How to Keep a Savannah Monitor? Basic Care Tutorial
Do you like savannah monitors? Do you know how to keep them? Below is an introduction to keeping savannah monitors.
Environment: Savannah monitors come from the African savanna. They like to climb and swim less. But they still need a very large “swimming pool”. When young, they like to climb rocks or wander around in a water dish.
Temperature: Daytime temperatures should be above 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures that are too low will make them ill. High temperatures can boost their metabolism, which helps them digest food and resist disease.
Food: Start by feeding them crickets, then try feeding them goldfish. When they approach one foot in length, add small mice and canned monitor food to their menu. A small savannah monitor cannot finish a whole can of monitor food at once, so cut the monitor food into several pieces and put the leftovers in the freezer. Once they grow a bit more, you can feed them small mice (of course, kill them humanely first). They like to eat cooked eggs and will chase rolling eggs across the floor of the enclosure. They will also eat raw eggs, but that makes a big mess.
Sense of security: Savannah monitors, especially young ones, need a cave or a piece of wood to hide in (inside, behind, or underneath it). They will squeeze into any gap. Cork bark hollows are very suitable as hiding caves for them.
Nutritional supplements: Because young savannah monitors grow bones very quickly, you need to dust the crickets you feed them with calcium powder. If you feed them pinky mice and goldfish, you can meet many of their mineral and vitamin needs. If you feed them canned monitor food, you do not need to give them any other nutritional supplements.
Heating: An under-tank heater plus a heat lamp (which should mean a UVA bulb) is a very good combination. If possible, it is best to provide your savannah monitor with a temperature gradient. Heat rocks are also a very good heat source for young savannah monitors. Clean frequently to prevent bacteria from breeding.
Water: Savannah monitors like to wander in the water. And because they use their water tub as a place to groom themselves, you need to change the water frequently.