Baby Savannah Tank.. Need advice!

[sSNAKESs.com]

Hey guys... so here is the tank ill be putting the baby into.. There is a deep burrow which actually goes down into the botom that is a half log covered with substrate and then i dug it down into the bottom so he can dig around in there and it wont collapse and it should stay nice and moist with a few mistings, the substrate is about 4" deep on the thin side and like 10" where its deeper. I used sand i know people say its no good but i wont be feeding him crickets so ingestion shouldnt be that bad ill use a big bowl when i feed the worms and rodents. I can get the basking to 150 degrees if you guys say thats the best. I have a 4 x 2 x 2 empty for when he starts growing and ill probably use some kind of soil / mulch substrate in there.. let me know if this setup looks ok for a "baby" savannah :) thanks guys!

http://www.ssnakess.com/photopost/data/502/1savtank-med.jpg

[Jeff_Favelle]

The 150F basking spot is essential, but its also imperative that there's a 75-80F spot for the monitor to be in as well. I hope that cage is big enough for that type of gradient. Also, is that fine sand? Not sure if that stuff works with Savannas? Jon will know. I think plain old dirt is best.

Other than that, all looks well.

[sSNAKESs.com]

Should i put him in the 4 x 2 x 2 right away?? i mean it will be like 6"

[Jeff_Favelle]

Don't they hatch out bigger than that?

I do know that the hatchlings don't need the super-high basking temperatures that the adults need. I think 105-120F is the recommended basking temps for juveniles.

I think the cage will be fine if you can get the proper gadient. Easiest way to do this would be to nix any under the tank heaters you have and just put a spot bulb on a rock or brick AWAY from the hollow log area you have. Instant gradient. I'd also get away from that screen top man. That's gonna create a beef-jerky machine. Solid tops are best for monitors.

[Jeff_Favelle]

Hey man, go here for some GREAT housing tips. These guys are the pros man. They don't mess around and alot of them have revolutionized monitor husbandry. Check it out, it will definitely be worth your while.........


http://www.varanus.net/faq/housing.htm