Not sure if my Savannah Montior has a cold

Question
QUESTION: I apologize. I just submiitted an email and gave you the wrong one by mistake. The correct address is dm_homan@yahoo.com. Again I sincerely apologize.

Thank you,

Donna

ANSWER: Hello Donna, I do not actually ever see your email address, the site automatically forwards my response to your email. It is completely confidential. However because you did enter the wrong address, I will copy my answer and list it here, hopefully it will get to you. If it does please let me know, either rate or ask a follow up. That way I know you have read it. I do hope you get it. If not then I guess you can ask again. Best of luck
Yexalen

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Question:  
I'm having a hard time trying to distinguish if my Savannah Monitor has a cold or not. He does hold his head up in his cage sometimes but I'm not sure if that is normal. Also how can I tell if he is coughing?

I'm not sure of his age but he is about 5 in. long. His enclosure is a 30 gal. tank. with a 100 watt basking light.
I just bought him last weekend and plan on getting a thermometer. I've been doing some research, but to be honest I'm still unsure on what kind of light he needs.
His diet consists of crickets and mealworms. He has been eating the mealworms but not the crickets. As far as his activity, he was very inquisitive yesterday but today he's just been sleeping in my shirt pocket. I appreciate your time concerning these matters and look forward to your answers.

Sincerely,

Donna
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Answer:  
Hello Donna, you need to get a thermometer and a hygrometer to setup his enclosure accurately. You also should think about getting a larger enclosure. He will grow out of a 30 gallon soon, and switching cages often can be stressful. With any new reptile you should take him to the vet to get a check up and a fecal test done. Be sure he is already healhty. As for lighting, Monitors do not require UV lighting like most other reptiles but many people provide it saying that it brightens their colors and makes them more active but this hasn't been proven. However providing them with UV lighting will not harm them in any way if it is the correct kind.

As for coughing, if he holds his mouth open a lot, if he is making noises when his mouth is open, you hear a clicking noise when he is breathing, or any other respiratory infection symptoms can mean that he has a cold. But a vet check up will clear all of that up for you.



Good luck,
Yexalen


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: What is a hygrometer?

Answer
Hi,
Sorry about that, a Hygrometer is an instrument used to measure humidity levels in a certain area. Usually they are in the dial stick on form but those can be very inaccurate and the digital ones are best. The humidity reading will be in a percent form and should match up with care sheets on the Savannah Monitor.

Hope that cleared it up
-Yexalen