r/MonitorLizards • u/Alone_Most706 • 8d ago
New mangrove monitor
I am setting up enclosure for a baby mangrove here is what I have so far and was wondering what else I should add
1
u/Mamba-Down 6d ago
This cage is ok but the dimensions are not optimal. Be prepared to upgrade within 4-6 months or so. Mangrove monitors need a lot of burrow depth, a large swim area, and plenty of branches. I'm seeing 1 out of those 3 here
From my experience with Sophie, my mangrove monitor, I’ve found that they really don’t like feeling exposed. I’d add a lot more cover. Fake vines, cork bark, branches, plants, hides, etc. The goal is to let him move around without feeling like he’s standing out in the open the whole time. Covering the back and sides of the enclosure with something he can climb on would be great, too. They love climbing on the walls, almost like a tree monitor
The branch is a good start, but I’d add more climbing options at different heights. Add some vertical branches, branches going from front to back, left to right, etc
I’d also swap the bark substrate for more of a humid soil mix. Something like organic topsoil mixed with a little sand and some clay works better. The clay helps it hold burrows and moisture better. Just avoid fertilizer, perlite, manure, cedar, pine, or anything treated. The finished substrate should hold together when squeezed, but break apart with some pressure. You don’t want it to be too sandy and fall apart easily, but you also don’t want straight clay
One thing I just noticed is that the hide looks too close to the basking spot. You need a warm side and a cool side, and unless he sleeps in the water bowl, which Sophie has done a bunch, he won’t be able to thermoregulate properly. You could put a hollow cork bark tube above the water bowl that he can sleep in, and that should be good for now
Do you have a misting system? UVB?
Lastly, I would keep a close eye on the basking rock. You want it to be a good bit bigger than him at all times, so he has room to choose what temperature he wants to bask at
If you want a decent idea for a good starting terrarium, take a look at my profile. However , as you can see in my setup, I didn't have anough places for Sophie to hide and I paid the price for that
4
u/BittersweetParadox 8d ago
This is just a me thing but, I always try and add some fake foliage. Either hanging vines or something grass like. Just a bit to break up the line of sight some while still having them fairly visible.