My Rudi

[Akuma223]

Heres some pics of my Rudi Oliver. I got him in October as an import, He was super tiny then but is now getting nice and big; he's got a beefy tail and muscular legs.
Out of curiosity does anyone else's Rudi burrow? My boy has never made a tunnel, he only burrows under his water dish's or log.
Pic from When I first got him-

[Akuma223]

Then tonight -

[Akuma223]

A week earlier then the ones above

[Akuma223]

His enclosure is 7ftL-4ftT-2ftW His basking spot is 90-150 surface. All plants are real except a little grass by basking log and ivy on climbing log.

[Akuma223]

His hollow log, also his basking spot.

[Little Wise Owl]

What a gorgeous animal. Do you have a picture of the full set up? It looks awesome. :)

[Pirarucu]

Looking good, I really like his hollow log. What species of plants do you have in there?
What is the soil/sand ratio? It sounds to me as if he wants to burrow but the substrate won't hold tunnels, so he is resorting to making a hole under existing structures.

[infernalis]

It sounds to me as if he wants to burrow but the substrate won't hold tunnels, so he is resorting to making a hole under existing structures.

ditto........

[murrindindi]

Hi, good to see the monitor looking healthy and growing nicely! If it isn`t already, the substrate should be very well tamped down (as if you`d walked on it), otherwise it won`t really hold burrows very well.

[Akuma223]

There isn't really a lot of sand in there, I am planning on putting some more in later. The soil however could hold a burrow if he would try to make one. I have never even see him try. I started one for him once but he hardly even looked at it (at least for the minute I was there). Soil is well tramped down. As for plants I know I have spider plants but I don't know what the rest are :D , I still have more to put in too. I'll get a pic of his full set up later. Heres another baby pic

[smy_749]

Just out of curiosity what are the dimensions of your cage? Does he use that "fencing" or whatever it is on the back? almost like cork bark? and, nice log lol

[Akuma223]

Cage Is 7ftL 4ftT and 2 1/2ft W. He does climb on the fencing on the back of his cage when he's spazzy.

[smy_749]

Cage Is 7ftL 4ftT and 2 1/2ft W. He does climb on the fencing on the back of his cage when he's spazzy.


Is he still very skittish? I got rid of mine, miss him already haha. Before I left he gave me his first/best attempt at tail whipping. It was kinda cute actually.

[Akuma223]

He can be skittish at times, he will puff up and curl his tail like he's going to whip often; or rarely he will teleport across the cage to a hiding spot. He can also be "friendly" at times. If I put my hand near him when he's basking he will move and sit on my hand. When he wanders he'll sometimes climb up my arm and onto my shoulder. I'd say he is pretty chill as far as monitors go. When he does have a bit of an extra attitude I think its adorable.

[jarich]

I think the digging under things is pretty normal. I would guess it could possibly be the fact that digging under a log or rock or whatever would likely make for a safer burrow in the wild. A burrow at the base of a tree or under a rock makes it harder for the burrow to get dug up by a predator.

[smy_749]

At the base of a Tree, or if its a log somewhat burried, I would imagine provides structural support as well.

[Akuma223]

Does anyone want to see a feeding vid?

[Pirarucu]

Must you ask?

[Akuma223]

Hehe :D I'll try to get a good one tonight.

[smy_749]

Hehe :D I'll try to get a good one tonight.

Yes, we want to see all the vids.

[Akuma223]

I'll post my first two vids of him for now. Sorry about My super obnoxious voice.

Olivers unboxing - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LardzIa5JWg&feature=youtu.be)

heres the first, he hadn't been looking good at all.

[Akuma223]

Oliver chasing crickets - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahmeaIp80KI&feature=youtu.be)
and him eating crickets

[smy_749]

I'm confused, do you have 2 rudis? I thought its name was amusei or something?

[Akuma223]

I'd rather not talk about it :no: I'll just say I underestimated his strength and intelligence and he paid for it.....I truly miss him and regret my stupidity.

[smy_749]

I'd rather not talk about it :no: I'll just say I underestimated his strength and intelligence and he paid for it.....I truly miss him and regret my stupidity.


Ah ok, well as long as your learning from mistakes. Speaking of strength, my mangrove which is about 2 feet atm, bent the plexiglass out of shape, trying to wedge through. The plexiglass is locked, and it now has a full sized travel bag filled with junk infront of the doors (it covers only the bottom half and he still has plenty of viewing room, just cant push on the doors anymore)

[Akuma223]

Feeding time!! - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLBXu8TlT8Y&feature=youtu.be)
video I just took tonight.

