skitish and hisses and whips his tail I think he should get used to me with a littlew handling each day. If anyone can contibute something I have forgoten please let me know. I am open to criticism and suggestions..

Thanks..

CivA

Sphagnum moss can carry a fungus (Sporothrix schenckii)
This fungus can cause some nasty skin infections when exposed to open wounds or scratches (starts off looking like a small pimple or boil which eventually open up to look like little ulcers on occasion this infection can spread to the lungs )I know of at least one tegu that developed a fungus from using sphagnum in its hidebox so monitors can most likely develop it also .

An orchid breeder I know told me to boil it before using it or to only handle it with gloves on .

You can find out more about it on the CDC website http://www.cdc.gov

Stella St.Pierre
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Stella St.Pierre
www.bluetegu.com

Sounds like your setup is perfect.
I only keep this species of monitor for their docile nature.
Whipping of the tail is very normal, with all the hissing.
I would change the moss to cypress mulch or a bark mulch. They also seem to like to dig around in the mulch to.
Just my .02 cents
Good luck, and let's see some pic's
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Greg Holland
G&M HERPS
www.imageevent.com/gmherps
gmherps@sbcglobal.net