Question for the forum: Have a ~1.5 year old savannah. Did not know the sex of the animal until (she?) suddenly blew up like a football and began wandering oddly around the enclosure - as if looking for something. That was middle last week. Unusual behavior for this particular animal - unfortunately what is also unusual behavior is digging. I've never seen the animal dig or show interest therein - even though there is enough dirt and playsand in the enclosure to sink a good sized boat.

The animal is 36" total length. She has not come in contact with other monitors - not sufficient for breeding anyway.

As of yesterday - the tail base shows a noticeable decrease in mass. The quantity the animal will eat at one time has also decreased. Eating and crapping - but in smaller quantities. My guess is she is searching for a place to lay unfertilized eggs - and the reduced appetite is a function of pressure on her stomach. Our vet is out until Tuesday - and I'm starting to become concerned. Not sure the vet would be a big help for this anyway.

Any reason to believe the animal may not be gravid?
Why isn't the animal digging out a nest?
The more important question is: What should a proper savannah nest consist of?

Perhaps the enclosure lacks these ingredients.

Thanks -