Sand Monitors

[OuZo]

Hey guys,

Seeing as we may be offline for a while I figured I should get off my butt and ask the questions I've been meaning to ask for a while now lol. I'm getting a Sand Monitor (Flav) in about 3-4 weeks and was wondering if anyone knows of a good caresheet or if anyone has them and could give me a few pointers on their care? I'm also interested in enclosure setup like what substrates people use (I was just thinking sand), and even good basking spots like tiles/logs/rocks etc. I usually just get firewood logs for my lizards but I've seen a lot of people using tiles and I'm wondering if there's a certain type which holds heat well or where can I get something to suit?

Another kinda silly question lol. Just wanting people's opinions on sticking backgrounds on to enclosures. Do you think it looks better to have the sides done as well or just the back? I've never done one and I don't have the best imagination lol . Any advice will help!

Thanks guys

Zoe

[Spyke]

Hey Zoe,

Not sure if this is going to be any help, but HERE is a pic of my enclosure, with just the back, having a picture on it. I was going to do the sides aswell, but decided against it, as I reckon it looks pretty good as is :-)

Cheers, Spyke

[OuZo]

That's pretty cool Spyke Thanx . Now I just need someone to show me one with the sides done lol

[ssssnakeman]

you wont regret getting a flavi zoe, they are great animals. in my album there are pics of some different goanna setups,
baz

[hugsta]

Good stuff Zoe, I almost bought a pair of flavis earlier on the year, but just don't have the space for them atm. Make sure to seal up all the way around the edges of the picture if you put it in the enclosure, you don't want the animals getting stuck trying to go behind it if they get a chance. On another thought, has anyone had any problems with medium sized monitors such as flavis scratching or destroying the picture backings when they are scratching around the tank?

[OuZo]

Hey bazzle I'm just lookin thru your album now . Where did you get your little guys from? They're gorgeous . I haven't made it to any enclosure pics yet cos I'm at work and been too busy but I'm getting there slowly lol

Good point huggy, I hadn't thought about them getting behind the background! What's the best way to stick it on to stop that then?

[hugsta]

A mate of mine used silastic underneath the backing and then smoothed it over the edge with his finger so it gave a smooth constant contact. Seems to work well for him anyway.

[ssssnakeman]

more rufus

[OuZo]

Awwww Rufy he's so cute! Is he very handleable Baz or do you have to grab him and hold him tight for all these piccies lol . Do you just have the one or two? I saw a pic of 2 monitors together in your album and wondered

Hey huggy what's silastic lol

[OuZo]

Hmmm are there no caresheets out there or does nobody know of them lol

[ssssnakeman]

http://www.familyzoo.us/monitorcare.htm
this link is ok, except id give pinkies as soon as they are old enough ,mainly because the sandies are more carnivorous than insectivorous,imo

[tourett]

Care sheets are sc**** on Monitors but have a look here Ouzo http://www.varanusweb.com/, the forum is a bit primitive compared to APS but there is a Aussie called Croc Doc who is a regular on the forum he is very helpful and knows his stuff.

Also try http://www.varanus.nl/engbegin.htm the site needs work but look in the links sections and you will find some great links to other helpful sites.
Tourett