Meet Chomper - Our Savannah

[infernalis]

We picked up Chomper as a hatchling and have raised him as a member of the family.

He is a really cool lizard, and we love him a bunch.

Here he is in the living room with Dorothy and Ace (our cockapoo)

http://www.reptard.info/chomp/chompdot.jpg

http://www.reptard.info/chomp/chompster.jpg

http://www.reptard.info/chomp/chomp1.jpg

We have been taking his picture now for 2 years, so I will post more Chomper soon!

[marvelfreak]

Nice looking savannah! I had two that i got on a trade that where flat out evil. When raise right can be true babies i hear. Anyway cool savannah.

[infernalis]

Chomper has only ever turned on me once, and that was my fault.

When a monitor has a hissy fit, step back and let them!

[Freebody]

wow hes real nice looking :)

[mary10]

oh he is so cute and looks like he has a great personality!

[siz]

HAHA love that first picture! Looks like he's KO'd hahaha. He looks good :) We have a sav but he's still just a little guy. I've worked with older ones before that have been absolute dolls. How old is he? What's your diet for him?

[infernalis]

Chomper is 2 1/2 years old.

Primary diet, rodents (mice and rat pups, F/t & live) , Roaches (Dubia) and raw venison as an occasional treat.

[reptile king]

thats a really nice looking savannah, i have a male asian waster monitor, hes only a baby still about 12inches ling, but growing well

[infernalis]

warm weather equals long strolls in the yard. Every living creature that Chomper sees gets eaten while he is out. Worms, grubs, grasshoppers....

He loves to dig in the dirt too.

http://www.mypetforums.com/buck/chomp.jpg

[marvelfreak]

Nice pic! I love outdoor pics they always look so cool. I just took a bunch of my snake outdoors yesterday.

[shaunyboy]

totally awsome mate.he's gorgeous everytime i see him i just cant help myself from having a big daft looking grin fom ear to ear.
cheers shaun

[infernalis]

new Chomper pics...

http://www.reptard.info/today/chomp.jpg

http://www.reptard.info/today/chomp2.jpg

http://www.reptard.info/today/chompboot.jpg

http://www.reptard.info/today/chompdash.jpg

[LISA127]

He's adoreable!

[Lankyrob]

That is a lovely boy you got there!!

[dragunov.762]

i like the pic where his head is in the boot. i want one.

[infernalis]

Now that the weather is nice and hot, he gets a lot of outside time.

I think the fresh air and exercise are good for him.

[Lankyrob]

i like the pic where his head is in the boot. i want one.

The boot?? Or the Sav??:):):)

[shaunyboy]

the boot and dashboard of your car are brilliant mate,got me laughing my head off.he's the man .....!!!
cheers shaun

[dragunov.762]

i want the boot of course what would i do with a monitor lol.

[infernalis]

i want the boot of course what would i do with a monitor lol.

http://www.reptard.info/today/laughing.gif

[Nafun]

The pet store here has savannah monitors now... about 6 inches long, they're cute little buggers. It breaks my heart to know they'll get adopted by someone unprepared for 4 feet of ravenous carnivore. I'd have bought one to save it from the fate if I didn't already have a tegu reserved from a breeder. Wife says one giant lizard is the limit.

[infernalis]

It guts me every time I see baby savs in pet stores....

[Paradise]

Very cool undeniably the most intelligent reptile ever not mention awesome. I want to get a pair but that must wait a while. MY wife is scared of them... alot.
very nice pics brother

[infernalis]

Very cool undeniably the most intelligent reptile ever not mention awesome. I want to get a pair but that must wait a while. MY wife is scared of them... alot.
very nice pics brother


Thank you for the compliment.

Keep working on the wife, hopefully she will have a change of heart one day.

[shaunyboy]

Thank you for the compliment.

Keep working on the wife, hopefully she will have a change of heart one day.


id have to agree with that statment.my wife could not look at my first snake never mind handle it.after years of helping me give med's to my carpets she now wants her own garter project to work with.im sure once your wifes seen the pic's of chomper with his family she'll melt pretty quick.
cheers shaun

[emseeKAY]

i love savs, however i dont have the room for one right now, i know that some say they have a temper but how often do you take chomper out and whatnot? are tegu's similar?

[infernalis]

we try and take Chomper outside as often as possible when the weather is hot enough.

I also always let him out of his cage at feeding time.

we let him free roam the house a bit too.

He has gotten angry before, he opens up his mouth and hisses.

The worst thing he has ever done to me is a tail whip that hurt like hell.

[emseeKAY]

lol id assume that would hurt, how often does he get pissy? I think its really amazing that he's so well integrated with the family and whatnot, how is he for with the dogs? haha sorry for all the questions, these guys just interest me

[infernalis]

The only time he ever gets "pissy" is when he wants to do something and we stop him.

If I bring him back into the house when he wants to stay outside, he gets really cranky.

The dogs know enough to stay back, he has taken over their food dishes before and the dogs surrender to him, but never to each other.

The only time he ever scared me, he pulled the leash out of my hand and took off on a full speed run, I caught up to him and grabbed the leash, this yanked on him and he turned on me. Mouth wide open, hissing and ready to take me apart.

He calmed back down within a few minutes though.

[emseeKAY]

thats good, quite the personality they have then eh? lol cant wait for some more pics in the future!

[.: Laura :.]

I would give anything to have the space for one, although my other half would not be impressed.. Tried to warm him towards Tegus and still no dice :sad:

[Nafun]

Go to www.varnyard-herps.com They've got a bunch of tegu videos showing just how tame they get. Show your better half the videos, they're full of tegus begging for attention like dogs.

[Jenn_06]

Awwwww chomper is so cute...i love sav, i have one name Jojo

[infernalis]

Awwwww chomper is so cute...i love sav, i have one name Jojo


Do you have any pics?? love pics around here...

[Jenn_06]

yeah i do ill post some up in a new post

[infernalis]

Cool looking forward to it. ;)

[infernalis]

Took Chomper outside for a while today...

Silly lizard ate a whole bunch of Japanese beetles and a live crayfish from the creek.

Then got wicked mad when we brought him back in the house.

[Freebody]

hehe sound like chomper is just like a little kid that didnt want to leave the park :)

[infernalis]

he was still hunting beetles.

It was cool watching him chomp that big crayfish, then he even ate the claws!

