Possible Savannah rescuer with questions.

[Vegasarah]

I will start by saying I am obviously very new here, so please forgive me if I don't word this the right way or if I need to provide more information...!

There is a 17 inch, 7 month old Savannah Monitor for sale on my local craigslist. I often browse the pets and for sale sections looking for supplies for my ever-growing reptile collection. I have always had my eye on a monitor, (I really like Tegus) but was always wary because of how large they get. Well, I just moved in to my own house so space is no longer too much of a problem for me. I saw that Savannah and it sparked my interest. I emailed the person and he/she sent me some better pictures of the Sav.

The poor dear doesn't look too hot. It is apparently very 'laid back' but I think in reality it's probably starving from only being fed one mouse a week and dehydrated from being kept too dry. I tried to ask more questions about it's current care and he/she said it's in a 4x2x2 tank on wood chips with a screen top and a large water dish that it sits in a lot. No UV lights, just one basking light at around 90 degrees.

I've been doing my research and from what I understand, this is all wrong. But then I come to find out that the person selling this monitor is like 13 years old. I try and very nicely and calmly offer some advice and all I got back was "Well, it doesn't really matter because my parents are making me get rid of her this week or they are going to take her away". I'm assuming to a pet store or more likely the animal shelter?:no:

The person is asking $75 for everything including it's current tank and some extra crickets. I really badly want to try and help this poor Savannah before she's passed on to another person who won't care for her properly. I'm short on cash (darn xmas) but not on love and knowledge for proper husbandry. I MIGHT be able to scrape up just enough, but it's going to be tight for the next month if I do. I tried to see if they would take a deposit till January but the parents said no I guess.

She needs a bigger enclosure, that much is true, but I was wondering if a tank that is eight feet wide, two feet deep, and two feet tall would be okay to house her in for now until I can build something deeper?

Does she need to be fed every day, and if so, how much? (I have a colony of roaches and breed meal worms.)

Anyone think I'm a fool for living off Ramen noodles for a week to try and help this lizard? :hmm:

[Akuma223]

I don't think you are a fool If you go for it. I would try and talk to the parents directly though and see if you can get a better deal so you can get the lizard and build a more suitable home.

[EmbraceCalamity]

A pet store won't take it, and a shelter most likely won't take it due to its eventual size and/or obviously poor condition (and even if they would take it, they'd probably charge them a fee). Tell them you're their only option and to give it to you for free or you'll report them for animal cruelty. :)

~Maggot

[Vegasarah]

Maggot, I like you already haha. Our shelter is equipped to help exotics, and will take any and every thing that comes through the door. Often they just call a rescue to come pick it up, but they will not refuse any owned animal. I'm on the call list for any Blue Tongues when they do come in. I foster them in my house and rehome them. Animal control is a JOKE in this city, if I tried to report them for animal cruelty the county would laugh me right off the phone :/.... That's why all reptile rescues have to be done by people like me and other rescue groups. It sucks.

Akuma- Thank you for the kind words, but the parents are immigrants who do not speak English so there's really no reasoning with them apparently. And I don't speak Spanish so I wouldn't know where to begin to he honest. The kid is scared they are going to take it and set it free in the desert. Sigh. Don't you just love people?

[EmbraceCalamity]

Maggot, I like you already haha. Our shelter is equipped to help exotics, and will take any and every thing that comes through the door. Often they just call a rescue to come pick it up, but they will not refuse any owned animal. I'm on the call list for any Blue Tongues when they do come in. I foster them in my house and rehome them. Animal control is a JOKE in this city, if I tried to report them for animal cruelty the county would laugh me right off the phone :/.... That's why all reptile rescues have to be done by people like me and other rescue groups. It sucks.That rescue center sounds pretty impressive. I was looking for rescues and I could only find two in PA, and neither were helpful. Wayne (Infernalis) should be able to answer all of your care questions, but we also have several other monitor people here. I hope you get this little guy. And I understand, and no, you're not nuts. I've taken in many animals and given up a lot for it. Some people think I'm nuts for that, but they're the insane ones in my opinion. ;)

~Maggot

[Pirarucu]

Have a look at Wayne's site, savannahmonitor.net, it'll tell you all you need to know. I would say take it in and get working on a proper cage, even if you can't have it done right away. Not having a proper cage immediately is a better option than possibly never having one. You can build a good cage for pretty cheap if you do it right. Use a horse water trough to hold the substrate and build a box around it.

