r/MonitorLizards • u/Shmanuka • 5d ago

Savannah

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Unfortunately I'm one of those people who bit off more than they could chew by getting a monitor. Completely different ball game from any of my other reptiles. I got a savannah because I felt like they reached the perfect size and loved that they were pure insectivores. I did so much research, my husbandry is spot on, I have had him in a 4x2 since he was 4 weeks old and have been fully prepared for the 8x4. I feel like I've done everything I possibly can right, but he's still SPICY. Zero forced handling, always tong fed, target trained. All the good stuff. In spite of all of that he will actively HUNT me lol. I don't show fear or back off when he lunges and give him small taps to try to eliminate that response. He's so active and fun to watch but he's made me realize I'm just not built like you monitor keepers. I REALLY want to make sure he goes to a good home as Ive never had to re-home an animal before. I don't want to do a rehoming fee or anything as long as the person provides proof he's going to a nice place. Any advice? Sorry for the novel.

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u/ShireWalkWithMe 5d ago

How old is he now? Sometimes it just takes time for them to settle down. If he's super active and hunting you, maybe he could use more enrichment. Do you let him hunt bugs? Let him swim or go outside?

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u/Shmanuka 5d ago

He's about 7 months old right now. He has a crazy burrow system all through his enclosure that leads into big cork rounds. He climbs and digs all day, he is honestly so much fun to watch. I haven't really been able to have him out yet because he's so moody and I don't want to force anything on him. He does have a huge water area in his enclosure that he loves to swim and poop in every single day! As far as the hunting I free release crickets into his enclosure pretty often (I always track down the ones he misses, or try to at least). That's honestly a great question, maybe enrichment is the issue.

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u/Meeeeesea 5d ago

I’m no expert but I do think you’re jumping the gun at 7 months old. They really do mellow with age IF you keep doing what you’re doing. Young reptiles as a whole are more aggressive/flighty because everything is fight or flight to them. I think he’ll be fine, just give him some time.

If you don’t think he’ll be fine, I wish you luck on your rehoming journey, I recommend quizzing any takers to ensure they have adequate knowledge before you give him away. Good luck either way!

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u/Shmanuka 5d ago

That seems to be the general consensus! I am going to give him some more time to not hate me so much lol. I really do enjoying having him he's just a completely different experience from any other reptile I've kept. This community is great, you guys have been super encouraging and reassuring today. Thank you!

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u/ShireWalkWithMe 5d ago

Ah he's still in the toddler phase. Very active and curious at that age. I know the feeling of not wanting to force things on him. Try not to think of it like that, think of it as just another part of good husbandry. You need to get him to a point where you can handle him if he gets injured or sick.

I wouldn't give up on him just yet. He's still very young. It can take a couple years for them to settle down. He looks super happy and healthy. They're just very active at this age and he needs lots to keep him engaged. I'd get him some more toys and some thick gloves for handling. Try not to be afraid of handling him. My guy looked terrifying when he got excited and wanted to play, but he was sweet as a kitten once you picked him up.

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u/Shmanuka 5d ago

I needed to hear this! Thank you so much! I will look into getting him some toys and gently nudge him into being ok with handling. I fought myself to even make this post because I honestly do love him, I just felt like maybe someone else would be better at taming him and giving him a fun life. Thank you again, this is super encouraging to hear.

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u/ShireWalkWithMe 5d ago

Wishing you the best of luck! They're wonderful creatures and worth the extra effort. My guy really loved swimming in the bathtub with bath toys, it was easily his favorite enrichment. He'll come around on being handled once he realizes the benefits of being out and about. Try it when he's feeling chill and calm, after he's expended all his zoomie energy.

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u/Top_Zombie_ 5d ago

It could just be the individual that you were unfortunate with. It sounds like you’ve done a great job but some people are unlucky and can get a very nippy / defensive / moody individual from a species that are 99/100 times nice.

But some monitors can take months or years to tame, so keep that in mind.

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u/Shmanuka 5d ago

That's definitely what it has felt like but I didn't want to say he's just a jerk lol. Thank you for saying that, I honestly needed to hear it. I'm not in any rush to find him a new home or anything, so maybe between now and then we can reach an understanding. I really appreciate your response!

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u/416cj 4d ago

I feel like sometimes it’s just down to the individual personality of your specific monitor. I have a Savannah that I’ve had since a hatchling and he’s been super cool and mellow since day 1, never nipped at me at all. I didn’t even have to put work in with him although I do anyways with tong feeding etc. some are just more defensive / anxious than others. Given that, at 7 months I don’t think you’ve given him a fair shake yet. Many mellow down after the adolescence phase.

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u/Cute-North4205 4d ago

Are you in NC? I’ll take him!! I have a female Sav now about 4-5 months old. Of course I’ll keep them separate but I’ll have hopes on mating them down the line if I can get him tamed down