[smy_749]

Feeding time!! - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLBXu8TlT8Y&feature=youtu.be)
video I just took tonight.

cage looks really nice, but why pinkys? Those seem much too small. Also I wouldn't get into a habit of using your hands to feed, you don't wanna take that chance.

[Akuma223]

They aren't pinkies, I got them from rodentpro and they were labeled as peach fuzzies. They don't look very fuzzy to me though. I hand feed him as a method to keep him used to my hands and if he bites me I can deal with it.

[V87]

They aren't pinkies, I got them from rodentpro and they were labeled as peach fuzzies. They don't look very fuzzy to me though. I hand feed him as a method to keep him used to my hands and if he bites me I can deal with it.

Lol ...not wen he is 4ft long and thinks ur finger is a pinky ... Ouch ...:D

[infernalis]

... Ouch ...:D

Yup. Adult monitor bites are not quite the same as a baby bite.

Remember, most monitor species can tear chunks off larger prey, translation: they are well equipped to take a chunk of meat from most any source. ;)

[jarich]

Fun to watch, and the enclosure looks quite nice.

I would agree about moving up a size or two on the mice. He looks big enough now to take down a hopper at the very least, maybe even bigger. Essentially the larger the mouse, the better the Ca:P ratio, as their bones are more formed. What else are you feeding him? Live foods that run away are great exercise for them. Especially as there are so many places for them to hide in their. Will keep him busy for hours trying to find the bugs if you dump a bunch in at once.

[Akuma223]

Yeah I have been bitten by him not too long ago; hurt like hell lol. But i am careful with him and feed him by hand once he starts to calm down. I'll tell my dad to buy bigger mice next time, do you think I should put calcium dust on his mice occasionally? If so how much and how often? Next time I go to the store I'll try to find mice that are a small size that he can chase and take down, I also dump a ton of crickets in there often so he can chase them whenever he wants.

[smy_749]

Yeah I have been bitten by him not too long ago; hurt like hell lol. But i am careful with him and feed him by hand once he starts to calm down. I'll tell my dad to buy bigger mice next time, do you think I should put calcium dust on his mice occasionally? If so how much and how often? Next time I go to the store I'll try to find mice that are a small size that he can chase and take down, I also dump a ton of crickets in there often so he can chase them whenever he wants.


Careful isn't good enough. When hes bigger and bites you becaues of a mistake, you may lose feeling in a finger or two, and have a nice trip to the hospital. And no, you don't need to dust mice. Just feed older mice with more bone structure.

[jarich]

Yeah I have been bitten by him not too long ago; hurt like hell lol. But i am careful with him and feed him by hand once he starts to calm down. I'll tell my dad to buy bigger mice next time, do you think I should put calcium dust on his mice occasionally? If so how much and how often? Next time I go to the store I'll try to find mice that are a small size that he can chase and take down, I also dump a ton of crickets in there often so he can chase them whenever he wants.

If youre feeding pinkies, I would dust them but for the larger mice there is no need. I wouldnt recommend feeding mice that are any bigger than pinkies live though. No need to risk an injury. When I said feed it something it can chase down I meant roaches, crickets, crayfish, etc.

[Akuma223]

But the mice aren't supposed to be pinkies though? They were labeled as peach fuzzies.

[smy_749]

But the mice aren't supposed to be pinkies though? They were labeled as peach fuzzies.

Peach fuzzies are almost the same as pinkys I think, not much there with regards to bone development.

http://www.repticzone.net/images/25454/mice.jpg

Pinky is the first, peach fuzzy is the second, you probably want to feed the third. You can see the difference in fur development (not that fur matters much) to tell which is which. They are a bit larger, if he can't eat it, he will just rip it up with his claws till he can.

[jarich]

Peach fuzzies are almost the same as pinkys I think, not much there with regards to bone development.

http://www.repticzone.net/images/25454/mice.jpg

Pinky is the first, peach fuzzy is the second, you probably want to feed the third. You can see the difference in fur development (not that fur matters much) to tell which is which. They are a bit larger, if he can't eat it, he will just rip it up with his claws till he can.

Not really, no.

Feed him at the very least hoppers, but preferably larger. Its hard to tell scale from that video, but I would guess that monitor can swallow an adult mouse without problem. You can always just cut an adult mouse in half if you are worried about it being too big.

[smy_749]

Not really, no.

Feed him at the very least hoppers, but preferably larger. Its hard to tell scale from that video, but I would guess that monitor can swallow an adult mouse without problem. You can always just cut an adult mouse in half if you are worried about it being too big.

is that not what they do with dead carcusses? If it was too large they will just leave it or choke on it?

[jarich]

When you are talking about the larger monitor species or possibly even adult rudis then that might be true, but the young will generally just take what they can swallow whole.