[BarelyBreathing]

The problem with glass tanks is that they don't really hold the amount of heat or humidity that monitors need.

Savannah monitors need:
-A custom built 8x4x4 enclosure made from wood, 100% sealed (no screen, no open vents)
-2 feet of sandy soil. I use and recommend a 60/40 mixture of Eco Earth and children's washed play sand for monitors. Substrate should be moist at depth.
-60% ambient humidity measured several times daily with a DIGITAL hygrometer
-A basking spot of 130F or higher, measured several times daily with an infra red TEMPERATURE GUN
-A cool side of 75F measured several times daily with a DIGITAL thermometer with a PROBE
-Plenty of hides
-A water dish that is large enough to soak in
-A diet that mostly consists of invertibrates


Good luck.

[infernalis]

My biggest apprehension is the likelihood that much internal damage is already done by the previous poor care.

[EmbraceCalamity]

My biggest apprehension is the likelihood that much internal damage is already done by the previous poor care.That's what happened with my turtles. But at least either she could save it or she could give it a decent place to pass.

~Maggot

[Lankyrob]

Iwould almost be tempted to take it and tehn euthanizeit, at least then you know it is quick and painless rather than months of dehydration and starvation :(

[beardeds4life]

A pet store won't take it, and a shelter most likely won't take it due to its eventual size and/or obviously poor condition (and even if they would take it, they'd probably charge them a fee). Tell them you're their only option and to give it to you for free or you'll report them for animal cruelty. :)

~Maggot

A lot of petstores will take it. Especially if they took it back to where they bought it so that store got to sell it twice and make double the money. Even petco will take it.

Have you gotten it yet? I agree thought that imo it will never live very long due to internal damage.

[Vegasarah]

The person stopped answering me, so I'm not sure. The ad is still up on craigslist, though. Hopefully it either found another good home or they will contact me soon.

She's only 7 month old, is there a possibility that there is not a good chance for recovery? I know the dehydration is probably the biggest problem, but for a younger animal I just wonder if it's even worth it to pour a bunch of money into a new enclosure if it's possible she might not make it. Has anyone on here ever dealt with a rescue like this? I have access to cheap or sometimes free vet care, and I am in school to become a vet myself. Obviously I will have to take her to the vet asap, but is there anything that I should recommend as a test or as treatment that I can either share with my vet or implement myself? I don't know how bad her condition is, of course. As an example, I work with a tortoise rescue and one f the biggest problem is dehydration. One of the best ways we treat that while rehabilitating is by doing warm water soaks with baby food or pedialite in the water. They sometimes drink a little, giving them vitamins they were lacking. But it is also good for their skin and shell and they can absorb both water and vitamins through their skin and vent. Is there any treatment like this that would be good for a very dehydrated monitor?

Any chance that this sudden change could shock her too much and kill her? :/

Either way, thank you guys for the encouraging words, I am going to go ahead and try to take her if I can get her. It just breaks my heart that she is living every day suffering. I'm going to be very broke in the process, but I might contact a local reptile rescue I work with sometimes to see if they can help in any way.

[Pirarucu]

Seven months is still plenty young to allow for recovery. What she needs for treatment is proper care in a proper enclosure. The very last thing you want to do is stick her full of medicine, it will shock her system. Just get her in a good cage with food and she will recover all on her own. One thing you can do to help with dehydration is to inject pinkies with water before feeding them to her. Other than that, it's really best to let her recover by herself.

