Savannah Monitor HELP!!!!

Hey i'm getting a Savannah monitor soon and I wanted to know what is the right size for it.I'm building one so I just wanted to know if anybody has size measurements for the cage thanks... oo ya i need adult sizes

Originally Posted by BabyPhatz124

Hey im getting a Savannah monitor soon and I wanted to know wat is the right size for it.Im building one so I just wanted to know if anybody has size measurements for the cage thanks... oo ya i need adult sizes

I hope you are aware of the IMMENSE amount of work, responsibility, and effort that goes into owning an animal that you MAY NEVER be able to handle.

An adult requires a cage of at least 8'x4'x4', with ~12-18" of substrate(which can weigh in upwards of a ton), a 130-150F basking area and 70-90% humidity.

Check out this site for further info.
The Savannah Monitor, Varanus exanthematicus

Clearly if you don't even know the cage size, you are NOT ready for this animal.

Originally Posted by schlegelbagel

Clearly if you don't even know the cage size, you are NOT ready for this animal.

This.

I would like to point out that Babyphatz said he plans on getting one soon and not that he has purchased one. You aren't automatically ready but rather you have to become ready. The member came here to ask advice so that they can become ready. Max pointed them in the right direction and gave a great link.

I believe the space requirements and the diet are two of the most important considerations when taking in this type of lizard. I would like to give the member the benefit of a doubt as they are not doing this entirely on impulse rather than telling them they aren't ready and possibly chasing them away from good information.


As I said above, the link Max provided is a very good one. Alot of good information. I provide humidity range of 55-80% not quite as high as what Max suggests, but not much off. Good luck!

Yes, substrate is of utmost importance. Savs are kept in too dry conditions most of the time.
If you are getting a hatchling, I would not put it in an adult enclosure right away.
Also get started on a roach colony or you'll go broke feeding insects.
Savs are cheap to buy but one of the most expensive monitors to house and feed correctly.

Im thinking is a 6X4X4 good for a savannah monitor

Originally Posted by BabyPhatz124

Im thinking is a 6X4X4 good for a savannah monitor

It would survive in that size space, but would be much happier in an 8x4. Have you considered a different reptile with less difficult care requirements? Have you considered that you may never, ever be able to handle your adult Sav?
I'm not trying to discourage you, necessarily... But when it comes down to it, Sav's are one of the most difficult lizards in the world to keep properly, are you ready for such a responsibility?
Other things to take into consideration, do you live in an apartment building? If so I hope you are in a new building, or on the bottom floor as the amount of substrate needed will weigh well over a ton, which could easily cause an older apartment floor to collapse...

No I live in a two story house but im building a cage I was just thinking but 8X4 is no problem and I work at a reptial store so I have got alot of substrate all ready to go but just need to finish building the cage but thanks for all the help.

its great to hear youre planning ahead. I have had to help so many because they didnt and it got spendy .

are you getting a hatchling or just average juvie? Are you ready to take bites? (i just showed my man how bites and removal works, and he feels better when handeling our 20" bosc whose teeth are big enough to pop thru skin and if it ever shook it would tear the flesh) and potential trips to doc for antibiotics? are you prepared as how to remove the biting animal from your fingers without harming either of you? do you have hemostats or not sharp tongs to feed with? I suggest target traing for feeding as it keeps you safer{it doesnt make em bite proof- nothing , even domesticated , is bite proof} How much handeling are you planning ? The biggest thing to show the youngin is youre not afraid. the next is that you are warm and a calm safe zone. next it target training to help to not get nipped at.

Teresa