Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Okay so Im taking in this unwanted bosc.He is around a foot long(maybe a bit bigger) and in a 40 gallon breeder tank.Missing a few toes but otherwise looks healthy.I havent actually seen the lizard in person only pics of it.It was left behind from someone who moved and the roommate didnt even know that it was a monitor(thought it was a bluetongue)he just wants it gone.

Ive will be picking him up Wednesday.
Ive been packing my brain with all the info I can find.I do know about the huge enclosure needs and the dirt and hot basking sites etc.

Okay so what about UVB? I see its a debated issue.Should I buy one or not? What about Calcium supplements? I do put some on my iggies food twice a week through winter.Do Savies need it too?
What about keeping the savie outside in summer would that be an option and would that provide enough UVB to last the rest of the year? My ig has an outdoor enclosure already but is not a digger so not sure how to build an escape proof for a sav.
I can see I will need advice when I start building, from looking at pics they seem like pretty agile climbers too when they want to be.

Should I get a fecal done?
Should I order roaches or is he too big for insects now? The guy said he has been feeding it mice and boiled eggs.
I really want to do right by this little guy, tame or not.Ive always admired Savannah monitors, they have the coolest dinosaur faces.

Hi, yes, I would get a faecal check done. As far as offering UVB exposure ("real" or artificial), it`s been proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that captive Varanids (when properly supported) can live long, healthy and productive lives. Having said that, there`s no evidence to suggest UVB bulbs/tubes are harmful if used according to the manufacturers instructions (the choice is yours).
If you choose to include vertebrate prey in the diet on a regular basis, no supplementation is needed (other than offering a little extra calcium if you have a gravid female).