Should I dig him out?

[Chandra2]

Okay so a 3 days ago he dug himself down into the dirt and covered up the entrance.The weather did take a dump and it got very very cold and temps at night were colder then normal even in the house.So I was wondering if I should dig him out and check on him or leave him alone? And if I should leave him alone for how long before I start worrying?

[Corey209]

Okay so a 3 days ago he dug himself down into the dirt and covered up the entrance.The weather did take a dump and it got very very cold and temps at night were colder then normal even in the house.So I was wondering if I should dig him out and check on him or leave him alone? And if I should leave him alone for how long before I start worrying?

I know nothing of these species, but did you actually see him cover up the hole?

[War Machine]

don't you have an adequate sealed enclosure? with adequate heat? My house is chilling almost all the time, but its near 100 degrees in the monitor tank.

[infernalis]

I know nothing of these species, but did you actually see him cover up the hole?

They do backfill their holes from time to time.

[Corey209]

They do backfill their holes from time to time.

That's interesting, if someone didn't have their substrate set up right do you think they'd even be able to burrow far enough where it'd collapse on them or would they not even be able to burrow at all?

[infernalis]

Okay so a 3 days ago he dug himself down into the dirt and covered up the entrance.The weather did take a dump and it got very very cold and temps at night were colder then normal even in the house.So I was wondering if I should dig him out and check on him or leave him alone? And if I should leave him alone for how long before I start worrying?

Any evidence of activity when you are not around??

One time my lizards vanished for a couple days, But I did see the water bowl all riled up at one point, so I know one of them came out when I was not looking.

[BarelyBreathing]

What is "he"? Is "he" eating? Pooping? Are there any signs of leaf litter being moved around? Without knowing all the details or seeing pictures, my default answer is no.

[varanus_mad]

That's interesting, if someone didn't have their substrate set up right do you think they'd even be able to burrow far enough where it'd collapse on them or would they not even be able to burrow at all?

i take it your not a varanid keeper then?

[KORBIN5895]

i take it your not a varanid keeper then?

No he is not but nice answer to a legit question.

[varanus_mad]

No he is not but nice answer to a legit question.

Wasnt an answer it was a question.

Not really sure what your getting at?

[KORBIN5895]

Wasnt an answer it was a question.

Not really sure what your getting at?

Was there a purpose behind it? Any relevance?

He is here to learn so let's teach him.

[varanus_mad]

Was there a purpose behind it? Any relevance?

He is here to learn so let's teach him.

Yes i wanted to know what his experience level with varanids was.

is he a) an varanid keepers whos been doing it wrong

b) new to varanids completely.

c) A varanid keeper who thinks hes experienced and needs a kick up the backside.

I fail to see why i have to explain myself to you?

and why is it your business?

Was there a purpose to your questions of me or were you just being an arse?

[KORBIN5895]

Yes i wanted to know what his experience level with varanids was.

is he a) an varanid keepers whos been doing it wrong

b) new to varanids completely.

c) A varanid keeper who thinks hes experienced and needs a kick up the backside.

I fail to see why i have to explain myself to you?

and why is it your business?

Was there a purpose to your questions of me or were you just being an arse?

Just following through on a deal..... and being an arse. Why?

Do you plan on answering his question now or are you just being an arse?

[varanus_mad]

Just following through on a deal..... and being an arse. Why?

Do you plan on answering his question now or are you just being an arse?

hehe no that was just a bit of fun.

[KORBIN5895]

hehe no that was just a bit of fun.

Fair enough.

[Pirarucu]

That's interesting, if someone didn't have their substrate set up right do you think they'd even be able to burrow far enough where it'd collapse on them or would they not even be able to burrow at all?If the substrate wasn't set up right then they would not be able to burrow at all. If the substrate is anywhere close to proper, they will dig burrows which won't collapse.

[Chandra2]

Well turns out the burrow did collapse and he was using the one on the other end of the cage.Of course I wasnt going to stick my hand down there to see if he was in it..But this was the first time he used that side.


And I have no experience with monitors. I had a tegu for 6yrs and had to rehome him when my other half got cancer. But he was enormous and very healthy.
I know Savannahs are not tegus.
Please be kind, this was a rescue and I was not prepared but am doing a better job then the former owner, even if its not optimum care yet.The cage holds humidity well but not so great with holding heat.Especially at night.
Im buying wood this next week to start building a large viv. Its going to take awhile, not something I can just throw together if I want it to be a proper cage.