starting research for monitor/ tegu

So I am extreemly interested in getting either a savana monitor or a columbian tegu and have started my research. I know that the enclosure for these animals is quite large but what is the recomended size for them? I know that they need to beable to burrow down but is it preferable to build the burrow yourself or just let him do it? lots of questions and I dont have tons of time to research at home due to lack of internet and phone reception where I live but I have my lunch hour and the ability to print from work. thanks.

research away....

Can't help with the Tegu, not my cup o tea.

hit up http://www.savannahmonitor.net

everything you want to know about Savannah Monitors.

tegutalk.com

A good place to start.

And no matter your decision, let them make their own burrows ;)

Chris

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Originally Posted by mumps

tegutalk.com

A good place to start.

And no matter your decision, let them make their own burrows ;)

Chris

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Glad you said that Chris.

When I first got my Savannah Monitors, I had put in 2 "artificial" burrows.

The lizards have backfilled them so perfectly, that I defy anyone to point out where they were, without a before and after photo to compare.

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Originally Posted by infernalis

Glad you said that Chris.

When I first got my Savannah Monitors, I had put in 2 "artificial" burrows.

The lizards have backfilled them so perfectly, that I defy anyone to point out where they were, without a before and after photo to compare.

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lol good to know.

Both different, tegus will be a little cooler, little less space(not by much). I would say look at infernalis site, very well put together. Also read through his thread here http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...nnah-Monitors) if you have not already. And as stated above me, they build their own, but deep substrate is needed. The standard minimum you will hear is 6*3 for tegus, 8*4 for savannahs, but that can end up being to small. Just know it will be big.

Check out pro exotics. http://www.proexotics.com/FAQ2.html They have a lot of experience with monitors, and the faq is packed with info.

Last thing, I do not know if you know this, but columbians and argentines are different and behave differently as well. They can both become "tame" but columbians generally need more work, and the argentines usually become more mellow.

So you don't have a ton of time to research, but you want to own a pet like a varanid? I think your best bet is to wait until you have time to research, as the amount of time building the enclosure, taking care of the animal, etc- is going to dwarf the amount of time you had to spend researching something as simple as cage size and burrowing.

Op didnt say they dont hqve enough timevl to research they said they dont have internet at home so s/he is wanting websites to print info off of from work to be able to research.

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Originally Posted by Ogre

I dont have tons of time to research <b>at home </b>due to lack of internet and phone reception where I live but I have my lunch hour and the ability to print from work. thanks.

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MMreptiles, i think you missed the part about not being able to research at home... Not everyone has internet at their homes yet, that doesnt mean they can't build a proper enclosure or take the time to care for a new monitor. In fact, if I didnt have sites like this and facebook, I'd get much more done around the house :)

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Originally Posted by jbean7916

MMreptiles, i think you missed the part about not being able to research at home... Not everyone has internet at their homes yet, that doesnt mean they can't build a proper enclosure or take the time to care for a new monitor. In fact, if I didnt have sites like this and facebook, I'd get much more done around the house :)

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These things are very basic requirements, if the OP can't find simple requirements like this- how will he find the advanced stuff? Monitors are not about hand holding, monitors are for serious keepers with info and time, and resources.

Although, I hate to ask- why don't you have internet? I can think of many reasons, but if the reason is money- you can't afford a monitor if you can't afford internet. ;)