Chomp loves it out back, I just wish I could build him a huge pen out there and let him roam more freely.

[Jay]

when your sav sheds is it all at once ?
or just bits

[infernalis]

it flakes off in chunks... That's normal for most lizards.

[infernalis]

Giving this one a bump for the new folks..... (by request)

[serpentshideawa]

man i wish i could get one of these guys but with my luck id end up with the meanest lil s.o.b. around but would still be a nice addition i think just gotta get the room and more knowledge on them i think

[infernalis]

Living in Texas, you could build an outdoor enclosure easy enough.

Just make sure you dig down about 3 feet and pour a slab, then put the dirt back.

[serpentshideawa]

Yea not my property so doubt id be able to do that on top of we do get cold temps in my area during winter i have thought about that though

[Jenn_06]

when we move back to NC we are going to make ours a outdoor cage and on cold days he just has to stay inside.

[infernalis]

I always feel bad for chomper in the winter, we take him outside all the time when the weather is nice, but the poor guy has to stay in the house about 130 days a year.

[edens]

yup winter sucks :-) except for the skiing and skating and tubing etc. building snowmen...and i gotta tell you snowball fights were never as much fun as they are now! its the cold brrrrr im freezing now actually the only room we keep really well heated is the one with the snake hehehehe love the pics and thanks for introducing me to chomper!

[infernalis]

found some pics from summer that I never posted...

http://www.danceswithreptiles.com/herp/chomper.jpg

http://www.danceswithreptiles.com/herp/profile.jpg

http://www.danceswithreptiles.com/herp/standing.jpg

http://www.danceswithreptiles.com/herp/hiding.jpg

[Lankyrob]

He is soooooooo cute Wayne, i really hope i have the opportunity to keep one of these guys in the future.

[infernalis]

Thanks Rob...

I do want to take a moment to point out, that photo of Chomper eating the mouse is over a year old.

I stopped breeding mice and it has been over a year since I even let chomper near a mouse.

There is just too much data against that practice for me to ignore and continue feeding mice.

[infernalis]

Yesterday was the first day this year that was warm enough, so Chomper got to go outside for about 45 minutes. I really didn't want to let his body temps drop too much.

I took some night crawlers out and occasionally would toss one on the ground near his head so he could "hunt", all in all we had some fun.

No matter how much I see this, I always love watching the way these amazing lizards walk, his body sways left to right as he swings his bum back and forth, tongue sampling the air constantly.. the slightest sounds drawing his attention.

Hard to believe he's 4 years old already.. time goes so fast.

[shaunyboy]

Yesterday was the first day this year that was warm enough, so Chomper got to go outside for about 45 minutes. I really didn't want to let his body temps drop too much.

I took some night crawlers out and occasionally would toss one on the ground near his head so he could "hunt", all in all we had some fun.

No matter how much I see this, I always love watching the way these amazing lizards walk, his body sways left to right as he swings his bum back and forth, tongue sampling the air constantly.. the slightest sounds drawing his attention.

did you get any pictures of him mate ?

i love to see the big guy out and about

cheers shaun

[infernalis]

did you get any pictures of him mate ?

i love to see the big guy out and about

cheers shaun

Nope, there was a light rain, not the best for digital equipment.

[Freebody]

he looks so awsome! i seen the thread up with your name as last posted, and I clicked hoping for more pics :)

[stephanbakir]

I want to see a vid of Chomper taking on a chicken egg, it's fun to watch them eat raw and boiled eggs lol.

[Max713]

He's a gorgeous Sav! Would you mind throwin up some enclosure pics/specs? Before I got my Tegu, I was planning on a Sav.

[infernalis]

I want to see a vid of Chomper taking on a chicken egg, it's fun to watch them eat raw and boiled eggs lol.

Sorry. I have chosen not to include chicken eggs as part of his diet.

[stephanbakir]

no worries, plenty of other entertaining food out there.

[Max713]

Nothing for me Wayne? haha

[infernalis]

Nothing for me Wayne? haha


Yes, but I'm juggling a few things around right now.

be patient ;)

[TeaNinja]

someday i want wayne to send me an awesome morph baby *whistles*

[bo2as]

I had an anole for 3 hears before she passed away.

Currently have a Leo and a Savannah Monitor.

Have been looking into getting a Tokay, they look so cool.

Ive had two of these guys.. didnt keep them for long tho.. first of all i didnt really have the space and second they are VISCIOUS lol. they would "bark" every time i would pass in front of them. also they killed a mouse.. sort of tag teamed it (i had twoa male and female)they threw it around and bashed it like a toy. THEN they didnt even eat it lol. im more of a cuddly type hehe. but they are pretty interessting and gorgeous :)

[stephanbakir]

Savs can be cute and cuddley lol, Wayne's is cute as hell and my cousins comes out of its viv and "plays" with the dogs toys

[sickvenom]

i had a savannah that would pin it's rat down, rip open the stomach and eat the insides, then eat the carcass. pretty interesting to watch, actually.

[infernalis]

i had a savannah that would pin it's rat down, rip open the stomach and eat the insides, then eat the carcass. pretty interesting to watch, actually.

I don't feed mine rodents..

[Max713]

I don't feed mine rodents..

Because you are a knowledgeable and responsible owner :)

[infernalis]

Thanks.......

[TeaNinja]

someday i want wayne to send me an awesome morph baby *whistles*

cough....cough cough cough

[stephanbakir]

cough....cough cough cough

/taps back and checks the ninja's vitals

[Max713]

How about some more pics Wayne?

(In effort to get the thread back on track :) )

[infernalis]

I have some recent ones, but on the laptop, I'll move them and upload today.

[Max713]

Lookin' forward to it!

[infernalis]

Notice I moved the argument to the correct thread?

[belovedboas]

he's gorgeous and huge lol the fourth pic down is priceless hes got somethings head in his mouth hahaha and the boot one is adorable:)

[Max713]

Notice I moved the argument to the correct thread?

Indeed :yes:

[chydro]

beautiful reptile. could you please post more pics?

[infernalis]

I'll take the flash drive back and dump the ones on the laptop right now.

[infernalis]

http://www.thamnophis.us/chomp/chomp1.jpg

http://www.thamnophis.us/chomp/chomp2.jpg

http://www.thamnophis.us/chomp/chomp3.jpg

[Max713]

Gotta love chomper!

