Sav, dirt, and burrowing

[hhw]

I have a hatchling Sav (6-8"?) in a 10 gallon tank right now (moving him into something bigger soon). I have some good ol' dirt from my yard as the substrate, about 6" deep. However, my Sav has yet to successfully make any burrows. He's dug away a bit at the corners, but only a little bit.

So, is my Sav too young to burrow? Is there not enough surface area? Or is the consistency of my dirt not quite right? (too sandy, not sandy enough, etc.?).

[V.hb]

Hi,

Try putting some flat pieces of plywood on the surface (partially burried) He will dig under them most likely. I like to put them under the basking spot. I've also found savannahs prefer a sandier substrate. Of course, check to see if its even viable dirt, make sure it does hold a burrow and also make sure it isnt all clay, and too hard.. Good luck.

[hhw]

Well, at the place where I got the soil from, the soil will hold a burrow perfectly fine (I stuck a pole diagonally into the ground, and the hole holds after I take the pole out). However, the soil in the enclosure won't hold at all.

I'm thinking the difference is because of:
a) Moisture (the soil inside is pretty dry)
b) Density (the soil inside is looser)
c) Vegetation (although sparse, I think bits of weeds and roots here and there help hold the surface together)

Or do I just need more clay?

[V.hb]

Are you using a screen lid for ventilation? That can cause the substrate to dry very quickly.... and also the animal. Make sure you've only got a vent, or a few holes for ventilation. A screen is too much.

[hhw]

Yes, I do have a screen lid right now. I'll have a new enclosure for him this Saturday which will only have a vent. Should the soil be moist then? I was deliberately letting it dry out, as condensation would form in his hides. Also, I've never seen it said what the relative humidity should be for Savs. I always assumed they liked it dry, and living in a wet climate like Vancouver, I wasn't paying much concern to it like I do my BP.

[pheonix]

I would try to keep the humidity in the 45-60% range. I have a 4x2x2 enclosure my young juvy is in I have about 3" of substrate at the front then a hill that goes up to about 1 1/2' of substrate towards the back.

Hope this helps