New Savannah Monitor, advice please?

[SavvySurfer]

i've done my research and know the basics, but as far as handling and socialization goes, im a little in the dark. any good tips or advice?

[Patrick Long]

Make sure your "basics" are all in order.

I think its pretty hard to say you know the "basics". To me there really is no "Basics" with monitors. they require a lot of time, space, food, heat.

[Gooseman]

finally joined the forums Casey?

time/space/food/heat are all accounted for, as casey is my roommate and the savannah was an early wedding present from myself. one thing is for certain... the savannah will be well taken care of or heads will roll.

[Patrick Long]

Rockin good to know Ben!

[SavvySurfer]

im sure it varies from monitor to monitor, but time, space, food, and heat were the basics i was talking about. mine is still a tiny little kid, about 5 inches long, and i want to be able to handle it alot when it gets older.

[Patrick Long]

Start now, LOL

[SavvySurfer]

haha ok, sounds good.

[SavvySurfer]

so i was thinking a cattle water trough with a good bit of high quality potting soil and decomposed granite for a habitat. any suggestions for a good lid material? cuz i read they can tear through mesh.

[Patrick Long]

I like top soil for my substrate.

I also use a cat box for water.

Be carful with wire mesh tops, if they can get to the screen and climb on it, they can break off their claws.

My black throat came to me with two broken off claws....they will never grow back.

[SavvySurfer]

so what kind of top do you recomend? glass or acrylic drilled with vent holes? or something else, cuz i do wanna watch it run around.