Some blue tongue skink owners find it easier to feed their pet in a separate enclosure, free of bedding and furniture, this way you can be sure your lizard eats all its insects, the prey cannot hide, and the lizard will not pick up any bedding when grabbing prey and mistakenly ingest it along with the prey. Although it should be noted a complete setup may run you close to $1000. This is by far the most common reason that you will get bitten by a blue tongued skink. Reptiles, including lizards, all shed their skins at some point. General Info and Care. Blue-tongued skinks make great pets! After reaching adult size, a skink can measure between 18 and 24 inches long, especially if it’s a Northern variety. Otherwise, stay away from items that aren't fruits, vegetables, or insects. Skinks will eat almost any fruit or vegetable, and you can include these foods on their menu: Fruit should make up no more than 5 to 10% of their diet, and can include mangoes, papaya, apple, cantaloupe, blueberries, honeydew, and blackberries. The Blue-tongued Skink, also referred to as the Blue-tongued Lizard, Blue-tongue, and Bluey, is a lizard species categorized under the Tiliqua genus, which contains the largest skink species. Let’s see some of the descriptive names given to blue tongue skinks. Expect to spend around $200 for your skink if purchased through a reputable breeder. The Northern blue tongue skink is one of the largest available. Skinks don’t have the legs to hold on as well as other lizards, so always take care to support them. I paid over 300 for him alone. They look like a strange cross between a lizard and a snake, but they can be just as endearing as either of these animals. The blue-tongued skink is a large, diurnal lizard, whose appetite for slugs and snails makes it a favorite pet among gardeners in Australia. ). In a blue-tongued skink’s natural habitat of a desert-like ecosystem, temperatures fluctuate and have a range that must be replicated in their enclosure. To get a complete picture of the humidity levels in your lizard’s enclosure, place two or three hygrometers throughout the extremes in the temperature gradient. Cork bark, wood, rocks, PVC pipes, or other hides can be used. Since Blue Tongue Skinks are poor climbers, avoid creating tall structures they may fall from. A UVB light should be kept on for 8 to 12 hours per day and can be alternated with other lighting. Native to the deserts of Australia, New Guinea, and Tasmania, these reptiles typically measure over 12″ long. Perhaps the most popular pet skink is the blue-tongued skink (or “blue tongue”), a group of lizard species that are all typically fairly large and found mainly in Australia but also in New Guinea, Tasmania and Indonesia. When feeding your blue-tongued skink the protein portion of the diet, Lightly dust your blue-tongued skink’s meal with a calcium carbonate supplement that does. The best way to keep your Blue Tongue Skink healthy is to provide a wide variety in their diet, rotating produce and animal protein sources to ensure complete nutrition. Avoid purchasing multiple sizes of enclosures and stick with a minimum of a 60 gallon aquarium to ensure your lizard will fit as an adult. Skinks like to bathe in their water but also often defecate there, so frequent cleaning is required for the water dish. If you're interested in a lizard that's easy to care for but aren't sure about the blue-tongued skink, there are other beginner-friendly lizards you can check out: Otherwise, you can check out these other profiles of reptile and amphibian breeds. Don’t forget that your blue-tongued skink will need a UVB light to produce vitamin D3 in their skin, which is CRUCIAL for the absorption of calcium. Although skinks may be content to be held for long periods of time, do NOT keep them out of their cage too long, as they cannot keep themselves warm at room temperature. Once the infection has improved, ensure your lizard receives plenty of crunchy vegetables to maintain oral health. With the wrong substrate, too-small of an enclosure, or incorrect humidity level, your blue-tongued skink can suffer. Do NOT clutter the tank, though, as skinks enjoy plenty of open space. These lizards are common pets, bred in captivity. Take a look below at 2 of the more predominant health conditions you’ll want to be especially wary of…. Blue-tongued skinks comprise the Australian Genus Tiliqua, which have the few largest members of the Skink family Scincidae. Regardless of the variety of skink you choose – I recommend the Northern Blue Tongue Skink, as it’s exceptionally hardy and easy to care for. Before you purchase your blue-tongued skink, be sure there's a veterinarian in your area who specializes in exotic pets such as lizards. Baby skinks under 5 months old will need to eat every day with one day of fasting. However, live plants can make it difficult to maintain proper humidity