Savannah Monitor Question

[LadyBottorff]

My husband and I recently rescued a Savannah Monitor that we know little about. He was bought by some friends of a family member at an expo where the man told them they were all wild caught. They had him for about a month before asking us to take him. He had not eaten anything in their care (a month or so) and was very under weight. With us so far he has been a decent eater, we have bathed him, given him some treatments for parasites, and handled him a bit. My real question is should we leave him alone in his cage until he is ready to come out on his own and be held and socialize? Should we not go into his hide to get him except to eat? When we do hold him he usually falls asleep and moves a bit. He does seem to enjoy being petted and cuddles a bit. I just don't want him to think he doesn't have a hide where he can be alone. Any input or direction would help! We have grown a soft spot for him, want to do what is right for him, and would like to keep him in the family!! Thanks a bunch!!

	Geek Auto Linker or Gallon Geek Auto Linker Gallon - United States liquid unit equal to 4 quarts or 3.785 liters

[razeraze]

Did you take him to a vet? If parasites are a problem blood work has to be done and a fecal to be sure which parasites you are trying to kill. One medication does not work on every parasite.

I suggest a vet visit and buying a few books.
start with "the savannah monitor lizard" by Daniel Bennet
Mampam Conservation/Viper Press - The Savannah Monitor Lizard (Powered by CubeCart)
Then pick up
"Savannah monitors" by Mark Bayless.
Barnes#$%^&&#$%^&Noble.com - Books: Savannah Monitors, by Mark K. Bayless, Paperback, 1ST

	Geek Auto Linker or Gallon Geek Auto Linker Gallon - United States liquid unit equal to 4 quarts or 3.785 liters

[LadyBottorff]

Yes, he is going to the vet this week. We have been waiting to hear back from the only known vet who deals with exotic pets and reptiles in our area. I'm sure there is a lot more they can do for him there. Thank you for your reply, but im not sure you understood my question really, maybe i asked it wrong. I was wondering about the handling of him and if i should ever remove a Savannah monitor from his hide. I don't want him to think that he doesn't have a place all his own where he is safe. Just wondered what other people do with their Monitors, or are they a lot more active and social being in better health?! Thanks a bunch again, though!! I appreciate your response!

	Geek Auto Linker or Gallon Geek Auto Linker Gallon - United States liquid unit equal to 4 quarts or 3.785 liters

[stalk]

Every monitor is different. But in general, during stressful times for any reptile, refrain from handling.

	Geek Auto Linker or Gallon Geek Auto Linker Gallon - United States liquid unit equal to 4 quarts or 3.785 liters

[LadyBottorff]

That makes sense. I guess the best way to make him comfortable, is to let him get himself comfortable here first. Thanks!

	Geek Auto Linker or Gallon Geek Auto Linker Gallon - United States liquid unit equal to 4 quarts or 3.785 liters

[razeraze]

Finding your monitor and checking it's health is worth the little bit of stress it causes but do not handle it for a while. Try to use food to gain it's trust.

So if you have not seen the little guy for a day or 2 check on him. The last thing you want is to find the monitor dead because you have been leaving him in his hide for a week and not checking it's health and over all appearance.