[infernalis]

He can be a handful at times, he's as inquisitive as a child, and seems as energetic as one too.

He just turned 4 years old. the package arrived here on 4/20/2008 with the baby monitor in it.

[TeaNinja]

haha, he's gettin big :)

[Little Wise Owl]

He's a cutie. :)

[infernalis]

He's full size now, the loose looking skin underneath is normal, they inflate themselves to look bigger, and flatten down for more surface area while basking.

[Lankyrob]

MAn he is BEAUTIFUL - everytime i see his pics it makes me want one more!! Godaamit lottery win - hurry up and come!!! :) :) :)

[Gungirl]

I'm falling in love with this guy! I could only imagian what my family would say if I got one... they don't even come visit because of the snakes..lol I have to say you have opened my eyes to a fantastic animal and let the research begin. I gotta know more now ( to see if its something I could have some day!)

Kat

[infernalis]

Kat, all the research you will ever need has already been posted right here on ssnakess, I swear that if you read all the misinformation out there, you will ultimately get confused, there is a lot of "know it alls" who have conflicting ideas.

[bighog85]

I'm just waitin for him to take a big dumper on the bed. You'd just have to get a new mattress at that point...no comin back from that, lol.

[infernalis]

I'm just waitin for him to take a big dumper on the bed. You'd just have to get a new mattress at that point...no comin back from that, lol.


He dumped down the front of me before, and on my feet once.. No stranger to that Brian..

I almost puked the day he dumped down the front of me.

[bighog85]

He dumped down the front of me before, and on my feet once.. No stranger to that Brian..

I almost puked the day he dumped down the front of me.

Ya it's not fun at all. I had to move my little salvator into a new enclosure a few months ago and he did not like that at all. Of course he pooped on me and for such a little animal, it pretty much ruined my day, lol. It smelled SO bad!

[infernalis]

Chomper was already 3 years old when he "got me" so it was a huge load.

[Freebody]

lol everytime i read about a monitor, "getting their owner" i cant help but to lauph, the smell is somthing you need to smell to get the full aroma, to believe isnt it LOL. had a question for you wayne, was your save a walking eatting machine as a little one, mine hisses and tail whips, which hits himself and he blames it on me for it im sure :P but he is always biting, he will bite everything, even stuff that dont fit in his mouth, and inaniment objects like water, food bowls... but it really does not seem to be agressive bites, more like food biting if that makes sence to you? yesterday for the first time i opened the door to his cage and he ran to the front, seen my dogs,3 ran out of the cage and tried to eat them, my save is no more that 8" or so long lol no fear at all, and everytime he looks at me you can tell hes thinking of a way to get part of me in his little mouth lol it really does not seem aggresive once again. the tail whips and what not are short lived and usually only when i startle him, then its like it never happened 2 sec later, unless he hits his own face like most times then he looks at me and hisses like what did i do that for lol great pets!

[infernalis]

This is normal juvenile behaviour and your monitor will grow out of it.

They a pre-programmed by instinct to be "eating machines" when young, In the wild a small animal is more vulnerable (to attacks and being eaten) than an adult so they are in a hurry to get big.

They calm down quite a bit when they get bigger, since they command respect.. Think about it for a moment, if you were a bird the size of a raven, a baby sav would make a tasty meal. An adult Savannah would be a formidable adversary, so you would leave it alone and look elsewhere for a meal.

[Freebody]

nice, i was thinking it would be this way, thats why i asked just to be sure. my little guy is getting better, i tell him No when he giving me the looks and he does seem to understand a few word, he knows his name thats for sure, if i call him in his cage, he will run to the glass door, they are so smart :)

[infernalis]

I saw a demonstration of a monitor responding to voice commands for treats once.

[Freebody]

nice, i read they are smart enouph to learn about 5 words, its all i use when handling mine, i use his name and tell him come, he does do it a bit, but its more him just following my hands atm lol, i tell him no when hes looking at me with the about to take a bite look and he does listen from time to time, and after i tell good boy when he goes back to being inquisitive and not looking like hes getting ready to bite again, the bigger he gets the calmer he is becoming that is for sure. i interact with him every day :)

[Gungirl]

Kat, all the research you will ever need has already been posted right here on ssnakess, I swear that if you read all the misinformation out there, you will ultimately get confused, there is a lot of "know it alls" who have conflicting ideas.

I have no doubt at all about that! I don't see me being ready for an animal like that for a long time if ever. I wish that I could but I just don't see me being able to have the time for such a great pet. I envy you and your dedication to him!

[infernalis]

He spent nearly all day back by the creek eating slugs, snails and worms.

He threw a tantrum when we brought him back in the house, he was all puffed up and hissing at us. Soon as he got in his cage, he parked it right under the basking lamps and went to sleep.

Look close on his snout, you can see the orange slime from the big slugs he was eating.

http://www.reptard.info/sav/sav1.jpg

http://www.reptard.info/sav/sav2.jpg

http://www.reptard.info/sav/sav3.jpg

http://www.reptard.info/sav/sav4.jpg

http://www.reptard.info/sav/sav5.jpg

http://www.reptard.info/sav/sav6.jpg

[stephanbakir]

Fantastic looking sav as always :)

[Wolfus_305]

awww he's so cute! looks like he had a great day outside!!

[infernalis]

While he was having fun, I was getting sunburn.

[Max713]

Love it! Can't wait til Kimo is big enough to take outside.

Pretty funny that chomper let you know just how much he hated being back inside haha.

[infernalis]

I really want to build him an outside enclosure back at our summer camp.. Then he can stay out there with us.

[Max713]

I really want to build him an outside enclosure back at our summer camp.. Then he can stay out there with us.

Now that would cool!
God knows Kimo will have his own outside living space once I have my own backyard. I don't think my apartment complex would appreciate a giant lizard living in the yard during the day ;)

[infernalis]

I lived in one of those before (apartment complex), I moved out quick.

Psst... I lived in a trailer park once too, don't tell anyone. ;)

[Max713]

I lived in one of those before (apartment complex), I moved out quick.