[Chandra2]

The one I rescued was in the same situation.He is about the same age and in really bad shape.Although he has gone from being super tame to super fast and aggressive.<I think that is a good thing(lol).
The guy had him in a 40 gal with a 250 watt brooder lamp.Fried the poor thing. He is missing about 7 toes and a big piece of his tail is missing and he looks to have burns along his back..He has grown about 2 inches In just these few weeks Ive had him.They fed him boiled eggs and the very occasional mouse.
I have no idea if he will live any more then a few years but I am going to build him a 8x4x4 and give him a good last few years anyway.
I figured I couldnt do worse for the poor thing.He is in a ghetto rigged cage and I am scrambling to build. I have all the money set aside for the wood and paint, just need the weather to cooperate so I can start building.

[beardeds4life]

Seven months is still plenty young to allow for recovery. What she needs for treatment is proper care in a proper enclosure. The very last thing you want to do is stick her full of medicine, it will shock her system. Just get her in a good cage with food and she will recover all on her own. One thing you can do to help with dehydration is to inject pinkies with water before feeding them to her. Other than that, it's really best to let her recover by herself.

You can also do this with almost any type of feeder minus crickets. Even mealworms will hold quite a bit.

[Vegasarah]

Thanks so much to everyone for the replies. I've been out of the country for the past week unexpectedly so I was unable to contact anyone from the US. Central America and Mexico, and the cell reception was awful. But I'm back now and I emailed the person with the monitor. They said they are hiding it at a friends house, but I think that it is also a non permanent situation so I will be hopefully getting her tomorrow! I will keep everyone updated on what the status is :)

[Gungirl]

Thats good! Post pics of the set up and the new one asap :)

[infernalis]

I will certainly be looking forward to seeing how this pans out myself.

[Vegasarah]

Well, after days of struggle it looks like the 'friend' is going to keep the Sav... I have tried my hardest to insist on proper care, and it sounds like they are hopefully going to give at least the enclosure some thought. But there's nothing more I can do. Really bummed out and beyond frustrated right now. These are children so there is not much I can do or say that will make them change their minds, they want to keep their 'cool lizard dude'.... I've left them with all of my contact info so that if it becomes overwhelming for them I will take the monitor at any time. Hopefully this new kid's parents will also get sick of the lizard and the kid will have to find it a new home in a hurry. Ugh, makes me sick to my stomach to think that the monitor is probably still living a life of suffering and probably won't make it much longer. :(

[dinosaurdammit]

Well, after days of struggle it looks like the 'friend' is going to keep the Sav... I have tried my hardest to insist on proper care, and it sounds like they are hopefully going to give at least the enclosure some thought. But there's nothing more I can do. Really bummed out and beyond frustrated right now. These are children so there is not much I can do or say that will make them change their minds, they want to keep their 'cool lizard dude'.... I've left them with all of my contact info so that if it becomes overwhelming for them I will take the monitor at any time. Hopefully this new kid's parents will also get sick of the lizard and the kid will have to find it a new home in a hurry. Ugh, makes me sick to my stomach to think that the monitor is probably still living a life of suffering and probably won't make it much longer. :(

i bet you a good 20 dollars that it bites them and they get rid of it

[infernalis]

i bet you a good 20 dollars that it bites them and they get rid of it

I'll bet you another good $20 that by the time it's big enough, it will be too lethargic to care.

When I see people in recliners with a monitor laying on their chest "cuddling" while they watch TV, I want to crack them side the head.

[dinosaurdammit]

I'll bet you another good $20 that by the time it's big enough, it will be too lethargic to care.

