Savannah Monitor Bedding

[RaiderWin16]

What is the best bedding for a savannah monitor? Right now I have her on some calcium sand but read somewhere recently (can't remember the website) that the calcium sand isn't as good as once thought. So I'm asking what is the best choice, cost is not a problem.

[ring]

Umm the pet store had recommended either the calcium sand or the lizard bark or the astroturff. I would talk to your pet store or vet to see what they would recommend. I use astroturf cause its easily cleaned and can be reused.

[savannah_babe]

well, first off..how big is your savannah? babies shouldnt be kept on sand. causes impaction. if it is larger..sand is fine.. and, dont use calci sand..lol..you can buy 50lbs of play sand at your lowes or home depot for 3 bucks

[NicoleRussell]

well there are some who feel sand is a terrible substrate for monitors..it will not hold a burrow and instead will cave in on the animal. It's also drying and will not aid the animal with it's sheds.
Also with playsand you have the lung disorder problems (unless you are lucky enough to find silica free play sand where you live).
Go to PROEXOTICS.com and read about substrates for monitors.
One substrate that is non forming, inexpensive but still pretty good is cypress.

[RaiderWin16]

I've narrowed it down to either the cypress mulch or this stuff I saw at http://www.petpourri.com/repshop.html called ESU lizard bedding. It is made from plant fiber and doesn't contain bark or wood. Is this stuff good or should I stay away from it? And how many lbs./cu. feet/quarts would I need to cover 8 sq. feet in 1 inch of bedding?[/url]

[NicoleRussell]

I've never used it and it's hard to say without seeing it.
The thing is what you would consider now is different from what you might consider later as the animal gets large and you need alot of substrate.
I would at this point stick with cypress unless you can get your hands on some of that decomposed granite that robin talks about at proexotics.

[RaiderWin16]

OK thanks I'll go with the cypress, I just need to know how much to buy.

[haroldo359]

i'd go with cypress. you can get a 2.2 cubic ft bag at home depot or lowes for like 2 and a half bucks.

[NicoleRussell]

ditto

[zenix]

whats a good bedding that can hold a burrow right now im using a kind of litter thats like green pellets and makes the mess very easy to clean up but i want him to be able to make a burrow if he wants any ideas?