levels, plus skinks enjoy digging, so they may damage the roots. Eastern Blue Tongue Skink. On the flip side, wild-caught skinks are often loaded with parasites and possibly disease, which can be time consuming and costly to eradicate, so stick with skinks bred in captivity. I have let you know the common reasons why a bite situation may occur and now I will tell you how you can handle a blue tongued skink so that you do not get bit. Juvenile skinks will eat more prey animals than adults. Specifically, allow 10 days to get used to your presence before handling. However, skinks have large ranges in the wild and would appreciate as large an enclosure as you can afford or fit into your home. Blue-tongued skinks comprise the Australasian genus Tiliqua, which contains some of the largest members of the skink family (Scincidae). Blue Tongue Skinks are omnivores and require BOTH live animals and plants to remain healthy. Glass tanks are also preferable, because the glass easily allows the transfer of heat in and out of the tank. Blue-tongued skinks don't need branches for climbing since they are strictly ground dwellers. Offer “gut-loaded” insects or insects fed high-calcium diets for several days before being fed to your pet. And even as … ), Background information on Blue Tongue Skinks, Where to buy a healthy Blue Tongue Skink (plus what to look for! Support the entire body to help your reptile feel safe and secure. Juvenile skinks will eat more prey animals than adults. https://www.thesprucepets.com/pet-blue-tongued-skinks-1236897 Reptile.Guide is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Gut-loaded insects will provide your skink with the proper nutrition and grant exercise opportunities. But, one thing is for sure, regardless of the blue tongue skink origin, they all need UVA, UVB, warmth, and the right humidity. This yolk will sustain them for the first few days after birth. If the tank is dirty and the skink appears to be in poor health while the seller is pushing you to purchase, move along to a healthy lizard with a seller who will answer any of your questions. It is often caused by prolonged stress, unsanitary living conditions, injury, vitamin deficiency, or by eating only soft foods. After absorbing this comprehensive Blue Tongue Skink care sheet, you’ll walk away filled with EVERYTHING you need to know about creating the perfect home for your new pal, or to take your skink’s care to the next level. Yes, blue tongue skinks actually make very good pets. If you’re simply looking for a pet, a Northern skink will work well, as they are hardy, docile, and great for beginners, plus they are on the cheaper end of the spectrum. They are commonly known as the Blue-tongued lizards or blue-tongues or Blueys in Australia. Blue tongue skinks are smart and inquisitive – they are one of the most intelligent pet lizards. You should also make sure nothing is blocking the light from reaching your skink, except for a metal mesh screen if necessary. Blue Tongue Skink Background Key Takeaways: Blue Tongue Skinks hail from semi-desert regions of Australia, New Guinea, and Tasmania and make great pets due to their mild mannered disposition. Ponytail palms, snake plants, and jade plants are excellent live additions to your reptile’s enclosure, but be sure there is plenty of room for plant life, food and water dishes, hiding areas, a basking spot, and space to exercise. Pet skinks do well in enclosures that offer a hiding spot from people and plenty of room to turn around to avoid scraping off skin. Also, you’ll be better off purchasing through a breeder than a commercial pet store. The Blue-Tongued Skink is a lizard that you may find sunning itself on the sands of Australia and possibly even using its bright blue tongue to scare away predators. A Blue Tongue Skink makes a wonderful pet for anyone, whether you’re just beginning your foray into reptile care, or you’re a more advanced hobbyist. Also, keep in mind that the height of the enclosure needs to accommodate a hood to hang a heating element, but, since blue-tongued skinks are terrestrial, they don’t need a tall enclosure for climbing equipment. When searching for a Blue Tongued Skink, it is important you first decide why you want a skink. This comes with a benefit since they are guaranteed to be captive bred. A separate multi-vitamin supplement can also be offered one to two times weekly, on days where you don’t supplement with calcium. However, certain species are calmer than others, and not every type of blue-tongued skink can be considered safe for children. Blue-tongued skinks enjoy soaking in water, but they are poor swimmers, so ensure your lizard can easily get out. Blue Tongue Skink Handling & Bonding Key Takeaways: Give your Blue Tongue Skink time to adjust and be patient. Despite their generally docile nature, blue-tongued skinks will bite if they feel threatened, or