Psst... I lived in a trailer park once too, don't tell anyone. ;)

I wish it were that easy for me, I'm no where near being able to afford to rent a house, and I'm really picky when it comes to room-mates. Fortunately I have pretty decent neighbors here.
I've been in some really nice trailer parks, my dad actually owned one for a while. Nothing wrong with living in one I'd say.
How does chomper do on a leash? I imagine it's kind of a let him go where he wants to go?

[infernalis]

I wish it were that easy for me, I'm no where near being able to afford to rent a house, and I'm really picky when it comes to room-mates. Fortunately I have pretty decent neighbors here.
I've been in some really nice trailer parks, my dad actually owned one for a while. Nothing wrong with living in one I'd say.
How does chomper do on a leash? I imagine it's kind of a let him go where he wants to go?

Yes, no steering or anything. The leash is only there to prevent escape.

I had a blast at the trailer park, I was a young 22 year old and the trailer park was full of young ladies.:cool: (and one crazy cougar mom)

[Max713]

Yes, no steering or anything. The leash is only there to prevent escape.

I had a blast at the trailer park, I was a young 22 year old and the trailer park was full of young ladies.:cool: (and one crazy cougar mom)

I can imagine... Man us reptile types are weird, letting lizards lead us around the country side... ha.


Thank god for cougars!

[blindfireak40]

Lol how do you manage to get him back in? Just pick him up and hope for the best or what?

[infernalis]

Lol how do you manage to get him back in? Just pick him up and hope for the best or what?

Just pick him up and do not display any fear.

The second you let an animal think you are not the "boss" they will capitalize on it.

he knows what "Stop it" means. (I think, he hears it enough)

[marvelfreak]

Sweet pictures Wayne. Nothing wrong with trailer parks i live in one for 5 years after me and the first wife split.

[Little Wise Owl]

He looks great :)

So nice seeing a happy, healthy monitor.

[Gungirl]

He is beautiful!!!! You are sooo lucky to be able to have such a great animal for company!!

[infernalis]

as promised.. down at the creek last week.

http://www.thamnophis.us/DB2011/chomp1.jpg

http://www.thamnophis.us/DB2011/chomp2.jpg

The snails must be tastier on the other side.......

http://www.thamnophis.us/DB2011/chomp3.jpg

[millertime89]

That's one happy looking Sav, I would love to get one some day.

[shaunyboy]

chomper looking good as always

looks like a wee dinosuar in those pictures mate

cheers shaun

[ladyjustice33]

Awww.....we need a post "lizards on leashes"!!! That has to be the cutest thing I've seen in a while!! Makes me want one, but I'm not qualifed in any way to take care of one. I'd have to do a lot of research and get a bigger house first, lol!!!

[UwabamiReptiles]

Great looking sav Wayne. Its really nice to see someone taking good care of a sav. I've always seen them with people that have them in too small of a cage and never take them out or anything. Chomper looks like he's living the dream.

[Gungirl]

Seeing these pictures makes me want to come visit you..lol He looks like such a tame puppy

[infernalis]

Great looking sav Wayne. Its really nice to see someone taking good care of a sav. I've always seen them with people that have them in too small of a cage and never take them out or anything. Chomper looks like he's living the dream.

Thanks.. it's the only way. I'd be gutted if he died from poor husbandry.

Funny thing is, he's been around that creek forever, this is the first time he ever jumped in.

[unknownclown]

thats awesome!

[stephanbakir]

Love lookin at chompers pics :)

[Lankyrob]

I think wayne should post Chomper pic of the day EVERY day, all of his pics always make me smile. ;) :)

[Jay]

I'm curious. Why did you choose the name "Chomper"

[millertime89]

I'm curious. Why did you choose the name "Chomper"

land before time! DUH!

[infernalis]

land before time! DUH!

Thanks!! When he was a baby, whenever he slammed crickets, I couldn't help but think "chomp Chomp chomp"

http://images.wikia.com/landbeforetime/images/f/f0/Chomper.png

[Jay]

Too funny I guess great minds do think alike.

[marvelfreak]

as promised.. down at the creek last week.
http://www.thamnophis.us/DB2011/chomp3.jpg
I love that picture. I bet he was in heaven getting to swim in in the creek?

[millertime89]

watched that all the time when I was younger, still watch it on vhs when my younger cousins come to visit my parent's house for holidays from time to time.

[infernalis]

I love that picture. I bet he was in heaven getting to swim in in the creek?

I assume, he went in all on his own, just after I took the picture, he raised up his tail and clouded up the water.. The sound FX were "bubbly":eek: Something about water that makes reptiles deficate?

watched that all the time when I was younger, still watch it on vhs when my younger cousins come to visit my parent's house for holidays from time to time.

My oldest daughter took the VHS tapes, she plays them to my grand kids.

[Freebody]

HE IS AWSOME! I have been waiting a long time to see some undated shots, very nice wayne :)

[infernalis]

Chomper has amazing memory.. We had him outside today, and he went to the same spot all on his own, and today the creek was up from some rain we had last night.

He went to the bank, jumped off and swam like an alligator to the other side, forcing me to jump in behind him fully clothed.

If you look close at the other water shot, he is walking in very shallow water, that water is about 14-16 inches deep today.

At least I had shorts on this time.

He knows where that spot is on the property, and he knows how to get there, all I had to do was follow him.

[Kayla90]

He's got such magnificent eyes.

[Gungirl]

Haha thats great Wayne!

[infernalis]

Never really thought about it until now, he's been roaming this property since he was a juvenile, so that's 5 years of memorizing the place.

[Ch^4]

What a great looking monitor! Someday...

[shaunyboy]

ALL amazing pictures of my wee lizard pal wayne

picture 4 where he is chewing a stalk of grass like its a toothpick is my favorite

he's an awsome looking beasty mate.....!!!

cheers shaun

[shaunyboy]

Chomper has amazing memory.. We had him outside today, and he went to the same spot all on his own, and today the creek was up from some rain we had last night.

He went to the bank, jumped off and swam like an alligator to the other side, forcing me to jump in behind him fully clothed.

If you look close at the other water shot, he is walking in very shallow water, that water is about 14-16 inches deep today.

At least I had shorts on this time.

He knows where that spot is on the property, and he knows how to get there, all I had to do was follow him.

he looks right at home in the water with his legs tucked in,stealthily slipping through with barely a ripple

nice pctures mate

cheers shaun

[presspirate]

My wife and I are planning on making the trip next summer. Hopefully we can meet chomper in person.

