How to Care for a Savannah Monitor

By eHow Pets Editor

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The savannah monitor is the only reptile that is not a snake that has a forked tongue. They can grow to as large as four or even six feet at maturity and therefore require a large enclosure and a lot of work. They can be very rewarding pets to watch and interact with if you are willing to care for them properly. The monitor has a life expectancy of six to ten years.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Enclosure
Water bowl
Heat lamp
Thermometer
Full spectrum lighting
Substrate
Hiding area decorations
Vitamin and mineral supplement

Step1

Provide a large custom built enclosure for the adult monitor that is a minimum of 70 square feet of floor space and at least five feet high.

Step2

Light the cage with a full spectrum light. The UV rays from full spectrum lighting are necessary for your savannah monitor to properly function.

Step3

Heat an area of the enclosure to 110 degrees Fahrenheit and keep the rest of the enclosure at 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This thermal gradient is important because it allows the monitor to regulate its own body temperature.

Step4

Cover the floor of the cage with dry substrates like sand or mulch.

Step5

Fill a small and shallow bowl full of clean and non-chlorinated water and place it in the enclosure.

Step6

Feed the savannah monitor a variety of insects like crickets, wax worms and meal worms. Be sure to dust the insects with a vitamin and mineral supplement prior to feeding.

Step7

Create hiding areas for your monitor in the enclosure. They enjoy the seclusion and will be very grateful to have proper areas to seek refuge.

Tips & Warnings

Avoid using gravel and aquarium pebbles as they may be accidentally eaten.
Use a water bowl that is not easily tipped over.
As your monitor becomes larger they can also be fed feeder rodents from your local pet store.
The savannah monitor is an escape artist and will always be testing its enclosure. Be sure to build it strong enough to withstand the strength of the monitor and do not forget any holes, because your monitor will find them.
Do not use screens on the enclosure, the monitor has talons that will easily cut the screen.