Handling
Handling Savannah Monitors can be a longer process than most reptiles like bearded dragons. Mainly because they are very intelligent. Babies are great to start off with when choosing a new Savannah Monitor. Always make sure you look for the healthiest and most active one of the bunch. After you pick one out and set him/her up in their new enclosure it is best to give them a week or two to get adjusted to their new surroundings.
Bathing is a great way for the monitor to relax and calm down. Always make sure to give them undisturbed time alone for the majority of their bath.
Once you've let them soak for a good period of time you can slowly offer your hand and let them climb up or hold on. You can wrap them in a towel and gently and slowly pet them and use this time to even talk to them. Talking in a calm, reassuring manner will get them used to your voice. Like any domestic animal they can pick up subtle tones and detect calmness and anger. It is best to be in a quiet, calm environment while working to get your monitor accustomed to being held. Start holding for short periods of time and eventually work your way to longer encounters. Always end each encounter on a good note, meaning never put them back when they are upset cause they will remember and associate that with the next attempted encounter. Many monitors will even "act out" while in their enclosure in an effort to get your attention once they have become accustomed to being held. Savannah Monitors grow fast and the bigger they get the calmer they will be as long as you spend time with them and take things slow but steady. They are a great pet that loves to hangout and explore with you. Many keepers say Savannahs can be "dog tame". This means many Savannah Monitors can be just as calm and tolerant as many domestic pets. This is why they are a favorite pet because they can be very docile and very personal. Some keepers have taught them to be potty trained and have even taught them to walk on a a leash. It just shows that with enough time and dedication they can be a very lovable pet. Some keepers say "Having a Savannah Monitor is like having a 2 year old toddler. They always do something to surprise and amaze you."
|
Baby monitors have a fight or flight reaction to danger, and a person is a very scary sight for a small monitor so taking things slow is the key. Since Savannahs Monitors are so smart you will need to earn their trust and there are a many ways to get them to relax in your presences. First thing recommended after you give them time to adjust is forming a daily routine which includes feeding, bathing, and even holding for short periods.
Savannah Monitors associating you with food is a good thing mainly because that is one of the main things they love right from the start. Many people use tong training as a way to get to know each other. Tong training is where you use metal tongs and feed the monitor food one bite at a time. It encourages them to come to you without forcing them. With Savannah Monitors the best approach is to let them come to you and take things slow. That way when they do turn around they will learn to enjoy your company. The biggest keys when working to tame and handle your monitor is patience and calmness. Monitors are very strong willed and used to being in control so any time you can let them feel it was THEIR idea to do something the better results you will have.
|