[infernalis]

Later on I will post the video I made today.. chomper went swimming, and a big water snake just happened to show up. Great fun.


http://www.reptard.info/tuday/chomp1.jpg

http://www.reptard.info/tuday/chomp2.jpg

http://www.reptard.info/tuday/chomp3.jpg

http://www.reptard.info/tuday/chomp4.jpg

A bug ran up the tree

http://www.reptard.info/tuday/chomp5.jpg

Look in the mirror of the truck..

http://www.reptard.info/tuday/chomp6.jpg

[Lankyrob]

Chomper rules!!! Without doubt my favourite reptile in the world!,

[infernalis]

Too bad it takes so long for youtube uploads...

[Little Wise Owl]

http://www.reptard.info/tuday/chomp6.jpg

This picture is so cute!

What happened to the water snake? lol

[infernalis]

the water snake is wild and free, so I left her that way.. she went up the bank and hid.

[infernalis]

http://www.reptard.info/tuday/chomp7.jpg

http://www.reptard.info/tuday/chomp8.jpg

http://www.reptard.info/tuday/chomp9.jpg

http://www.reptard.info/tuday/chompa.jpg

[stephanbakir]

Awesome pics man.

[youngster]

I love savs, look like dinosaurs :D

[infernalis]

9Ab-Rohb7L4

[stephanbakir]

Awesome water snake, we will upload pics of ours in a few days after they shed :)

[presspirate]

Awesome Vid Wayne, thanks for sharing that. Chomper is a cool lizard for sure!

[infernalis]

Chomper goes swimming!

YoddbTDcTjE

[TeaNinja]

the pic of him looking out the window with the reflection in the mirror is priceless.

[millertime89]

that's awesome, its like part doggy paddle, part crocodilian swim.

[TeaNinja]

lol, big lizards are pretty awesome.

[Gungirl]

lol That swim was so freaking cute. Everything about chomper is so freaking cute though....

[Kayla90]

He's so freaking cute, it should be illegal to be soooo freaking adorable!!
God he is so cute, I love that picture of him with his paws on the door looking outside.. Bah, I just love all the pictures.. bahaha

[KrazyKat]

I love his "grand finale" at the end of the swimming vid :p

I have seriously enjoyed looking through this thread, please, PLEASE continue to post pics and vids of Chomper, he is just awesome! I've always liked savs, almost bought one once...Chomper is not helping me resist the urge to add one to my collection!

[infernalis]

I love his "grand finale" at the end of the swimming vid :p

I have seriously enjoyed looking through this thread, please, PLEASE continue to post pics and vids of Chomper, he is just awesome! I've always liked savs, almost bought one once...Chomper is not helping me resist the urge to add one to my collection!


so far the first to notice he clouded up the water.

[KrazyKat]

so far the first to notice he clouded up the water.

I was expecting it :p My 4 foot iguana ALWAYS defecated in his "pool". Really awesome that you managed to capture the "poop pooff" lol

[infernalis]

I was expecting it :p My 4 foot iguana ALWAYS defecated in his "pool". Really awesome that you managed to capture the "poop pooff" lol

I shut off too early, the big blast came right after I hit stop.

Never noticed until too late.

[Freebody]

Chomper is so sweet wayne. I just cant see enouph of him, that is for sure. i hope my yoshi turns out as calm and cool as chomper when he is mature. He looks so healthy as well. GJ mate.

[infernalis]

Let me know if this ever gets boring...

We spent a while out back again with Chomp. He did some hunting, found some yummy worms and slugs, and of course, I was standing over him with the camera.

As we were preparing to drive back there, Chomp sees himself in the mirror and has to get a closer look.

http://www.rockyroost.us/Chomptober/chompie.jpg

Once we arrived at the base of the hill (mountain, or whatever you wish to call it) we let him out of the truck... He was drawn to the water, as always.

The boiling springs ensure a fairly regular flow of crystal clear water. (Same water that feeds my habitats)

http://www.rockyroost.us/Chomptober/chompie1.jpg

http://www.rockyroost.us/Chomptober/chompie2.jpg

http://www.rockyroost.us/Chomptober/chompie3.jpg

His sense of smell never ceases to amaze me, he knows just where to look. He will dig, flip rocks, roll logs out of the way, just to get a juicy worm or slug.

http://www.rockyroost.us/Chomptober/chompie4.jpg

Someone remind me again how they eat mice:rolleyes:

Continued on next post.

[infernalis]

Just look at the muscle tone of that beefy front leg, combined with his digging talons for toenails, it may make people think a little. Monitors can get pissed off and lash out at their handlers. Chomper has drawn blood on me more than once.

Now look at the intensity of his focus, there was a lone worm about an inch under that dirt, he dug it up and ate it.

http://www.rockyroost.us/Chomptober/Chompie5.jpg

Always looking for snacks...

http://www.rockyroost.us/Chomptober/chompie6.jpg

This guy can dig, he tears up a spot in seconds...

http://www.rockyroost.us/Chomptober/Chompie7.jpg

uF-wnrRheRg

[infernalis]

I'm uploading some more clips on youtube.. will link them in the morning.

56a93F4DiUg

[presspirate]

Boring? No way Wayne. Chomper is awesome! I can never get enough of Chomper Vids! Keep em coming.

[Lankyrob]

If chomper ever gets boring then our souls have died!! Keep them coming!!!

[redsided]

Boring, hehehe, he said boring, haha Wayne, your funny.

[marvelfreak]

Chompers rocks he could never be boring. SWEET pictures and cool videos.

[alessia55]

More picturesssssss :D

[infernalis]

It's another nice sunny day, so I may just be able to do just that.. ;)

[Freebody]

I can never see enouph of chomper! i have looked at your already posted chomper pics dozens of times :)

[CK SandBoas]

I agree, more pics of Chomper!:)

[stephanbakir]

Great pics+video.

[shaunyboy]

its ALWAYS GOOD to see more chomper pic's wayne

i think these are the best so far

the last picture
the intensity in his eye is something else,it shows a whole other side of cute and cheery old chomp

cheers shaun

[whoaxmary]

I'll join the 'more chomper please' club. ^_^

[Gungirl]

There is never such thing as to many chomper pictures...shame on you for thinking there is!:rolleyes:

[Little Wise Owl]

I love seeing Chomper. I love how you take care of him. I wish all monitor owners were like you. Whenever I see someone shoving rats down a Savannah Monitors throat it drives me insane... I feel like Chomper is part of a handful of captive monitors who are fed and cared for properly.

