proper temps for sav monitior

[corrine]

I may be getting a savannah monitor, smoeone is giving him away on craigslist. I've been finding conflicting info on temps. Anyone know what they're supposed to be? Can sav's eat dubia or just rodents?

 

[corrine]

Also uv lighting. Do they need the 10.0 like dragons or something else?

 

[staylor]

No idea, sorry

 

[beardielover17]

I'm 99% positive they can have a varied diet of bugs, rodents and eggs and maybe even more but I know dubia would be fine for them. Temps I think but not sure would be in the 115+ range but that once again I'm not 100% on. As far as UVB I'm not sure. I've seen people with and without them.

 

[zebraflavencs]

Tim would know... The Virus...

 

[crypticdragons]

they do not need UV light but it is healthy for them to have (many have stated better health due to UV light). As to temps us a retes stack for a basking sight and have the highest/hottest point at around 140 degrees F surface temperature (not ambient air temp). They love to dig/burrow so around 18-24 inches deep of a good sand/soil mixture will be appreciated. As an adult he will need a minimum 6ft X 3ft tank (8x4 is better). Savs eat absolutely anything that is alive or was alive. If this is a baby start with insects but he will eat rats, mice, chicks, and anything else as an adult.

 

[Red Ink AUS]

As Bri said with the enclosure requirements. Temps as with any varanid dwarf or large basking temps need to be 50oC-60oC. Do not feed lean meats always whole prey items i.e. whole rats, chicks etc.. they can eat insects as young and adults.. no lean chicken or beef. They can live without UV but if you can provide them with one depending on $$$ as you will need multiple basking lights pointed in the one spot it's advisable. Maybe a combination of a 160W MVB and a regular bulb would be good.

 

[corrine]

Well we won't be getting him but hopefully next summer after we move and build an enclosur big enough. My hubby really wants to start with a baby rather than an adult. Thanks for all the info tho much appreciated. So it's just the basking temp that needs to be 140*f? What gradient should be kept?

 

[Red Ink AUS]

Well we won't be getting him but hopefully next summer after we move and build an enclosur big enough. My hubby really wants to start with a baby rather than an adult. Thanks for all the info tho much appreciated. So it's just the basking temp that needs to be 140*f? What gradient should be kept?

As long as you have the basking temps correct and there is a "cool side" then I wouldn't worry about a specific gradient. Varanids are a lot better in thermoregulating than any other reptile species. No need to pull hairs out trying to get a specific gradient in an enclosure that's 8x4 lol.

 

[corrine]

Great to know thanks!