Savannah Monitor

[Freebody]

lol that is so sweet lol , i cant wait to find one around here

[infernalis]

This is an older photo, but he was begging for food here...



I also think he likes it outside so much because of the abundance of things to eat, and it is just natural for him to dig around looking for beetles and other bugs.

Every time we let him roam the property, he gobbles up everything that moves.

He's very fond of the crayfish in our creek, he's learned that the creek and the banks are great feeding stations, lots of insects and those tasty crayfish.

He even eats the claws if they get knocked off while he is eating the rest.

Too bad he has to wait until summer returns to do it again.

[bighog85]

Originally Posted by infernalis

Too bad he has to wait until summer returns to do it again.

I know, I am so depressed that winter is coming already! The tortoises were LOVING the yard all summer and now they are inside. They are fairly restless, lol.

[infernalis]

What sucks most is that no matter how big of an enclosure I use, That lizard knows the difference between outside and locked down.

His whole mood changes.

[bighog85]

Originally Posted by infernalis

What sucks most is that no matter how big of an enclosure I use, That lizard knows the difference between outside and locked down.

His whole mood changes.

Oh ya, no matter how good of lighting and equipment we use it will never replace good ol' outdoor time. Our goal is to move to Arizona within the next couple years and when that happens, year round outdoor enclosures! I have spent my entire life in Alaska, Montana, and Idaho so I am fairly sick of winters, lol.

[emmels705]

Here's Carlos' new (bigger, not permanent) enclosure

[emmels705]

The right side of the tank has his "swimming pool"/water bowl and the top of the tank is covered with a sheet of Plexiglas to hold the heat from the left side in... I am going to get more top soil for him tomorrow, unless someone suggests that I mix it with sand. Does the sand help break down the soil? Should I get more soil as well as add sand to it?

[presspirate]

Originally Posted by bighog85

Oh ya, no matter how good of lighting and equipment we use it will never replace good ol' outdoor time. Our goal is to move to Arizona within the next couple years and when that happens, year round outdoor enclosures! I have spent my entire life in Alaska, Montana, and Idaho so I am fairly sick of winters, lol.

My whole life in MN and SD. I hear ya loud and clear! Best of luck to you!

[emmels705]

Also, how often should we change the dirt??

[infernalis]

If you diligently pick out the feces, Don't disturb it.

They tend to get things the way the like it and seem to get upset when it gets changed around.

[emmels705]

I still have the smaller tank, should I take him out of the dirt to feed him to lower the risk of him becoming impacted?

[bighog85]

Originally Posted by emmels705

Also, how often should we change the dirt??

Also, you can begin to grow beneficial bacteria and things in the soil much like you would in a fishtank. It helps to keep the environment clean and basically replicates wild soil. Pick out as much of the feces as possible but never change it out completely. I have worms and stuff in my enclosures as well to help with that.

[bighog85]

Originally Posted by emmels705

I still have the smaller tank, should I take him out of the dirt to feed him to lower the risk of him becoming impacted?

No, he wont get impacted unless he starts to just eat the dirt for fun. As long as he is well hydrated and hot enough he will not have a problem. They live on dirt in the wild so no worries.

[emmels705]

Thank you all so much!!! I have learned so so so much from you all and feel very comfortable with my sav!!!! I will still be on frequently as I love reading about your experiences with your pets as well as the cool pictures!! I'll also keep you updated on Carlos