When I see people in recliners with a monitor laying on their chest "cuddling" while they watch TV, I want to crack them side the head.

pajaaamas will crawl up and sit for a second but then take off again. He comes back on his own, idk why but sometimes he just relaxes on my feet when hes out n about. He doesnt do this much at all but every time he comes to me and chills for a second i feel special. He seems curious about the recliner, more specifically the lever thing. Probably because of our hands constantly leaving different scents

[infernalis]

http://www.varanus.us/dont/five.jpg

[dinosaurdammit]

http://www.varanus.us/dont/five.jpg

Yeaaaaa no. Pajaaamas is most alert when he climbs on you:

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii538/dinosaurdammit/pajaaamas4.jpg there is no holding him when you are sitting, he just chooses where to sit http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii538/dinosaurdammit/75970_558767920815583_691566551_n.jpg

he stayed like that for MAYBE 20 seconds before he skee-daddled under the sofa after stealing my right sock. This video was taken about 5 mins before he got back to his home. Lizard gets a cuddle - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fuGydJMFK-s) he had cooled down so no more rapid monitor. This is when he actually goes back to be let in, he goes to his basking spot and recharges. Its amazing what proper heat will do to a monitor. Its like they are all cool and calm then BAM meth injection in the eye ball or something. He has yet to sit that still for me since that was taken.

Monitors that just allow you to lay around with them either are so used to you and trust you or you dont give it proper heat. Pajaaamas just doesnt care what we are doing, unless you have a broom. Then its run like hell and hiss/whip. I dont even wish that he would chill with me. I accept him for what he is. A prehistoric marvel of evolution.

[infernalis]

No offence intended, But I see recipe for disaster written all over that video.

But you are a lot more aware of that now.

Littlefoot launched off my arm and left a series of punctures in the wake.

I tend to be more comfortable leaning toward caution when around my lizards.

Quick story.. I took Chomper outside once to show him to people, while I was holding him, a kid started up his dirt bike and popped it into gear, blaaaaat blaaaat vroooom and instantly I had a terrified panic stricken monitor in my arms.

When he clawed his way up the front of me, he clawed the heck out of me, hit the ground running, and flipped out in ways I have never seen, getting him back into the house, back into his enclosure was a pain.

Never again.

Just be aware that talons and tails can do as much as a mouth when used as weapons, and a truck bacfiring in the street could be all it takes to trigger an all out spaz attack.

Picking a full size monitor up off the ground when they are in panic mode can get you hurt.

[Vegasarah]

Well I learned some good stuff for the future, thank you everyone for your help and advice. Hopefully sooner than later these kids will have to give the monitor to me. I know these parents are going to get sick of it or get tired of feeding it and want to sell it. Just a matter of time...

So in your opinion, when a monitor acts 'tame' like the ones you see on youtube or whatever, what exactly is improper about the care? Is it just a matter of being too cold? Or is it something more serious? I see videos of these grossly overweight lizards dragging their belly on the floor and I know it's just not right. When you compare those with ones in the wild there is a clear difference. I guess what I'm asking is why are these 'tame' ones behaving in this way?

[infernalis]

When you compare those with ones in the wild there is a clear difference. I guess what I'm asking is why are these 'tame' ones behaving in this way?

1. Chronic exposure to insufficient temperatures shuts their kidneys down and metabolism slows to a halt.

2. incorrect caging with insufficient humidity compounded with no soil to burrow in promotes dehydration by respiration, again causing organ failure, lethargy, obesity and death.

[Corey209]

http://www.varanus.us/dont/five.jpg

http://images.craigslist.org/3n33Ka3Ff5I45N35G2d19d05977e62dc912f9.jpg
Adult Water Monitor (http://sacramento.craigslist.org/pet/3533675678.html)

80% of the monitors on craigslist look like this..:(

Sav in an exo-terra..
Savannah Monitor w/Enclosure (http://sacramento.craigslist.org/pet/3476449312.html)

Sav in an arboreal looking glass tank...
male savannah monitor (http://sacramento.craigslist.org/pet/3525132222.html)

Monitor in another glass tank.
monitor lizzard needs a new home (http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/pet/3530095602.html)

[DiscoPat]

Sav in an arboreal looking glass tank...
male savannah monitor (http://sacramento.craigslist.org/pet/3525132222.html)

That guy paid more for that terrible setup than I payed to build an 8x4x4.

Also he is trying to turn a profit by selling it all for 450. That poor Savannah.

