Toref/Torefet: Varanus Tristis Orientalis/Freckled Tree Monitor

[dakski]

Toref seems good. He didn't want Dubai yesterday (used to crickets), and ignored scrambled egg microwaved in the bowl (NO fat used in cooking), but he's still getting adjusted and is easily spooked right now. However, he got braver throughout the day.

Around 2PM, I cut up a mouse fuzzy (Frozen mouse fuzzy - a) easier to cut then defrosted and b) I would never hurt a live animal). I cut about 1/4 of the body, including the heart, into bite size pieces, and defrosted. That was in his bowl for about 2 seconds and he ran down and gobbled down the mouse parts. He should only eat rodent 2X a week or so and insects 5-6 right now. As an adult, and eating every other day, he can eat rodent 1/3 meals easily. Other lean protein, like ground turkey, can be mixed in, or even boiled chicken.

He must have worn out exploring because I found him worn out in the morning, passed out between his two wood "planks/basking areas." It was so cute.

I did have a potential issue, however. In devouring the mouse parts, he dragged them through the substrate (having taken them out of his bowl), and ate 3 pieces of alfalfa bedding. I am using it because it is digestible, but that seemed like a lot for a guy his size. He seems fine now, and his metabolism is super fast, especially as a baby, so I probably would have known by now if there is was an issue (12 hours later) and he's fast asleep hanging from his vertical log. However, I am thinking of a) using a bigger bowl, b) putting in on his wood planks, and not on the substrate, and c) potentially switching to Reptile Prime coconut fiber substrate.

Again, the bedding (link here: https://www.zillarules.com/all-produ...ing-and-litter) is supposed to excellent in dryer tanks (horrible in wet/humid environments) and is digestible. From what I've read, not just Zilla says so. It's supposed to be very safe for all arid species (again moisture is not good as it causes it to expand, lose it's antibacterial and absorbent nature, and smell).

Anyone have experience with Reptile Prime being ingested by a lizard and being okay? Any thoughts on what might be a better substrate option? Thank you in advance and I'll advise if anything changes for the worst. However, if I don't say anything, assume he's fine.

Here's a video of Toref eating a piece of mouse Fuzzy: https://streamable.com/7wxep


Toref this morning before he woke up:


​Toref this morning after he woke up:





A few hours after his meal:




Bedtime:


A little after bedtime: