help, with my sav

[Bartman]

I dunno whats going on but im starting to worry for my sav. His tail is looking skinny..he flicks his toung and when i put him back into the tank he is active and runs back to his hide or anywhere. Im going to get some waxworms and silks and anything else i can think of to fatten him up a little...should i be looking for something that can be the causs for this?
Right next to his back legs there are two bumps..like bones..sticking out..and his tail is not round. Everything else looks good id say.

I feed him 5 silks every other day and some crix every once in a while..2-3 times a week. He is about 6 inches long head to base of tail. Is this adequate?

Please dont give me messages yelling at me that im stupid if im doing something wrong..i just need some quick answers
thanks

[hudson]

It sounds like he's not getting enough to eat especially if his tail is getting thin and it looks like bones are starting to show. At that size you don't have to worry about them getting fat because there growing so fast. Feed him everyday as much as he wants, they are veracious eaters if I remember correctly when mine was that size he was eating 50 to 60 crix a day not to mention the other things that were offered as well like pinkies, silkworms, earthworms, eggs, chicken, beef,and occasionally canned dog food. Try different things you'll see what he likes and doesn't like. Offer lots, you can always take it out if he dosn't eat it.

Kate

[Bartman]

ok..can i offer him cooked chicken? White meat...
I will start feeding him a lloot more..i didnt know. Caresheets werent to specific on feeding while in diff stages of life..thanks!
Ill get on it right away

[hudson]

White or dark I don't think they have a preference, as long as it's cooked. With raw you're taking to many chances, it's the same with other meats and eggs they should be cooked.

I wouldn't start spacing out his feedings until his growth slows down. Use your judgement once he gets bigger, if you notice him starting to get fat then it's time to start spacing them out.

Right now mines about 3.5' and I feed him twice a week and he's a healthy weight (a little chubby but not fat) and still active.

Kate

[V.hb]

pinkies, dont bother with cooked chicken. and they require much more food than you're feeding.
1-2 dozen crickets a day, 1 pinkie a week..... silkworms arent enough.

[Bartman]

ok thanks everyone!

[V.hb]

Bartman, one thing to think about. You've owned different types of herps, none are like monitors. With their high temperatures espeacially their basks they require ALOT of food as they are such active animals. Insufficient diets always end up with problems. Keep it simple, Rodents, Chicks, Insects. Occasional browned ground turkey is good as well. Steer away from alot of the "cheaper" food sources like chicken, chicken gizzards, beef etc. Good luck!

[Bartman]

ok thanks..i gave him some butterworms to fatten him up a little yesterday and im gonna try to give him a pinkie today..i also gave him a doz crix. Now i know i gotta feed him more then i thought..thanks for the help! appreciate it a lot

[V.hb]

If he quickly responds to food, and eats rapidly, you shouldnt have much to worry about other than fattening him up which is as easy as pie with a healthy monitor. Good luck!