[jarich]

I thought it was funny that he says he would give a deal to someone who was experienced and that people need to do their homework first. He shouldve practiced what he preached. Anyone with experience would know not to buy that poor lizard as Im sure its just about to die.

That last one Wayne put up is the real heartbreaker in my opinion.

[infernalis]

That last one Wayne put up is the real heartbreaker in my opinion.

You are not alone....... The sheer numbers of animals that look like that is gut wretching.

[dinosaurdammit]

You are not alone....... The sheer numbers of animals that look like that is gut wretching.

its so sad. I feel like with monitors you should have to pass a class to keep one. Like you once said "captive specimens" because they really are.

[Vegasarah]

black throat monitor lizard (http://lasvegas.craigslist.org/grd/3483520454.html)

THAT one makes me want to slap that guy in the face. $400 for a grossly overweight black throat that looks close to death? Yeah right! And it is kept in a penned off corner of his kitchen. No substrate, just lives on the tile getting single digit humidity and house temperatures. I don't know how you can look at that animal and think it's perfect and 'worth more than that I paid'. Seriously?

So I have another question! (Sorry, I'm full of them! When I'm a certified vet I want to know as much as I can about all reptiles!)
So I understand that all glass enclosures are not correct, and my guess is lack of proper substrate depth, screen lids that let out humidity and heat, and just overall too small. Is this right? Because I build custom glass enclosures and would love to try to build something that would be deemed as perfect conditions for a monitor. I was thinking something like a stock tank or cement mixer base with 3 feet deep of burrowing substrate, but with a glass top. I might have to build my own bas from treated plywood or something if I couldn't find the right size. Anyway, is there any aversion to glass enclosures apart from the obvious reasons listed above? If I use a plexiglass lid with the only holes being those for lights, could keep proper temperatures, and could keep proper humidity is there still aversion to glass? Is it too stressful for the animal? What would a good size for just the glass top be? Would the base of 3 deep x 8 long x 4 wide be good?

[infernalis]

The saddest part is it's not rocket science.

My goodness, we are only talking a box of flippin dirt and some light bulbs.

[infernalis]

black throat monitor lizard (http://lasvegas.craigslist.org/grd/3483520454.html)

THAT one makes me want to slap that guy in the face. $400 for a grossly overweight black throat that looks close to death? Yeah right! And it is kept in a penned off corner of his kitchen. No substrate, just lives on the tile getting single digit humidity and house temperatures. I don't know how you can look at that animal and think it's perfect and 'worth more than that I paid'. Seriously?

So I have another question! (Sorry, I'm full of them! When I'm a certified vet I want to know as much as I can about all reptiles!)
So I understand that all glass enclosures are not correct, and my guess is lack of proper substrate depth, screen lids that let out humidity and heat, and just overall too small. Is this right? Because I build custom glass enclosures and would love to try to build something that would be deemed as perfect conditions for a monitor. I was thinking something like a stock tank or cement mixer base with 3 feet deep of burrowing substrate, but with a glass top. I might have to build my own bas from treated plywood or something if I couldn't find the right size. Anyway, is there any aversion to glass enclosures apart from the obvious reasons listed above? If I use a plexiglass lid with the only holes being those for lights, could keep proper temperatures, and could keep proper humidity is there still aversion to glass? Is it too stressful for the animal? What would a good size for just the glass top be? Would the base of 3 deep x 8 long x 4 wide be good?

If you can locate the enclosure in a climate controlled room, or used insulated double pane, a glass top half would be OK, as long as it was a low traffic area.

People walking around spook the lizard, opaque walls gives them security from room traffic.

[DiscoPat]

I think, I am not sure though, another thing most that deters people from glass is that it does not hold heat well normally.

I would imagine if it were thick glass or possible the kind of glass they use for windows, maybe a double pane kind of thing.

Also if the lights were on all the time and they stabilized the heat even through the loss through the glass then your only worry would be a power outage.

[infernalis]

That's why I said climate controlled room or insulated double pane.

My cage is double wall wood with packed insulation inside, takes forever to cool down.. We had a 24 hour power loss, and it never fell below 80 degrees.