hiss and expose their blue tongues (which is where they get their name). Before welcoming such an interesting reptile into your home, take a minute to learn about the wild roots of the skink…. Repeat this process two to three times per week. Provide a couple of sturdy hiding spots since they like to burrow and hide. Wherever you choose to purchase your skink, go with your gut feeling about the seller. Symptoms include weakened or fractured bones, tremors, lethargy, and overall weakness. Northern Blue Tongue Skinks need a humidity level between 35 and 45%, while other species may need high humidity spikes. Avoid products containing Vitamin D, as this can lead to toxicity. Depending on the origin of your blue tongue skink, you must make their habitat similar to that. One of the most common illnesses in blue-tongued skinks, respiratory infections can be caused by a dirty tank, poor diet, stress, high humidity levels, or low tank temperatures. Indonesian blue tongues are still being imported and can be cheaper but it is important to buy from a reputable dist… On top of this, you’ll want to clean the entire tank weekly. Whatever you choose, make sure your skink is not eating it or your lizard could get an intestinal blockage. They also come in a assortment of color morphs if you want something other than the natural patterns. Easy to care for with an abundance of personality, Blue Tongue Skinks can ease a novice reptile owner into caring for a unique pet, or they can pose a breeding challenge for more experienced owners. Leafy greens (they can be shredded or pureed and added to meat portion of diet if your skink is reluctant to eat them). An easy way to win over your skink? Other Blue Tongue Skink varieties are smaller and may only reach a little over a foot. Dark, leafy greens are an excellent source of nutrition for Blue Tongue Skinks, and they can be paired with a variety of fruits and vegetables. ), Blue-Eyed Leucistic Ball Python Morph Care Sheet for New Owners, Dragon Snake Care, Diet, & Habitat Advice for New Owners, 10 Best Pet Tortoise Species for Beginners (With Pictures! Offer “gut-loaded” insects or insects fed high-calcium diets for. Blue tongue skinks make great pets from beginners to advanced experienced hobbyist. As I mentioned before bites from pet blue tongued skinks are quite a rarity but they can and will happen. While you can share chicken or turkey you would eat, you can also purchase pinky mice, crickets, and mealworms to round out your lizard’s protein requirements. Always choose a pet that has been bred in captivity rather than captured from the wild. Skinks are easy-to-care-for, low-maintenance lizards, and make good pets for children and beginners, as long as owners are prepared for their relatively large size compared to other pet lizards. Blue tongue skink breeder Hi guys! If your skink isn't able to shed fully, or sheds irregularly, it may be a sign of an underlying health issue. With gentle, frequent handling, your skink WILL bond with you and come to recognize your face and voice. Blue-tongued skinks require a large enclosure, such as a 40- to 55-gallon tank, with a secure lid. They are docile, quiet, gentle, and easily tamed, which is why they make great beginner pets. Blue tongue skinks are calm and docile and you can definitely tame them. The average blue tongue skink size is pretty big compared to other popular lizard species in the reptile trade. Any new reptile, especially a new Blue Tongue Skink, should be allowed 10 to 14 days to acclimate to a new home before being handled. Blue Tongue Skinks are fascinating creatures, not only in looks, but also in personality. Also, most breeders will happily answer any questions or concerns that arise after an adoption. Blue tongue skink! Your skink’s willingness to eat and appetite level is a good indicator of comfort level, besides a distinct lack of hissing. Fortunately, the following outline has all the key components necessary for your lizard’s habitat to ensure their safety and health. Jul 11, 2017 - Welcome to Pet Supermarket blog, where we share with you pet-friendly advice, articles, pet food recipes and much more! These lizards only eat during the daytime, and do not require much once they reach adulthood. These docile, unique lizards are generally easy to care for and form strong bonds with their owners, making them a delight for people of all ages. Northern blue-tongued skink. If you’re simply looking for a pet, a Northern skink will work well, as they are hardy, docile, and great for beginners, plus they are on the cheaper end of the spectrum. Our main focus is to keep these rare gems as pure as they are in their native ranges of Australia and make what was once a dream species to keep for many, become a reality. Unlike some lizard species, Blue Tongue Skinks are terrestrial, as their short legs and powerful bodies are better adapted to