|
|
Savannah monitors are great varanids. They are common, affordable, easy to care for, on the
smaller side when it comes to varanids, and usually tame. These traits, along with others, make
them a good choice for a first monitor. Savannah monitors can get up to 4', but are rarely over 3'.
At hatching, these monitors are approximately 3-4", but grow very fast. In one year, these animals
can easily reach 2' or more if cared for and fed properly. I feed my savannahs crickets, worms,
roaches, ground turkey, mice, and rats. These guys will eat anything that moves and are bottomless
pits, which can pose a problem, obesity. I feed my baby savannahs as much as they'll eat since
they're going through their main growth period, but once they reach adult size, their food intake
should be regulated. Also, savannah monitors should only be fed mice and rats sparingly and must
have a varied diet. As with all my other herps, I supplement my savannahs' diets with Miner All.
Savannah Monitors come from dry environments in Africa and therefore require higher temps and
less humidity than other monitors. I provide my savannahs with a day time temperature range of
85-95F and provide them with a basking spot that reaches as high as 145F. At night, their
temperatures should not drop below 75F. As a substrate, you can use very fine playsand, soil, newspaper, or woodchips.
To view images of Savannah Monitors, click here