Bosc Monitor Care Sheet
Housing
An adult Bosc will need a very large enclosure. The largest mass-produced enclosure in the UK is 6x2x2ft but this is simply not enough for an adult. We recommend getting one custom made or DIY. We would recommend a floor space of 8x3ft for an adult to ensure they have enough room to move. Although there may be some differences in size as no two Bosc will be the same.
If you’re purchasing a juvenile Bosc, you will need to be prepared to house it as an adult. A lot of adult Bosc’s are rehomed when they turn out to be larger than expected.
Heating
Bosc Monitors need a basking spot of 32-38c and a thermal gradient of 29c on the warm end and 24c on the cooler end. This will let your Bosc choose their ideal temperature when they require it. As your enclosure will need to be big, we recommend experimenting with different lights or other heating options. Feel free to ask a member of staff if you know the measurements of the enclosure and we can recommend.
The heat within the enclosure should be monitored closely using multiple high-quality thermometers. The heat can be controlled using a thermostat, position the probe within a good place inside the enclosure and monitor for the first couple weeks until the desired temperature is correct.
Recent studies showed UVB is essential to maintain the health of Bosc monitors. UV lighting should be housed within the basking zone of the enclosure and should not be covered by anything other than wire/mess to prevent the monitor touching the bulb directly.
UV lights should be changed every 6 months even if they’re still working as the UV within the light will deprecate over time. A member of staff can help you find the correct UV bulb for your enclosure.
Water
A large water bowl should be always present within the enclosure, and a Bosc will benefit from a bath several times a month. This helps with shedding and exercise. Water should be changed daily and immediately if your Bosc defecates within the water dish.
Humidity
An ambient humidity of around 50-60% should be fine for Bosc’s. You may occasionally want to give the substrate a spray to dampen it slightly and increase the humidity. Additionally, you can provide a moist hide if your Bosc experiences difficulties shedding.
Substrate
Bosc monitors love to dig, so providing them with a deep loose substrate helps them stay active. We recommend soil, coir, earth mix, orchid bark or something similar. Although Bosc are not natural climbers, they do love to explore and will climb sturdy platforms.
Feeding
Bosc monitors are prone to being overweight so you sure exercise your Bosc as much as you can to ensure this doesn’t happen. Young Bosc’s will take a wide range of live insects such as crickets, hoppers, Dubia roaches, mealworms and more.
Adult Bosc’s you can encourage them to hunt winged locusts although some will become very lazy and wait for their food to come to them. Bosc monitors of all ages will eat defrosted mice and may even eat boiled eggs. We do not recommend feeding them dog or cat food as this can cause them to become overweight.
Juveniles should be fed live food every day. Adults however will eat live food a few times a week and a few defrosted rodents a week.
The exact amount of food your monitor will eat is dependent from monitor to monitor, you should aim to keep them active and not overweight.
Exercise
A regularly handled Bosc can be tame. Although please bear in mind younger Bosc’s can be aggressive due to fear and stress so, please take extra care when handling. Most Bosc monitors are very greedy and will be food orientated. The best way to exercise your Bosc is to allow them out their enclosure in a safe area for them to explore. You should then let them get used to your presence. Adult Bosc’s might need a little encouragement to leave their enclosure for exercise. Many people put small cat harnesses on their Bosc and walk them in the garden during the summer, this is a great way to stimulate your Monitor both physically and mentally. Swimming can also be a great way to help your Bosc exercise. Filling a bath with lukewarm water and placing a non-slip surface for them to grip will help your Bosc feel more at ease when in the bath.
When picking up your Bosc, you should lift them from under their stomach and ensure all four limbs are supported. Never pick up your Bosc from their tails.
For any further information or advice please feel free to message us on Facebook or contact the store on 01902 494860
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