Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have the cage all set up and ready to go. The ackie is being delivered overnight, but just wanted to see how I should go about handling the acclimation process. For instance, should I just open up the package and put it right in the cage at full temp, should I handle it at all, or try to feed it right away? I really don't know. Is there anything that I should specifically look out for?

Put the animal in the cage at full temp. It will decide whether to warm up or go hide and cool down or whatever. As long as it has several choices (70's-90's ambients and 130 basking with lots of shelters in all temp zones) it will decide on it's own. I always like to try and feed the first day with all my new animals. Doesn't have to be a huge meal either. Just something to test the responses of your new charge. If it eats right away, AWESOME! If not, leave it alone for a day or two and just observe. When the activity levels come up, try again. I would not handle at all for the time being. Give it some time to adjust first. If all goes well for a few weeks, then you might want to start some familiarity sessions with your new monitor. Good luck, I'm sure others will chime in with other suggestions as well. Billy

>>I have the cage all set up and ready to go. The ackie is being delivered overnight, but just wanted to see how I should go about handling the acclimation process. For instance, should I just open up the package and put it right in the cage at full temp, should I handle it at all, or try to feed it right away? I really don't know. Is there anything that I should specifically look out for?