Varan Capsky: content at home, features of care, recommendations

In recent years, our compatriots began to show increased interest in exotic animals. Instead of the usual dogs and cats, terrariums populated by amphibians and reptiles began to appear in the houses. Especially popular is Varan Cape. After reading this article, you will learn about the specifics of the content of representatives of this species.

Short description

The short and comparatively heavy body of the Cape Varan is covered with small scales of a brownish-brown color with yellowish spots and stripes. The lower part of the body has a lighter color. The length of these lizards, together with the tail, covered with yellow and brown rings, is 1.5-2 meters. On the small legs of the reptile there are quite long fingers and claws.

Varan Cape has a short head, on which are located obliquely set nostrils, in appearance more resembling cracks. On the upper edge of the laterally compressed tail is a double crest.

Behavioral features

At once we will make a reservation, that the contraband Cappan monitor at home very badly adapts to coexistence near to people. So-called divorced individuals quickly become tame. However, do not forget that by their nature they are predators, which require extremely cautious treatment. A furious Varan can bite a person strongly. And in this case it will be quite difficult to reveal its powerful jaws. The bites of this reptile do not pose a serious threat. The only thing to be feared is the possibility of entering any infection.

Natural habitat

These reptiles are widespread on the African continent. They can be seen in Nigeria, Kenya, Ethiopia and Sudan. The natural habitat of these lizards is the foothills, rocky savannahs, dry forests and semi-desert biotopes. They lead a terrestrial way of life and show daily activity. The shelter of the Cape monitors often becomes dug or already prepared burrows, previously owned by rodents. Often these reptiles live in crevices, among stones and at the roots of bushes or trees. Locals often see them near rivers or lakes.

In heat, the Cape Varan hides in his shelter, leaving him only after the onset of coolness. This lizard is very attached to its territory and always adheres to the boundaries of its own possessions. The basis of the diet of reptiles living in the wild, is carrion. In addition, their prey can become cancers, frogs, insects and even small mammals. Varan often climb on low trees and wait for their prey. Having satiated, they lie down, in order to digest the swallowed pieces of food in half-sleep. During this period, the activity of lizards is reduced to almost zero.

How to choose a Cape monkey?

For better and faster adaptation, it is better to purchase a young specimen. The best time for such a purchase is at the end of summer and autumn.

When choosing the future pet, you must pay special attention to the appearance and behavior of the person you like. The reptile must be active and curious. Once inside the terrarium, the lizard must be interested in the food lying there. In human hands, a healthy varanchik will make active attempts to free himself.

Before buying, it is advisable to examine the mouth, nostrils and eyes of a reptile. A well-developed healthy Cape Varan has a clean oral cavity of light lilac-pink hue. Red or gray indicates possible diseases. It's perfectly normal if the lizard starts to hiss. This is considered a sign of discontent. In addition, it is recommended that you carefully examine the claws and fingers of the reptile. They should not have any visible damage or defects.

Cape monitor: content in the terrarium

It should be understood that this reptile will require the owner of the future considerable material and time costs. Wherever this reptile lives, it is necessary to maintain a certain temperature regime. First of all, it is necessary to acquire a terrarium of horizontal type, in which the Cape Varan will inhabit.

Content at home is a rather troublesome occupation. The size of the terrarium should be one and a half to two lengths of the lizard. In addition, it must be additionally equipped with a heat-curing or incandescent lamp. Daytime temperature in the terrarium should be 28 degrees, night - not less than 20. It is desirable to equip a reptile for some kind of shelter like a solid stone grotto or a house. So she will feel more secure. The bottom of the terrarium can be covered with an artificial lawn with a two-millimeter pile or covered with gravel or sand. Immediately place a small pond, the size of which should correspond to the dimensions of the reptile. Those who are interested in how to accustom to the Cape boar's toilet, you do not have to worry. The young ones instinctively defecate into the water. Therefore, the daily morning fifteen-minute bathing will save you from hassle with cleaning the terrarium and washing the trays.

What to feed the reptile?

Many inexperienced owners make the most serious mistakes in the preparation of their pet's diet. This often leads to the death of a lizard. Those who cherish their Varan (Cape) should approach the issues connected with its nutrition with the utmost responsibility. The basis of the ration of tamed reptiles should be slugs, snails, cockroaches, earthworms, locusts and crickets. Occasionally you can pamper your pet with chicken, lean fish, mice or frogs.

In addition, to the main menu it is desirable to add vitaminized top dressing, in which calcium is present. Growing reptiles need to be fed in small portions several times a day. Adults should be fed two or three times a week. Otherwise, they may face obesity.

Domestication

Varan Capsky has a fairly high intelligence, so it is very easy and quickly socializes. The owner will not have much difficulty controlling the predictable behavior of his pet. It is necessary, as far as possible, to treat philosophically the aggressive stances and blows of the tail, not allowing the reptile to occupy a dominant position. The kid at first can squeal around your hand with outstretched food. It is very important to show maximum patience and eventually he will get used to taking food. If he managed to bite you, then you do not need to hurt, but you can snap it on the nose. The kid will quickly remember this lesson and the next time will think carefully about whether it is necessary to show aggression.

A few words about walks

Some owners regularly walk their lizards. To do this, you need to purchase a properly matched harness for kittens. Lizards masterfully know how to reverse, so they can not be left on the street unattended. Walking with a reptile is desirable in warm weather.

During the summer, the sunshine is shown in the sun. But to accustom the lizard, accustomed to the artificial ultraviolet, to the real sun should be gradual so as not to cause burns. At first, you can limit yourself to fifteen-minute walks, gradually increasing the time spent in the fresh air.