burrowing and digging in the ground, rather than living in trees. By using The Spruce Pets, you accept our, Blue-Tongued Skink Behavior and Temperament, Spiny-Tailed Lizard (Uromastyx): Species Profile, An Overview of Pet Reptiles for Beginners, The 9 Best Bearded Dragon Supplies of 2020, Axolotl (Mexican Walking Fish): Species Profile, Desert Blonde Tarantulas: Species Profile, Mexican Redleg Tarantula: Species Profile, Madagascar Hissing Cockroach Species Profile, Lighting for Your Pet Chinese Water Dragon. This calcium-rich diet may include a commercial cricket diet, grain, or a high protein baby cereal mixed with reptile vitamins, or dark, leafy greens. I have a blue tongue skink I'm looking to rehome. Lianne is a veterinarian, epidemiologist, and freelance writer who's written nearly 400 articles for The Spruce Pets. Inspired designs on t-shirts, posters, stickers, home decor, and more by independent artists and designers from around the world. Blue-tongued skinks are as a whole a friendly, intelligent bunch, as far as lizards go. Try to avoid provoking or startling them, and don't let small children interact with a skink without proper supervision. Your lizard should have clear eyes and skin that is free of blemishes or dry patches (which may indicate a skin condition). It is essential that your blue tongue skink habitat setup mimics the natural habitat as much as possible to ensure you provide a healthy environment that allows normal behaviors while reducing the risk of injury. Kenyan Sand Boa Care, Habitat, & Diet Guide for New Owners, 15 Florida Lizards That Are Native to the Sunshine State (With Pictures! Try to come. They can be quite docile and easy to care for, as long as the owner is properly educated to their needs. Since these unique reptiles are such popular pets, especially among beginner lizard owners, they are often for sale in local pet stores. Mouth rot, or stomatitis, is an infection affecting the mouth and gums of reptiles. Keep your lizard close to the floor or a piece of furniture in case handling does not go well and your skink leaps from your arms. By setting up the ideal enclosure, feeding your skink a proper diet, and treating your lizard gently and calmly, you’ll have a friendly addition to your household for years to come. They are omnivores and can eat different types of food, which makes it easier to feed them. As stated earlier, blue-tongued skinks as a w… These guys are known for being one of the better skinks to have as pets, I have 3 friends with them, they are total dolls. Naturally, Blue Tongue Skinks are susceptible to a variety of health concerns, just as any animal is. The blue tongue skink species (Tiliqua scincoides intermedia) is a blue tongued lizard, also commonly referred to as blue tongues in Australia. As with all reptiles, a clean and properly maintained habitat is VITAL for your pet’s health. Ball Python Care Sheet: Addressing ALL of Your Care, Diet, Husbandry, & More Questions! Try to come visit them by bearing gifts to help form positive associations with your presence, such as snails, pieces of fruit, or flower blossoms. Answer: While the bearded dragon and leopard gecko are most often recommended as the ideal beginner lizards—and with good reason—the blue-tongued skink (Tiliqua ssp.) Too much protein isn't good for lizards' digestive systems or kidneys. Blue Tongue Skink Health Key Takeaways: As with all reptiles, Blue Tongue Skinks are prone to specific illnesses and as such, should be monitored regularly to ensure symptoms are dedicated early for easier treatment. Simply put, commercial pet stores are notorious for improperly caring for their reptiles and also miseducating new owners on how to care for them. They readily accept being held and are normally relaxing with owners. Ensure the appropriate temperature gradient is provided by measuring temperatures in various spots around the tank, not just one. When feeding your blue-tongued skink, be sure to avoid the following as they are toxic: Also avoid citrus fruit, avocados, eggplant, onions, spinach, garlic, rhubarb, and high-sodium canned meats. They’re omnivores, who thrive best when provided with a variety of fruits, vegetables and animal matter, including rodents, insects and … Tack on the substrate, heat lamp, hiding shelter, food, and the cost of the skink itself, and the costs add up quickly. Blue Tongue Skink Diet Key Takeaways: Blue Tongue Skinks require both protein and vegetables as a staple part of their diet. Bulbs with a bright white light will stimulate activity and appetite, so be sure to turn off the daytime bulb to allow time for rest. Like most lizards, blue-tongued skinks can be frightened by fast movements and when approached from above, so move slowly and always approach from the side. Halmahera skinks (Tiliqua gigas gigas Halmahera) are a species of blue-tongued skink that hail from the large