[Vegasarah]

Wood makes a lot more sense, that much is true. It's cheaper to build and it maintains heat very well. I am just a sucker for aesthetics in my house. Hence, why I build a lot of my own reptile enclosures. Aquariums are made for fish, and they are never the true ideal size that one needs for a reptile. We can make do, but they are usually too small or too tall or too narrow.;)

I've never worked with double pane glass, but I could probably check it out. At the very least I could build a corner unit with only one side and the front being glass. A water side with plumbing would be awesome, too. Would promote humidity and would be easy to clean. Would a Sav use a water feature?
How much height above the substrate do Savs need for climbing or whatever? Do they need more foot space than height? I know that other monitors need large water features and/ or arboreal features. Do Savs climb?

[DiscoPat]

I have never heard of them needing to climb or being known for climbing but mine gets on the driftwood that is in my enclosure quite a bit. And Wayne's monitors seem to like the mounted tree he put in his enclosure. It is worth noting that both the enclosures have a basking spot on the wood so that is definitely an incentive.

I don't see steve go in his water dish ever since I got him in his large enclosure but I have heard they need a water dish enough to sit in. I would be interested to see if a sav would use a body of water that is a decent size if it were provided to it.

[Lankyrob]

If you can locate the enclosure in a climate controlled room, or used insulated double pane, a glass top half would be OK, as long as it was a low traffic area.

People walking around spook the lizard, opaque walls gives them security from room traffic.

Wayne, you know my future plans for my sav "room". I was planning for one wall to be triple glazed glass so that i could see in both above and below the "ground level".

If this was arranged so that this glass wall was one side of a reptile room would you say that it would be "too high traffic".

[infernalis]

Wayne, you know my future plans for my sav "room". I was planning for one wall to be triple glazed glass so that i could see in both above and below the "ground level".

If this was arranged so that this glass wall was one side of a reptile room would you say that it would be "too high traffic".

Not at all, install a curtain or blind.

[Lankyrob]

Cool, when the time comes i will have lots more questions ;)

[jarich]

Glass holds heat better than wood, so thats not the problem. Like Wayne said, there are a lot of monitors that like to be more hidden though. You could possibly make up for this with lots of logs, hides, etc I suppose.

Ive actually thought of this same thing, as you wouldnt have to worry about any sealing or humidity issues. The problem I thought of would be weight and price. For a wall to be 8 ft long you would need at least 1/2 inch glass. Thats a LOT of weight and thats on top of the ton of substrate already. Then the thought of roughly 100 sq ft of 1/2 inch thick glass...

[Vegasarah]

I was thinking of even breaking up the wall into two doors rather than one solid 8 foot sheet of glass. I do worry about the weight as well, it would need some calculation or possibly have to be moved to the garage. I don't want to bust through my floor or anything lol. I don't think it's feasible even then. I might do two sides of glass rather than all glass. Plus that might make it more comfortable for the lizard too.

[infernalis]

Good thinking.

My cage is wood and aluminum with a big 6 foot window on it, compound that with the weight of a truckload of dirt, logs, water, etc.. I decided to install support columns in my basement under the cage, I oriented it so that part of the weight is supported by my foundation, it's also along a load bearing wall, so overall I feel comfortable that it won't collapse my house.

As for the weight of Glass, I have a 4 foot square panel of half inch (maybe 3/4) glass that will deflect rocks thrown from a mower, and it is unbelievably heavy. It's an antique farm house picture window removed from a 100 year+ old building.

It takes two big husky men to move this window around, it's that heavy.

[Vegasarah]

WELL, I've got another crazy turn of events. Sigh. These kids are killing me.

They don't want to give me the Sav, but their 'friend' has a Nile he doesn't want any more. They know I would give it a good home I guess? Not sure, I'm having a hard time because these kids are like 12 and 13 so they are kind of internet-********.

UGH this is so ridiculous. I'm starting at square one again for learning about care. Soooo now any advice on NILES is very much appreciated lol. Sorry, guys.