Please keep on doing what you do.

oh and MOAR PICTARS

[redsided]

Doesn't help that PetCo sells them as babies and claim the don't get bigger.

[infernalis]

So yesterday was more of an exercise run, so I took him into a big open corn field so he had to walk / run several hundred yards in any direction to find cover.

He burned some serious calories. ;) Thing is once he got all wound up, he did not settle down right away when I brought him in.

http://www.storeria.com/10911/chompcorn.jpg

In this picture, I am doing my best to keep up and photograph, Lack of focus of the ground and the blurry front foot should give the general idea, he was scooting right along at a brisk space.

http://www.storeria.com/10911/chompcorn1.jpg

One of the few times he stopped to investigate the surroundings.

http://www.storeria.com/10911/chompcorn2.jpg

The back drop for this day out.... The moon, No people, a flock of geese and orange trees with a cloudless sky. Couldn't ask for any more.

http://www.storeria.com/10911/geese2.jpg

[redsided]

My what a long toungue you have.:eek:

Sweet. Love the area

[Will0W783]

Chomper is awesome! I could never get bored of pics of him!

[dawnhorn]

How could anyone ever get tired of these?? What a cool monitor!

[Kiljosh]

When people ask why I love the Northeast's beauty, I can direct them to that last pic. I can almost hear the peace and quiet, if that makes sense.

Chomper is sweet too, I can't get over how smart he looks. His eyes really show intelligence behind them. Can't wait till I can get a place where I can properly take care of a big dude like that, then I'll be looking at Sav's and Tegu's..

[Kayla90]

I absolutely adore the pictures of him in the car... he's so freaking adorable, it's almost unbelievable!

[alessia55]

Those are some great pics! I like the one with his tongue out. So... how fast does he run?

[infernalis]

When people ask why I love the Northeast's beauty, I can direct them to that last pic. I can almost hear the peace and quiet, if that makes sense...

At that moment in time, the only sound was the geese.

Down by the creek is even better, all I can hear is the water babbling over the rocks.

Sit there long enough right now, and you can hear the squirrels rustling the dry leaves on the ground too.

On a downside, when hunting season starts we see an influx of urban Rambo types who think hunting means taking a loaded gun on a 4 wheeler with a cooler full of beer and getting wasted in the woods and shooting the beer cans before they pack up and go back to New Jersey.

[infernalis]

Those are some great pics! I like the one with his tongue out. So... how fast does he run?

Not exactly sure about that, Once he got spooked and ran so hard he pulled the leash right out of my hand.

I had to run as fast as I could to get hold of it again. They can't do that for real long distances though.

His legs are built more for digging and tearing apart logs to find food, Further testament to the fact that they don't eat mammalian prey in nature, most any animal can outrun a Savannah monitor over a long distance. even a mouse.

His front legs are powerful digging end excavating tools used for digging out bugs and slugs, so think of it as taking a backhoe to a go cart race.. ;)

[ladyjustice33]

LOVE the chomper pics!!! So cute how he is looking at himself in the mirror........he's like "Who's that handsome devil?!?" lol !!

[infernalis]

a couple more clips...

mN8akO5T3Wk

H_qnCia0Tx0

[shaunyboy]

chompers the man

he even has a pet wayne to help him forage:yes:

looking good mate

cheers shaun

[infernalis]

Been doing a lot of thinking.. Have the time, resources and space, so why not give the boy his own room full of dirt?

Logic mandates that a whole pile of dirt will weigh so much a normal floor would give way... solution, Basement. The floor is cement, the walls are cement, problem solved.

I will take pictures along the way since this will not go up in a day.

The first thing to do is hoe out the space, I figure a 12 foot by 8 foot room would be easy to build when 2 walls already exist (using basement corner)

I have a whole truckload of 16 foot long pressure treated 2x10 boards. if I frame up the 2 walls with that, I will have one heck of an over built strong frame.

Next issue, the cold floor.. there is a boiler pipe that runs just above the location I have chosen, so I will tap into that and run radiant heat pipe down to the floor and then cover it with a thin layer of concrete.

The inside of the room will be plywood that is coated to be moisture proof, Sheetrock would be too flimsy and Chomper could bore right through it.

Now if I insulate this room with sheets of good insulation the interior will be a lot easier to maintain efficiently.

If I put all wiring in conduits, He can't get at it.

Then once it's all sealed up and wired, put in a full size walk through door.

Then the hardest part, carrying in a ton of clay dirt from down by the creek. We have shovels and a pickup truck, so getting the dirt will be free.

Really about the only things I need to buy is the plumbing, a digital zone valve to control the heat, a couple bags of blown insulation, a couple rolls of attic insulation, brooder lamp sockets and a lawn chair to sit on when I go hang out.

Most of the lumber I already have, old road signs make awesome sheet metal flashing.

He's getting restless anymore, I let him out so often that he does not want to be caged at all.

[spots]

use a product called blue skin on the plywood after its installed incredible stuff! i use it in showers before i tile. Sounds like a cool project.

[infernalis]

use a product called blue skin on the plywood after its installed incredible stuff! i use it in showers before i tile. Sounds like a cool project.


Thank you.. I was wondering what to seal it with.

[Gungirl]

Wayne I have to say you are an awesome pet Owner! I am so happy for chomper. This project will be great. Can't wait to see some pictures of it in progress...

[millertime89]

very intrigued to see how this turns out, your boy is spoiled.

[RegenerationRep]

Cool! You should take in some nice grasses,boulders,logs,and trees too! build an indoor grassland haha

[infernalis]

Tried grass once, he dug it all up in a day.

[RegenerationRep]

Even the big ornamental ones that you can get a Lowes for in your garden?

[infernalis]

Just imagine leaving a little boy alone in a sandbox with a shovel, the digging only stops long enough to sleep.

[shaunyboy]

looking forward to progression pic's of chompers new enclosure mate

cheers shaun

[spots]

use a product called blue skin on the plywood after its installed incredible stuff! i use it in showers before i tile. Sounds like a cool project.

forgot to mention that you will need to cover over the blue skin after it drys, you will need to cover it with tile, stone, brick, stucco, ect. but once you have coated the ply wood walls you will be able to fill the room with water with no problems :D
there is another product called red skin as well, its the same as blue skin but red.