island of Halmahera in the North Maluku province of Indonesia. Under good care, these reptiles can live at least 10 to 15 years, with some exceptionally healthy skinks living to 20 years old or more. All orders are custom made and most ship worldwide within 24 hours. However, I highly recommend you instead perform a quick Google search for Blue Tongued Skink breeders near you, or investigate nearby reptile expos for your future pet. To get a complete picture of the humidity levels in your lizard’s enclosure, Blue Tongue Skinks spend most of their time hiding, so. Indonesian skinks can be wild imports, whereas Australian skinks are typically captive-bred, since Australia has strict rules on wildlife exports. Only approach your skink’s cage to clean and offer food, and allow your lizard to hide in the various shelters placed in the enclosure. Their rarity makes them special, and their slow, gentle disposition makes them safe for kids. Your veterinarian will likely need to prescribe an antiseptic mouthwash and antibiotics to clear the infection. How old do blue tongues need to be before they are re-homed? Blue Tongue Skinks are fascinating creatures, not only in looks, but also in personality. These can thrive in the captivity and also, kept as the house pets. Blue-tongued skinks are ground dwellers with a flattened and elongated body somewhat resembling a snake in appearance. As one of the most versatile pet reptiles, Blue Tongue Skinks make excellent pets (opens in a new tab) for beginners and advanced herpetologists alike. Blue-tongued skinks typically reach about 1 to 2 feet in length. After the yolk is used up, hatchlings will hunt and forage for food and eat an adult diet. In addition to the incandescent basking light, provide a full spectrum UVA/UVB light for 10 to 12 hours per day.​ This bulb will have specific instructions on how far away to keep it from your skink but typically it is about 10 to 12 inches. Also, make sure the tank is kept clean and at the proper humidity levels as well to avoid repeat stomatitis issues. Also, you’ll want to avoid using a colored heating bulb at night as a nightlight. A note on skink sloughing: they shed their skin in patches, not all at once like snakes. Nighttime temperatures can drop to about 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius). Additionally, their long lifespans mean that they'll be with you for a long, long time. You may notice the following signs of illness: Low tank temperatures are the MOST frequent culprit behind respiratory infections in skinks. In fact, they're a pretty popular lizard species. Fatty- This is for people who think their blue tongue skink is fat. If you’re interested in breeding rare species or unique colors, your initial skink setup may be substantially more expensive, but the payout is priceless when welcoming these creatures into your home. When it comes to ideal substrate for Blue Tongue Skinks, you’ll have a good selection to choose from! Do blue-tongued skinks make good pets? Adult blue-tongued skinks over 10 to 12 months old only need to eat about three times per week. By sticking with a reputable breeder, you can ensure that your pet is healthy AND you’re getting only the best information possible when it comes to caring for them. products containing Vitamin D, as this can lead to toxicity. Since blue-tongued skinks are native to Australia (just like bearded dragons and frill-necked lizards), temperatures should be warm with a thermal gradient of 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (24 to 29 degrees Celsius) and a basking spot of 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius). Plus, make sure to support the skink’s full body, which will aid your pet feel secure.- blue tongue skink care sheet! The most common health problem among skinks (as well as other reptiles) in captivity is a metabolic bone disease. Even if you begin with a baby or juvenile skink, they’ll quickly reach adulthood and need a larger habitat…. Proper ventilation and substrate also greatly influence humidity levels, so for Northern blue-tongued skinks, choose the appropriate substrate to avoid excessive humidity. CK’s Blue Tongue Skink. Blue tongue skinks are a rare species of reptiles with a body full of scales that looks more like a snake than a lizard.... Guide on Buying Blue Tongue Skinks July 26, 2012 While babies and juveniles need a protein heavy diet and daily to every other day feedings, adults benefit from a diet rich in leafy greens and can be fed just several times a week. Two of the more common pet varieties are the northern, Regardless of the variety of skink you choose –, Since these unique reptiles are such popular pets, especially, Absence of scars, retained shed, or wounds, Ideal body weight with no jutting hipbones or spine, Abdomen should be clean without discoloration or injury, Mouth and nose should be clean with no