I want to keep my savannah monitor alive.

[Acifexeq]

Thanks for the replies!

What kind of thermometer are you using to read the hotspot and other temps? (IR Temp gun, dial, digital)

Why do you have 8 inches of substrate?

Posting a picture of the cage would allow people to help you better with suggestions for it.

I take surface temps with a temp gun but I also have a digital on both ends of the enclosure.

I have 8 inches because http://www.savannahmonitor.net/ insists that they are burrowing animals and like to dig.

I'll try to get a pic when I get home.

varanustalk.net

Small forum, but tons of great advice. If you post the above overthere put up some pictures of your enclosure etc.

The cage you have even for a baby is pretty tiny, most have had success putting them in their "forever" enclosure right off the batt, 8in of substrate is better than some have done in a 40 gallon tank, but again most suggest at least 2ft of substrate to ensure they can burrow, stay hydrated, etc. What are the specs on your tegu enclosure? I basically keep my Tegu the exact same way most house their Savs except I keep a higher humidity.

My baby is very tiny. Perhaps only a little longer than my middle finger. I had read that they could be placed inside large enclosures but I was skeptical because I didn't want him to stress out inside such a large enclosure and, selfishly, I want to make sure he survives for a little while before I go through the process of building his adult home. I already have the plans (it would mimic my tegu enclosure). I just want to make sure he lasts past two weeks.

My tegu enclosure is 8 long x 4 deep x 3 height.

Would you still recommend 2ft at his size? Of course I would add more as he grew but I have the temps worked out perfectly (I believe so, anyway. Correct me if I'm wrong) and I hesitate to disturb that until I'm a bit more convinced he's healthy.

I've never had any issues with any of my pets before. I have beardies, uros, a tegu, snakes, and parrots. None of them have ever died on me.