Bosc Monitors –
Bosc Monitors (also known as the Savannah Monitor) can be quite dangerous if handled incorrectl, but become very tame quickly when handled from a young age.They have powerful limbs for climbing and digging, a strong jaw bone for crunching and chewing and very sharp teeth. They’re maximum size is usually between 4-5 feet long. They usually defend themselves against predators hence the strong teeth and jaw bone. If threatened they will let out a slow hissing noise.
The Bosc Monitor are mostly carnivorous but some will eat plants and vegetables. A recommended diet usually consists of fish, insects, chicken, beef or turkey, as well as eggs, occasionally fruits and vegetables. If you work with them from being babies then they will grow to be calm and docile. Water should be available easily in low strong dishes to prevent spillages, for example a dog bowl. They do like to drink so fresh water should be available daily. Hatchlings will eat mealworms, crickets, small mice and act food. A vitamin supplement should be added such as Nutrobal or Reptivite.
When housing monitors you have to remember that they grow rapidly from being babies. The larger the Vivarium you can get the better. For an adult the round about size would be 120x60x60cm, the structure should be sturdy with a front that will open for easy access inside the tank, glass should be shatterproof because Bosc’s have long tails which can thrash if agitated. The substrate should be easily replaceable because the dragon can produce a lot of waste. Materials such as wood shavings, chippings or bark, even gravel or newspaper would be suitable.
Like most large lizards, they like to feel they are in a safe and secure place. Shelter must be provided but something as simple as a cardboard box would be fine, if you want something more decorative then a cork bark tube or a ceramic drain pipe would be appropriate.
These animals are used to high temperatures, such as 85-90 degrees Fahrenheit in the daytime and night time temperatures are most suitable when dropped by 10-15F. The use of a thermometer would be easy to watch out for this and spots of the Vivarium which are hot or cold. There are several heat sources you could have for your dragon, such as heat mats, tube heaters and heat lamps, you should choose your heat source on which fits best economically for your tank size. Bosc’s don’t need UV lighting but artificial lighting should be provided.
If you require anymore information please feel free to contact us at Appleton Exotics petshop.