[Barlow]

I've not kept rudis but my blacktree monitors used their claws to slice open mice and if the mouse was slightly too large to swallow they used to slice off the front legs to aid swallowing. Pretty cool to watch.
http://i1179.photobucket.com/albums/x383/BaitrunnerBarlow/IMG_2826.jpg
http://i1179.photobucket.com/albums/x383/BaitrunnerBarlow/IMG_2799.jpg
I miss that monitor. Black trees are so cool!

[jarich]

I stand corrected. Ive never seen the smaller ones do that before.

[Barlow]

I stand corrected. Ive never seen the smaller ones do that before.
I've only witnessed it with the black tree. But 12" ackies here can swallow small mice no probs.

[Barlow]

My komodo can swallow goats!
http://i1179.photobucket.com/albums/x383/BaitrunnerBarlow/IMG_4391.jpg
http://i1179.photobucket.com/albums/x383/BaitrunnerBarlow/IMG_4394.jpg

[jarich]

Where do you work man?

[Barlow]

Where do you work man?
Haha. I work for toyota, those were taken at my local zoo lol. Just messing. Cool photos though.

[jarich]

Ah, I didnt remember you working for a zoo, but I was about to be super jealous if you had access to those bad boys ;)

[Barlow]

While it would be nice to have access to Komodos I'm glad I don't work for a zoo. They seem to have their hands tied too much and I feel their husbandry is lacking for the most part. Too much emphasis on making the animals visable to the public rather than catering for their needs.

[jarich]

Too true mate, especially as pertains to monitors.

[V87]

While it would be nice to have access to Komodos I'm glad I don't work for a zoo. They seem to have their hands tied too much and I feel their husbandry is lacking for the most part. Too much emphasis on making the animals visable to the public rather than catering for their needs.

While I will agree most zoos are rubbish and for most moni sp they are completely useless at the captive care but I do knw one zoo that cares for one sp well ...... Not the best but its for more than a few reasons not just the focus of the public viewing ....:eek:

[Akuma223]

Swimming and wandering - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKeS26qC1T0)

I was bored last night and took a video of him wandering around his cage.

[Akuma223]

He cracked one of his back claws while chasing after food today, its bleeding a little but I assume he'll be alright?It seems to bother him a bit, he keeps waving his foot around.

[murrindindi]

He cracked one of his back claws while chasing after food today, its bleeding a little but I assume he'll be alright?It seems to bother him a bit, he keeps waving his foot around.



Hi, I like the setup, lots of cover as it should be, but it looks as if the water is just at room temp? It would be much better if you could heat it to the low to high 80`sF, use a somewhat larger container and a 50w aquarium heater, very economical to run 24/7.
As far as the broken claw`s concerned, watch for any swelling in the toe (infection), in which case some antibiotics may be needed. For now you can swab it with some diluted iodine; one part iodine to fifty parts water, it should regrow within a couple of months or so.

[Akuma223]

He was posing nicely when I walked in today so I ran and grabbed my camera.

[Akuma223]

heres some more

[smy_749]

That tongue photo is sweet hahaha, nice pics.

[Akuma223]

Thanks much :)

[Akuma223]

My boy has started to actually dig holes!!! What does this mean precisely? He never had much interest in digging and recently he has gradually become interested. Thoughts?

[smy_749]

My boy has started to actually dig holes!!! What does this mean precisely? He never had much interest in digging and recently he has gradually become interested. Thoughts?

Check your humidity. Are they looking for food holes, or burrow attempts?

Maybe your he is a she

[Akuma223]

If my Oliver is an Olivia will she than lay infertile eggs? Should I worry about her becoming egg-bound? It may have been a burrow attempt.

[Pirarucu]

If my Oliver is an Olivia will she than lay infertile eggs? Should I worry about her becoming egg-bound? It may have been a burrow attempt.Yes, she will. Make sure you have enough substrate, and that it will hold a burrow and you shouldn't need to worry.

[Akuma223]

how deep should the substrate be ideally?

[Pirarucu]

The general standard I have come up with is to make it at least half of the monitor's total length in depth or the SVL of the monitor, either one. For some of the large species with especially long tails, (salvadorii comes to mind) perhaps the snout to vent length would be more practical.

[Akuma223]

A yummy treat
Varanus eating infertile Cockatiel eggs - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6DoI61xzTaw&feature=youtu.be)

[franks]

Nice vid. Looks like he is taking well to you.

[smy_749]

Very nice , thanks for the update! he looks great.

