I'm glad you didn't take offense to my post. Just try to keep an open mind about it for the sav's sake, not mine or yours.

It's not excessive walks that's bad for it, it's the stress of being handled, period. But I'll not hammer you about it, I think you'll keep these things in the back of your mind because you want to do the right thing.


"I'm sure you have had a big python or two crawling freely in the house before. (Most python fans do at some point)"

I've got & had several pythons, among other snakes & lizards. 40yrs of reptile keeping, but never allowed one to free-roam for anything more than a few minutes of exercise. Boids and varanids are a world apart, especially as far as human interaction goes.

Our homes aren't suitable for free-roaming reptiles. Reptiles do best with a continuos temperature gradient so they can cool off or warm up at free will. Plus, the humidity is too low in most homes, for a lot of reptiles, especially savs. That's why the other sav you mentioned defecated in the tub, it was dehydrated and sought out water. I'm glad to see that you're keeping that sav in an enclosure.

Like you, I've heard both sides of the arguments. The things I've mentioned here in this thread come solely from my personal experimentation. Explore for yourself. These magnificient creatures know what they need and they will tell us. We just have to be able to interpret what they're saying. It's not always easy but it can be done. Become one with your captives, try to think like they do. They don't think like we do.

Take care & I'll see ya around.

Mike
-----
Due to political correctness run amuck,
this ol' hillbilly is now referred to as an:
Appalachian American


www.natures-signature.com

[ Show Entire Thread ]