It's 16 inches long tip to tail, they have no clue on the age. Apparently it was given to him for free and is in a 40 gallon tank right now and he just gives it 3 mice and 3 goldfish a week and it eats them. It has a big water dish and part of the lid is covered so there is at least some humidity. It's 'not tame' and pretty active too according to him. Doesn't try to bite but does not like to be held or taken out of it's enclosure. I'm hoping this means that it's in somewhat good health. We shall see. I know the goldfish are a no-no, I think because they are high in like thiamine or something? Dunno, so any advice on diet would be very appreciated.

So what kind of space requirements am I looking at right now? How small is too small for a temporary tank till I can get building on his adult enclosure? Would my 8x2x2 tank work for a month or two or would it be cruel? Looks like I'll be sketching out plans a lot sooner than I thought haha.

Again, sorry guys. I'm getting sick of the run-around, but I want to try and help these poor lizards as much as I can.

[Vegasarah]

Also, I know it's only a matter of time til that Sav comes into my care. Even if I can just act as a foster parent I'm going to try and take it on as well. Who thought it would be okay to give some 12 year olds a huge monitor lizard? Ugh.

[infernalis]

Niles, The care is almost identical... However.

They get quite a bit bigger, when kept under optimal conditions they can be a real handful.

They have the balls to invade a Nile Crocidile nest and steal moms eggs to eat them.

Some people have well supported niles that are tractable, but again, they are larger, therefor the attitude factor goes up.

I'm not saying for one minute that you couldn't do it, I just want you to be aware that Niles are big and less afraid of you. Do it right, you will love every minute, do it wrong, and it hurts.

We just had a member here get nailed by her monitor, it grabbed her thumb and rolled.

If you go forward with this, I would say it best to make your cage 10-12 feet long rather than 8.

I know I'd love nothing more than to see a well supported Nile... Just like Savannah Monitors, Niles are imported and cheap. any fool with $20-30 can bring one home.

[Vegasarah]

Yikes... Well go big or go home, right? I'd be fine with just being able to observe. I mean some socialization for cleaning and maintenance without a tail whip to the face would be nice, of course. But I don't mind 'hands off' animals. I've been doing some more research and it sounds like they are a handful. But then again I'd rather suffer a few tail whips than watch this animal suffer at the hands of some new idiot keeper who will inevitably kill it.

The cage I would make would be 10 feet long, but I was asking if my 8x2x2 is okay for right now while I actually get planning and building and funding the adult enclosure? He's only 16 inches long. One month in the 8x2x2... would it be horrible? I'm one for giving maximum comfort to my reptiles.

Any examples you know if that come to mind as "perfect example of a Nile enclosure"? I'd love to get a link to them ;)

[DiscoPat]

I think the only reason that 1 month would be a problem is if it turned to longer than that. If he is 16 inches I wouldn't see why and 8x2x2 wouldn't work for that time. It would be better than letting him live in a 40gal for another month.

[infernalis]

I think the only reason that 1 month would be a problem is if it turned to longer than that. If he is 16 inches I wouldn't see why and 8x2x2 wouldn't work for that time. It would be better than letting him live in a 40gal for another month.


I agree, a short time won't hurt.

[Vegasarah]

Okay, thanks for the feedback. Looks like I will be grabbing this guy tomorrow morning at ten. I am super anxious about this, I hope I'm doing the right thing here. I know one thing is for sure, I am glad I have all of you to help me along. I am excited to gain knowledge and do this the right way. I will be sure to post updates. Should I start a new thread for posting pictures and asking diet questions for a nile?

[infernalis]

Should I start a new thread for posting pictures and asking diet questions for a nile?

if that's what you would like to do.

[Lankyrob]

Personally i would start a new thread, someone with niles but no sav experience may be avoiding this thread but could contribute to your care :)

[Vegasarah]

http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/varanid/97613-rescued-nile-monitor-need-advice.html#post807986

There's the link to follow what's happening! :)