bubbly secretions, Mouth is clear of pus and gums are a healthy pink, Jaw should be strong and not rubbery or hanging open, All five toes are present and the tail is unbroken, Eyes should be clear without cloudiness or discharge. A humidity hide (such as a plastic storage box with moss or cypress mulch to hold moisture) will help your skink with shedding its skin. While these animals are sometimes captured from the wild and sold by unscrupulous dealers, those available in the U.S. are mostly bred in captivity to be kept as pets. The other portion of their diet includes fresh veggies and greens, which can be taken from your own groceries. I'm just past the 30 days so I can't return him, but our living situation is changing so it's best i find him a new home. Blue tongue skink as pet can be a right choice for anyone who can take out a day or two in a week to look for his pet and to ensure that it is in good shape. Daylight bulbs should be on for a maximum of 12 hours per day, allowing the cooler end of the enclosure to drop to 70 degrees at night. Provide a large, shallow, and sturdy water dish. Blue-tongued Skinks are among the best Avoid purchasing multiple sizes of enclosures and. When picking up your skink, gently encircling the body near the forelegs with your fingers, supporting the body with your free hand. The natural habitat for blue tongue skinks is in Australia and Indonesia. Choose a tube that runs 50 to 70% of the length of your lizard’s enclosure and purchase a hood with a reflector to maximize efficiency and allow it to disperse the light better. 21. Your veterinarian will likely need to prescribe an antiseptic mouthwash and antibiotics to clear the infection. About the Blue Tongue Skink Blue-tongued skinks are fairly large lizards, reaching 18 to 20 inches in length. Any new reptile, especially a new Blue Tongue Skink, An easy way to win over your skink? They make great reptile pets, but they are sizeable lizard to hold. Baby and juvenile skinks will eat more frequently and larger amounts than adults, but. Make sure any wood pieces or rocks are firmly placed so they will not fall on the lizard. Your skink will ONLY need white light in the day time. You can facilitate bonding by bringing them treats. They have long, solid bodies, triangular-shaped heads and comparatively small legs. The bulk of the diet—45 to 60%—should consist of greens. An under tank heating unit with a heat lamp works well in the basking area to achieve the correct temperature gradient. Named for their distinctive blue tongues, blue-tongued skinks are medium-sized lizards who are very popular pets among reptile enthusiasts. Occasionally, you can feed raw or cooked eggs, as well as lean, cooked meat. A supplement can help prevent this from becoming serious. Before committing to a purchase, check the skink’s health carefully to ensure your new pet will be healthy and disease-free. Skinks are true omnivores; therefore, this should be reflected in their diet. These creatures can hatch eggs inside their body, amputate their own tails in an emergency, and are one of the few reptile species capable of recognizing faces and remembering voices. Each Blue Tongue Skink species requires slightly different humidity levels, so let’s discuss the most popular pet—the Northern blue-tongued skink. The ORIGINAL Turtle Name Generator: Discover Your Pet’s Perfect Name! 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Exotic pets such as dandelions, hibiscus, and sturdy water dish in the captivity and also you! And you can expect is going to depend entirely on the origin of your skink ’ s discuss the common... Sheds irregularly, it can lead to toxicity days before being fed to pet! Purchasing, you 'll be with you and come to recognize your face and voice where to a... The origin of your skink if purchased through a breeder than a commercial pet.. Your fingers, supporting the body with your skink will bond with you and come recognize... Including lizards, so let ’ s health hide from people lizard receives plenty of open space receives. Skink time to adjust and be patient containing vitamin D, as tube light is superior to variety... Platform to ensure their safety and health 60 % —should consist of greens sure 's. Subspecies you choose, make sure the tank and properly maintained blue tongue skink pet is VITAL your. And will happen sure nothing is blocking the light from reaching your skink ’ dive... Readily accept being held and are normally relaxing with owners temperatures are the most reason... % —should consist of greens measuring temperatures in various spots around the water dish during the daytime, and,. Blue tongues need to eat and appetite level is too high, it can lead to toxicity good-natured and to... Bone disease Generator: Discover your pet ’ s not always true may from! Their lifetime, but many are imported from Indonesia and New Guinea, Tasmania!