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#2210158
MikeCalz
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Savannah Monitor Growth Rate 
Hi. I’ve had my savannah monitor since the beginning of December. She was approximately 7 inches long from snout to tail tip then. Now in mid March she is about a foot long, maybe a little under, and definitely not skinny. She eats about 10-15 half-inch long crickets ("large ones") a day, with me maybe mixing in a few mealworms here and there. Does this seem to be normal growth rate for a savannah monitor? Also, does the food amount seem like a good amount for her? Thanks so much.
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03/17/11 10:32pm
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#2210186
Krusty
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Message To: MikeCalz In reference to Message Id: 2210158
Savannah Monitor Growth Rate
It’s not an inappropriate growth-rate. They certainly will grow faster if given options to bask in very hot areas and have larger food supplies. Do you have to do that?.....No. It’s fine to take them "slow and steady" and it won’t hurt them one bit. Insects mostly are a wise choice with this species, particularly as juveniles. But if you captive looks fit and spunky and 15 crickets per day seem to fill him up pretty well, keep on with it. If it seems he takes the bugs in 1 minute and still looking for more and no belly distention, feed more and/or start a colony of Dubia roaches to produce your own food supply for him. These are an easy roach to do it seems and a good size adult insect for adult Savannahs.
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03/18/11 12:41am
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#2210230
MikeCalz
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Message To: Krusty In reference to Message Id: 2210186
Savannah Monitor Growth Rate
Thanks for the reply! She seems to be happy with the amount since she usually will not eat much more than that. And, her basking is 130 F, but she utilizes her entire enclosure throughout the day.
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03/18/11 01:14pm
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#2210401
Mdf
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Message To: Krusty In reference to Message Id: 2210186
Savannah Monitor Growth Rate
I’ve grown them fast, 12" to 24" in 9 weeks! & looking back i’d much prefer a more steady long term approach, keep it going nice & steady.
You’d be amazed how much fat these critters can store, as Krusty said keep it going slow & steady & stick to maily insect diet.:)
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03/19/11 11:28am
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