[Akuma223]

Thanks :)

[Akuma223]

He was maybe 9 1/2 inches when I got him, he is now 27! :D

[sweatshirt]

He's gorgeous and I like his videos :D

[Akuma223]

Thanks! He was very sociable today, came out to sit with me and the cat and I was able to measure him. Was chill for once.

[Akuma223]

Hey everyone, I would like to update his water dish into something bigger and more efficient, More like a swimming pool with a filter really. Only problem is He gets his water really muddy and he poops in it. What filters can handle that kind of thing?

[smy_749]

Hey everyone, I would like to update his water dish into something bigger and more efficient, More like a swimming pool with a filter really. Only problem is He gets his water really muddy and he poops in it. What filters can handle that kind of thing?

Not many, and if they can, it will eventually crap out considering they are designed to filter water, and it will occasionally be trying to filter mud and properly burn out. Get 2 x 32 or 41 qt tubs and simply use one, when it needs to be washed, put the other one in.

[Akuma223]

Okay good idea.

[Akuma223]

Quail for dinner - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34hEQPNS3gs)

Quail is yummy

[Akuma223]

some new pics incoming:)

heres one of him and the cup he was shipped to me in

[Akuma223]

And some more...

[SnoopySnake]

Wow, he's big! He looks great! :)

[Akuma223]

I am planning on building and outdoor cage for Oliver, I was thinking 6ft long, 4ft tall, and 4ft wide. It would be something he would go in everyday when its warm for exercise and sunlight while under supervision. In there he would have climbing branches, a very large dish for swimming, some slate for basking, a shelf, and plenty of dirt to dig in. Now, what I am curious about is what materials to use for the cage. I was thinking of it simply being a tough chicken-wire for the walls, ceiling, and buried under a foot of dirt to prevent escape. I would put a board on half the ceiling for partial shade. One of my concerns is about nose rub, but what other things should be considered? He would obviously only be out on warm days, and perhaps when its rainy out?

[Rudiman]

A bit small.....my vive now is 4x4x7.......the new vive is 4x8x7 1/2

[Mikoh4792]

Wow that growth rate is pretty crazy. Was barely the size of your hand. Will he grow much bigger?

[Akuma223]

Wow that growth rate is pretty crazy. Was barely the size of your hand. Will he grow much bigger?

Yeah he got big fast, when ever I look at old pictures I find it hard to believe its the same creature. He probably will not get any bigger I think, he is a little over 3ft now; in need to measure him again.

[Akuma223]

A bit small.....my vive now is 4x4x7.......the new vive is 4x8x7 1/2

Yup it really is :( the outdoor cage is strictly for recreational purposes for him, I would go bigger but I'm certain my dad will complain. What is really crappy is his normal viv. Thing is crappy construction, too small (7ft L, 2 1/2 ft W, 4ft T) and my dad refuses to help me with something so simple as adding some shelves so we can use the bloody vertical space. Plus I have difficulty keeping the damn humidity in there. When we built the thing my dad did not listen to Anything I said and therefore did a cruddy job :mad: as soon as it gets warm I am doing a full renovation of the thing. Removing the dirt, resealing it (properly), and overall making it more appropriate. I have been harassing him for almost a year and he doesn't listen. He always asks "why?" why do we need this, he looks fine to me he says!

End rant (maybe)
To say I love my dad and am grateful for everything he does is an understatement, I really just wish he'd listen. I'd build my boy a new one myself but that requires money, and I want to save that for when I get my own place and can build one there.

[mdfmonitor]

And some more...

Nice size, talons as well! :)

[Little Wise Owl]

Yup it really is :( the outdoor cage is strictly for recreational purposes for him, I would go bigger but I'm certain my dad will complain. What is really crappy is his normal viv. Thing is crappy construction, too small (7ft L, 2 1/2 ft W, 4ft T) and my dad refuses to help me with something so simple as adding some shelves so we can use the bloody vertical space. Plus I have difficulty keeping the damn humidity in there. When we built the thing my dad did not listen to Anything I said and therefore did a cruddy job :mad: as soon as it gets warm I am doing a full renovation of the thing. Removing the dirt, resealing it (properly), and overall making it more appropriate. I have been harassing him for almost a year and he doesn't listen. He always asks "why?" why do we need this, he looks fine to me he says!

End rant (maybe)
To say I love my dad and am grateful for everything he does is an understatement, I really just wish he'd listen. I'd build my boy a new one myself but that requires money, and I want to save that for when I get my own place and can build one there.

Wow, is your dad my dad? lmao He helped build my tegu's enclosure but didn't listen to anything I had to say and now the thing is left unfinished, can't hold in heat or humidity... Just. ugh. lol

Good luck with your renovations

[Akuma223]

heh thanks, I'll have to keep bugging him I guess :p