gettin a sav

[johnlebel]

gettin a sav tomorrow... its 19" long
can i keep it in the same style setup i have for my gu... reptibark water dish an hide? or what else is recommended also how often are they fed im feeding my tegu every 2-3 days now... an is the diet the same for a sav or should i stick with mice/rats an rabbits?
thanks fo the info guys!

 

[kaa]

First, stay away from the rodents, Savs develop fatty liver disease from rodents. I think it is the number one killer of savs. I would go with lots of insects, and I think i was told poultry was ok. They need a basking spot of about 130, and ambient of mid 80's. I would use soil as a substrate, and mix in some sand and water to help clump. This way they can burrow. And check out the retes rack. Check pro exotics for a care sheet. That is all I know.

 

[johnlebel]

Thanks alot

 

[johnlebel]

I read that they don't nedd the uv bulbs?

 

[kaa]

From what I am told, no, but I don't think it could hurt

 

[johnlebel]

true!

 

[Toby_H]

UVB can be an expensive addition to a large enclosure... Although I am under the impression they do need UVB...

I understand there are conflicting opinions on this topic. My belief is they require UVB/D3 for full health, but they can live with just D3 supplements. Keep in mind just because something doesn't die doesn't mean it is healthy.


One of my best friends has a 3~4 year old Sav. He feeds it a lot of crustations and swears his is happier/healthier since he started this. He buys "Asia Lobster" (which is more of a huge crayfish) from a local grocery store at $3 per lb (0.5 kg). My tegu likes them a lot too.

 

[johnlebel]

i have the calcium supplement an such should i add that to his diet also?

 

[JohnMatthew]

Plenty of care-sheets around, here's the first one I clicked on when I googled it. :-D

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It's written by Melissa Kaplan and rather old and not updated but a solid start. I'm sure with a bit of searching you can find some better care info. When I consider buying a new animal I read, read, and read some more. Some of the information might not be accurate on some of the sites but after reading 20 or so care-sheets you'll have a fair idea of what you need to do for your new pet.

Good luck and be sure to post pictures!

 

[JohnMatthew]

Also, about the UVB you will find advocates for both chains of thought. Some argue it's not needed, others say it is.. what neither argue about is that it's bad for them in any way, so I'd provide it just to be safe.

 

[johnlebel]

I just got him home last night... small an adorable an fed him a couple chicken gizzards