Exercise
Climbing is a great way for them to exercise, adding branches, logs, platforms, etc in their enclosure encourages them to explore. Adding different basking spots on the branches lets them choose to be comfortable off the ground. These monitors are very smart so finding new ways to keep them entertained and moving can be challenging.
Savannah Monitors like to dig, especially if you hide bugs or treats in the bedding. People have used mealworms, earthworms, bugs that like to burrow, etc. Monitors go crazy for them so a good way to encourage them to dig around and not get full fast is to choose smaller bugs (still big enough that they would be interested). Spread the bugs around the cage and give them time to hide. Then all through out the day your monitor will have entertainment looking for their food. Also many Savannah Monitors will dig to find shelter from extreme conditions or stress. If your monitor is hiding a lot you might want to ask are your cage temperatures correct, is it too noisy,and is their too much going on the monitor can see?
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Savannah Monitors need plenty of exercise because they can easily become obese with their willingness to eat. The many ways you can help encourage your monitor to naturally trim down include: swimming, climbing, digging, running, and stimulating their curiosity. Many keepers have very unique ways of using their curiosity to their benefit of getting fit. Some ways include using feather toys like we would use to play with cats and let the monitor chase it. This has been done with domestic bird feathers taped to a string or stick. Another way is to tie a string to the end of a food offering and walk/run around dangling it and make the animal chase it. Always reward your monitor by allowing it to catch the food item. Some monitors have also been recorded playing with balls. Make sure they can not get it into their mouth and swallow it. Be creative but always safe when trying to find ways to exercise your animal. A lot of monitors will tolerate having a harness put on and taken outside to walk on a leash. Outside they love to climb, forage and simply stroll around.
Bathing your monitor is a great way to help them shed and lets them do what they love which is swimming. Bathing your Savannah at an early age ensures they will enjoy it for a lifetime. Always remember when bathing a baby monitor, keep the water shallow. They only need enough so they can soak and still stand. As they get older you will notice they get more and more experienced with swimming and will even dive for short periods. With larger monitors you can give a deep side and a shallow side so it allows them to explore different depths at their will. Choosing the right water temperature is important. You don't want it hot or cold, but somewhere in the middle like a nice, soothing warmth you would bathe in. After time you will see what they prefer. Each monitor is a bit different. They can bathe from 20 minutes to 1 hour. Adults have been known to bathe even longer. Bathing time can vary based on the animal's and the keeper's preference. Your monitor will try to get out when it has had enough bathing time. Just make sure you keep warming the water. * You will also notice water in general encourages them to go to the bathroom this is a very normal behavior |