In captivity
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Copyright : Mark_BaylessV. exanthematicus is an animal that can thrive in captivity with the proper care. They are hardy creatures, making them good beginner monitors.. Its character can arouse some fear (certainly in the beginning prior to becoming “tame” but don't let that be a problem. Just take it one day at a time, and get to know your lizard.. Sometimes it can take a while before you and your monitor are used to each other. Also it's advisable that you're not coming in the enclosure just for feeding. Let your monitor get used to you without having to bring food. If you're only in the enclosure with food, the monitor will associate you with food at all times. Feeding the monitor using gloves or tongs will further diminish this association. If you want to get in the enclosure with your bare hands, allways approach your monitor with your fist first, because it’s much harder for your monitor to bite in a fist then in a hand.
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Savannah monitors are used to high humidity levels, so if you don't mist the enclosure frequently the animals will become very lethargic and they will be in their burrows more often. Low humidity levels can also be detected when your monitor has shedding problems. Sometimes toe nails fall off because of that. Choosing the right substrate can prevent a lot these problems.
Build a strong and big enclosure. Always make it as big as possible because monitors need a lot of space. Always keep the enclose warm with a pair of good basking spots and make sure the light intensity is high. In my opinion the light intensity can't be high enough, so your monitors will enjoy a couple of fluorescent lightbulbs.
Take special care to make the enclosure sturdy. Monitors are capable of clawing through light materials. They will also destroy anything you put in their space, so any furnishing or decoration must be especially durable.