Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello
I have a few questions about your black tree set up. How often does your mister "rain maker" go on and for how long?
RObert

Hi there robert..

My misting system is periodically set to different durations/frequencies throughout the year, depending on what "season" i decide to put them through. While some may argue that tree monitors do not need a rain cycle to 'kick' them into reproduction mode, I have found through experimenting with my animals, that an increase in rainfall appears to be a catalyst to their reproductive behaviors.

I never let the humidity in my enclosures dip below 70%. I feel that this is important.. I have seen tree monitors, particularly Black Trees, who have been in captivity for three or four years, but still have bulging hip bones, due to a lack of proper humidity levels.... the ol' glass aquarium, screen top bit...

During my 'dry' season, humidity levels, average in the lower 70% area, whereas when I have my "wet" season, humidity reaches up into the upper 80's and lower 90's.

Here is a chart from the paper I am working on for V. macraei-it is for a ten month period. Of course, as my husbandry with them, as well as my other captives, is always changing, I have since altered my misting schedules, therefore this year's data will not match last years, with regards to the lengths of dry and wet seasons, and frequencies of these 'seasons'.

If you are not concerned with breeding them right now, I would have their misting cycle set up so that it would give them at least a brief misting during the middle of the day, to allow drinking, and to make sure humidity stays up in the 70%'s or 80's...

I hope this helps a bit... Like I said, there is no definate cylce you must follow.. You must learn from your animals what they like and need, and dislike and don't need... It is one great learning curve, which can be both exciting and frustrating...So get in, grab on, and hold on for the long ride ahead of you... It can sure be a rollercoaster....hahaha

Take care, have a great day, good luck with your captives...

Bob
The Odatriad

sorry about that.. I sure do have a habit of posting threads without their pics..hahaha oh well...

have a good one...