Possible Savannah rescuer with questions.

[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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by Vegasarah

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/varan...tml#post807986

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