Quick question about temps.

[Chandra2]

I know the hot spot is supposed to be 130-150 and ambient temps around 80-85 on the cool side. But what about inside the soil where they dig?
I just got about 15 inches of topsoil, sand and yard dirt in the cage but it was around 40 degrees.Ive put some brooder lights above the soil and have been mixing it up to bring up the temp. before I put him in.

Also should I pack down the soil?
I will have it almost 2ft on one end and only about 10 inches on the basking end probably less if I have to pack it down is that about right for now?

I can add a bit more if needed but it will take time to bring the temps up again.

[infernalis]

Please don't heat up the dirt. Down underground is where Savannah Monitors go to cool off and retreat from the heat.

My dirt is fairly steady in the 70's range.

You want to pack the soil lightly, it needs to be packed a little to hold a tunnel.

[varanus_mad]

Originally Posted by infernalis

Please don't heat up the dirt. Down underground is where Savannah Monitors go to cool off and retreat from the heat.

My dirt is fairly steady in the 70's range.

You want to pack the soil lightly, it needs to be packed a little to hold a tunnel.

Out of interest do you have hotter temps in the substrate to?

I only ask because of nesting i.e. mid to high 80s for preference.

[infernalis]

Originally Posted by varanus_mad

Out of interest do you have hotter temps in the substrate to?

I only ask because of nesting i.e. mid to high 80s for preference.

Yes, the dirt is far warmer on the basking end than it is on the "cold end"

I also have my enclosure in the reptile room, I keep the reptile room around 80 degrees, so it stands to reason that the soil cannot be much cooler than the room it's kept in.

Now I feel the sudden need to temp gun the tunnel.....

[varanus_mad]

Originally Posted by infernalis

Yes, the dirt is far warmer on the basking end than it is on the "cold end"

I also have my enclosure in the reptile room, I keep the reptile room around 80 degrees, so it stands to reason that the soil cannot be much cooler than the room it's kept in.

Now I feel the sudden need to temp gun the tunnel.....

i do that soon as someone questions what im doing

[Chandra2]

Thanks, the soil was like 40 degrees from being outside. I got the basking site up to 132 but had to use a 100 watt bulb.The 65 was useless and promptly dropped it down to 102.

Anyway he is really trying to get out, makes me think he hates it although he was in the hole I dug out for him at first.Heres a pic of my "ghetto rigging" lol.

[BarelyBreathing]

Be careful. Bricks are heavy, and if your monitor digs under them they could collapse on him.

[Chandra2]

Yea I thought of that but cant find anything right now to use.I will have to go up to the river and get some slate.They have nice big pieces along the bank.
I really hate this cage but at least he can burrow.I can see its not going to last very long either.He seems to hate it too and keeps digging at the mesh on the back.I had to wire on the light cause he kept bumping it off.Strong little bugger he is.
I dread making a big one, I know I can do it but its just soooo much work.

[BarelyBreathing]

The river or the woods is where I get most of my enclosure "furniture". No place better.

It's really not that much work. You'll do fine.

[infernalis]

There is no greater satisfaction than completing an enclosure, except seeing the animal enjoy it.

Stick around and ask questions as you go along, that way you won't make the same common mistakes many of us already have.

[Chandra2]

well his tunnel collapsed so he is sleeping half under the brick.I worry because about a third of his body is exposed to the constant heat of the lamp.Of course I had them off all night...I dont know if he is trying to hide and enjoying the heat or trying to hide and is enduring the heat for lack of a better place to hide.

He is not used to having any kind of hide and being exposed may be all he knows.Should I try making another tunnel or will his instincts to dig kick in?

[Chandra2]

I still need the question answered.Will he dig his own tunnel or should I make one for him?

He is still hiding under the brick, although he has pushed himself farther under it.But without a hide/burrow on the cool side he has no options unless he digs it himself.And well I dont know if he is capable of that.Especially since he has never been able to hide ever.I dont know if instinct will kick in or not.

[infernalis]

OK, to answer your question as directly as possible.

Start a small hole with your hand, he should take the hint.

That instinct is programmed millions of years ago, it's not even possible to "forget" instinct.

Instinct is hard coded into the DNA.

On the Nature of Instinct

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