[infernalis]

No, it does not need to be water proof, just resistant to mold and mildew.

They sell stains that seal wood against dampness, plus the framing lumber is pressure treated for outdoor use.

Have also thought about some barn salvage, there was a storm that wrecked my barn, so why not salvage some of those huge hemlock beams.

Hemlock is resistant to moisture, and these timbers are 12 inches by 12 inches x 40 feet long.

So I could cut one at 12 feet long and another 2 at 4 feet long each to run along the bottom.

[RegenerationRep]

Ahh okay gotcha :P hahaha

[infernalis]

now to figure out how to carry a 12 foot long barn timber that is as heavy as a telephone pole down the bulkhead stairs.

I guess if the Egyptians could get those 20 ton stones up on top of the pyramids, moving a stick should not be impossible.

[spots]

now to figure out how to carry a 12 foot long barn timber that is as heavy as a telephone pole down the bulkhead stairs.

I guess if the Egyptians could get those 20 ton stones up on top of the pyramids, moving a stick should not be impossible.

The barn boards will also look very nice :D Hemlock is very nice looking wood, would you sand them down first to get rid of the splinters from weather and aging? do you have a window you could bring them in through?

[vendettaseve]

now to figure out how to carry a 12 foot long barn timber that is as heavy as a telephone pole down the bulkhead stairs.

I guess if the Egyptians could get those 20 ton stones up on top of the pyramids, moving a stick should not be impossible.

I would suggest you enslave an unsuspecting culture or two. Once you manage that getting thoes timbers down there should be a piece of cake. ;)

[infernalis]

The barn boards will also look very nice :D Hemlock is very nice looking wood, would you sand them down first to get rid of the splinters from weather and aging? do you have a window you could bring them in through?

The basement is 50 feet long and the bulkhead is on the end, so 4 or 5 strong people can carry it down.

I also have a 4 foot piece of telephone pole that could be used on a corner or just set as a play log for Chomp.

The creek has some big flat shale stones, I was thinking a couple of those by his dirt mound would look good.

The beams I will be harvesting are interior beams, so splintering is not an issue like the exterior wood. Sanding will be limited to keeping wood burrs from poking chomper.

[Jay]

I wish I was closer, it sounds like an awesome project, I would love to help.

[spots]

keep us posted with pics and info :D sounds like a Awesome project, wish i could see it in person

[Wolfus_305]

That sounds like a really incredible project! I am so excited for pictures!!

Good luck with all the heavy lifting and carrying!

[infernalis]

in a couple hours I'm heading down to begin cleaning out the corner. I have to move 2 shelving units to the other side.

[shaunyboy]

gop round up some of them rednecks and press gang them into moving your wooden beams mate :yes:

chompers going to love his new place

cheers shaun

[jaleely]

wow! I totally formally request photos of the whole process!

[Jenn_06]

it sounds like a really nice cage your making him, i think JoJo would love to visit one day lol.

[infernalis]

We picked up a truckload of creek fill yesterday (to backfill the hole from digging up my well) and I found a rock for this, it's probably a yard by two feet and a couple inches thick, it was all we could do but Dorothy and I loaded it up and brought it back home.

It's large enough that Chomp can sprawl over it to bask. If I hit that rock with a big brooding lamp it will hold a lot of heat. With an 8 foot ceiling, that leaves a lot of room to adjust the height of the lamp to accomplish 130 degrees on the rock.

Got busy/distracted so I didn't get the corner cleaned out.. It's going to be another sunny day, so I will probably haul some of the un-needed stuff to the dump.

Maybe pick up a truck load of clay dirt while I still can. I also have my eye on another huge shale stone.

Found a nice propane wall heater that needs no power, it's only $100 and would be priceless insurance in the event of a winter storm power failure.

The selected corner is directly under our living room, so dropping a temperature probe down through a discreet hole in the floor would be nothing to do.

[infernalis]

So check out this rock.. it weighs more than I do. This will be his basking platform.

http://www.reptard.info/Paddock/rock1.jpg

http://www.reptard.info/Paddock/rock2.jpg

[Gungirl]

That rock has a great shape/texture to it from what I can tell by the picture. Chomper is going to love basking on that.

[infernalis]

A brooding lamp hung to point down on that will give off some heat.

I save all the insulation from my rodent pro orders and have enough of it to put down on the floor slab first and then put a sub floor just over it so I don't have thermal loss to the slab below. (If that makes sense at all)

Walk in a cement basement barefoot once, you get the idea quick.

I have sheet metal to put down over the floor to make it dirt proof.

http://www.reptard.info/Paddock/roomplan.gif

[alessia55]

Wow it's going to look great!! Chomper is going to love that rock. Were you able to pick it up off the ground??

[infernalis]

Wow it's going to look great!! Chomper is going to love that rock. Were you able to pick it up off the ground??

Dorothy and I loaded it onto the truck ourselves, and we unloaded it in the yard ourselves, I may strap on to it and slide it down on some boards with a rope, or just get a couple strong friends to help.

There is another big slab almost like it back there I want to go get.

[alessia55]

haha sounds like quite the endeavor! Good luck!

[infernalis]

So here is the next rock, The dog standing on it is a Jack Russel Terrier, that should give an idea of the size, very similar to the other one, and it's creek polished too.

http://www.thamfriends.com/corndogs/spotrock.jpg

Been doing my homework, and here is the layout of his ground heat.. This system is very precise and easy to maintain, all the hardware is outside for easy servicing, no tearing up floors to fix or replace anything. Hot water is circulated through the pipes in the floor to keep it warm.

http://www.thamfriends.com/corndogs/floorheat.gif

[blindfireak40]

Wow, Wayne, it's no wonder you have the happiest, healthiest Sav in the states...I can't wait until I have the kind of resources to do something like this. Truly incredible, and I cannot wait to see the final result!

On a side note, will his basking rock even fit downstairs?? O.o

[alessia55]

I can't wait to see what this all looks like in the end. Any idea by when you'll have the whole thing all set up? (ps cute dog)

[infernalis]

On a side note, will his basking rock even fit downstairs?? O.o

Yes, I have taken full size motorcycles down there before.

