Ornate Nile Monitors

[Dr. Antfarm]

I have just purchased a juvenile Ornate Nile, and was wondering what the best substrate to use for them is? Also, I have also read that UVB isn't essential, I interested in hearing some thoughts on this. Thanks

[asphyxia]

I use dirt for all my monitors.

I remember when I first decided to get a monitor, man, It took me 2 weeks to set up the cage, between lighting correctly, getting the Basking temps correct making a stack, and playing with dirt, sand and clay mix all PRIOR, to putting the animal in.

What are you planning to feed it?


Cheers
Brian

[Dr. Antfarm]

The Ornate hasen't arrived yet. I've got a week or so. I'll feed it a variety of things, from small rodents, chicks, fish, crickets, hard boiled eggs every now and then, the usual.

[bear24]

Best of luck. The monitor will be quite a handful. Use sodium bulbs they produce UVA/UVB and heat.

[Dr. Antfarm]

The monitor will be quite a handful

That's what I'm expecting. It's a good thing I'm used to dealing with reptiles that are just that.

[reptiguy123]

I like your attitude! Good luck!:)

[Dr. Antfarm]

Thanks. I've delt with some pretty aggressive Retics, so I'm not easily intimidated by reptiles. I'm also used to aggression so, I'm looking forward to new challenges. I'll let everyone know when he gets here. I'll post some pics.

[Linds]

Monitors, as well as other carnivorous reptiles, do not require UVB lighting as long as they are being adequately supplied with dietary sources of vitamin d3 (whole prey items such as rodents, insects dusted with a cal/d3 supplement). They should be provided with a basking light however during the daytime.

A few previous discussions regarding the topic of artifical UV lighting that may be of interest...

http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=44837&highlight=lighting

http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=27474

[Dr. Antfarm]

Thanks very much Linds!