The primary floor is concrete, so weight in not a problem.

I just secured a web design project for a local government office, I'm excited, the check in the end will help with the materials I do need to get big time.

[infernalis]

I can't wait to see what this all looks like in the end. Any idea by when you'll have the whole thing all set up? (ps cute dog)

Real soon I am going to start framing the floor and the 12 foot wall.

Not going to build the front wall until everything is in the room.

[blindfireak40]

Yes, I have taken full size motorcycles down there before.

The primary floor is concrete, so weight in not a problem.

I just secured a web design project for a local government office, I'm excited, the check in the end will help with the materials I do need to get big time.

Sweeet!! :D

Good luck with the rest of the build, and with the web project!

[infernalis]

Just got done looking at the Home Depot website...

The radiant tubing is cheaper on ebay (Going with PEX brand, well known for quality)

Insulation and plywood at Home Depot.

Glad I already have the pressure treated framing lumber, that stuff is expensive, $10 per board!!!

[youngster]

So is this going to be his full time home or just a playground? Can't wait to see this... :crazy2:

[infernalis]

So is this going to be his full time home or just a playground? Can't wait to see this... :crazy2:

Full time home, we have to go into town for an appointment in the morning, heading over to the home center before I return home and do some pricing, maybe pick up a few things to get started with.

The way I figure, people build extra rooms when they have a new child, we only maintain a child for 18-20 years, with proper care Chomper should be around longer than a kid would be, so building him a room seems logical.

[youngster]

Not only logical, but freakin' AWESOME :D:D:D:D

[infernalis]

A chomper baby video, from his first meal.

A7c7sOmsd1E

[shaunyboy]

such a cute wee guy

cheers shaun

[Lankyrob]

Make sure there is no phone connection in the basement cos once Chomper sees his new home he will be inviting all the Sav's in the USA to come stay!! :) :) :) :)

[infernalis]

Pulled my shoulder today moving that other rock... Had a Lidocain patch on it all day.

Something under my shoulder blade went POP and suddenly it felt like I had an axe in my back.

[spots]

Pulled my shoulder today moving that other rock... Had a Lidocain patch on it all day.

Something under my shoulder blade went POP and suddenly it felt like I had an axe in my back.

That sucks man. I know the feeling, I have problems from time to time with my upper back. Must have been a heaver rock then the last one I guess :(
Take care of that, and don't left any heavy items until its feeling normal again.

[millertime89]

chomps can wait, get yourself better then enlist some of your daughter's friends to help move it, pay in pizza.

[Lankyrob]

Pulled my shoulder today moving that other rock... Had a Lidocain patch on it all day.

Something under my shoulder blade went POP and suddenly it felt like I had an axe in my back.

Ouchie, hope it heals quick for you mate, sounds like you could have "popped" a rib, happens to me a lot but as long as it goes straight back in then couple of weeks of "rest" and will be back to normal.

[spots]

chomps can wait, get yourself better then enlist some of your daughter's friends to help move it, pay in pizza.

mmmmmm PIZZA :D

[redsided]

just saw this, awesome idea give him his own room! What was he in before?

[Gungirl]

Hope you feel better soon....

[infernalis]

just saw this, awesome idea give him his own room! What was he in before?

A six foot by 3 foot box, that's just too darn small.

If I don't let him out at least twice a day, he starts tearing it apart.

So much energy...

[infernalis]

Hope you feel better soon....


Thanks, just a dull ache today.

I blasted that shoulder apart lifting weights years ago, and like any old injury they are sensitive to abuse.

[Little Wise Owl]

I can't wait to see the result. You are one dedicated owner.

It makes me happy :)

[infernalis]

Picking up some stuff at home depot tomorrow..

Going to start framing it up, I'll take some pics as I go along.

After much research, I am building the ceiling from this... There is no stress on the ceiling, it just needs to keep the heat in. The best part is, very inexpensive.

http://www.reptard.info/Paddock/foam.jpg

[jarich]

Wow, that sounds amazing! I wish I had an extra room for mine too, but the concept of an "extra" room in Brooklyn is much more exotic than the reptiles.

Are you worried that the heated floor will dry out your substrate though? I suppose it would be easy enough to install a room humidifier to keep it high enough in such a big space. That would be my only concern. Speaking of which, what do you have planned for a water feature? With that much space you could bury a full size bathtub in the substrate for him!

Good luck with the buildout, cant wait to see the final set up.

[jarich]

Wayne, he is awesome. How old is he? That is really great that you take him outside to get some exercise, although with his new enclosure that shouldnt be a problem! Also cool to know that he sought out the worms right away. Is this something you feed him as well? Im always looking to vary the diet for mine and was wondering if nightcrawlers/bait worms are acceptable.

[infernalis]

Wayne, he is awesome. How old is he? That is really great that you take him outside to get some exercise, although with his new enclosure that shouldnt be a problem! Also cool to know that he sought out the worms right away. Is this something you feed him as well? Im always looking to vary the diet for mine and was wondering if nightcrawlers/bait worms are acceptable.

I gather worms from my lawn when it rains, and in the winter I just buy them from wal mart (sporting goods has bait worms, meal worms, superworms and night crawlers)

We give him a few every night when I let him roam free in the reptile room. I go in to tend to my snakes and let him out first so he can stretch his legs while I work.

In fact I have found that he is a forrager, so rather than fill him up on big meals, he gets snack multiple times a day, I think it seems more natural.

When he is in the woods, he will dig up a worm/slug and eat it, then move along and dig up another.

[infernalis]

Wow, that sounds amazing! I wish I had an extra room for mine too, but the concept of an "extra" room in Brooklyn is much more exotic than the reptiles.

Are you worried that the heated floor will dry out your substrate though? I suppose it would be easy enough to install a room humidifier to keep it high enough in such a big space. That would be my only concern. Speaking of which, what do you have planned for a water feature? With that much space you could bury a full size bathtub in the substrate for him!

Good luck with the buildout, cant wait to see the final set up.

His water bowl will be a horse/livestock basin or a small children's plastic swimming pool.

The basement is really humid and radiant heat does not dry things out.

On any given winter, I can shuffle my feet on any rug and never get zapped, unlike forced air that dries out everything.

[lady_bug87]

haha you should get him one of those kiddy pools that look like a turtle with the little feet on it