Reptile & Amphibian Forums

hey i was wondering what kind of blue tongue makes the best pet? Or is there really no difference? I ask because I'm considering adding a northern or Irian Jaya or even an Indonesian to my collection, and I don't want to go wrong.

There are differences in personality amoung the different blue tongue skink species. Some are better with being handled than others. I beleive the Nothern Blue Tongue is the most docile and accepting of handling than most of the other species. Not sure about the behaviors of the others off hand. However, the followinglink has all the information you need about the various species of blue tongues:

bluetongueskinks.net/blue.htm
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PHLdyPayne

ok ok ok I know about bluetongueskinks.net. I know it is a great source for info. Can I please get other opinions other than those of bluetongueskinks.net?

We currently have northerns; easterns; irian jayas; and gigas (indonesians). Our colony numbers over 30 - not counting babies. It's hard to say which is "best", but we have this to offer:

If you get imports (gigas and irian jayas, as a rule), you may have trouble with them adapting to human companionship immediately - and with some - ever.

We got our gigas young, and they are taming down - but it takes some time. All of our IJ's were imports - but that was a long time ago, and they are pretty calm now. Most even want to be out and interacting with the humans in the family.

Northerns and easterns (ALL cbb) are for the most part always good natured. However there are some breeders that never handle their skinks and they don't automatically act like puppy dogs - even if gotten young.

As with most anything, it depends what environment the cbb skink comes from too. We handle ours from day 1 and they are used to humans - even like them. Many that we have scratch at the enclosure door to get attention - and they get it.

So.... if you get a young skink that was cbb and handled since birth - you will have a greater chance of a good "pet" - no matter which of the species mentioned. Oh - and just a note: they are quite smart and have personalities!

And be sure to check out the skink breeders - not all keep the species pure. If you intend to breed, you will want to keep that in mind.

BTS are not as well-known to folks as the bearded dragon, for example. There is a lot to learn about these lizards, and bluetongueskink.net is a good educational source.

Hope that helps some.
Morgana

I really like how IJs and indonesians look. They blow me away, especially the gray indos.

That brings me to another question. Are BTSs good for first time breeding projects? I know they are notoriously difficult to sex, but other than that it doesnt seem to be too hard, I still gotta read about breeding on bts.net(it's such a pain to type the whole site name out).

I really like how IJs and indonesians look. They blow me away, especially the gray indos.

We have a red IJ - he is really cool too! We have seen some really silver gigas - they are very cool, but we like the bright yellow ones too. Love those shiny black legs!

That brings me to another question. Are BTSs good for first time breeding projects? I know they are notoriously difficult to sex, but other than that it doesnt seem to be too hard.

Actually, it can be quite tricky to get them to breed. They can get quite bitey when breeding season comes too - we have one female that is currently fighting off all suitors - but last year, she had 11 great offspring. You really have to supervise so that there isn't serious injury - to either side.

If you are looking for a breeding pair (guaranteed boy & girl), there are some out there. Otherwise - beware, as it is very dificult to sex these guys (we don't probe or pop).

P.S. Can't you save the link in your favs?

Morgana

Well I planned on trying to get two skinks and try breeding them for a first time breeding project. Well probably get them as babies, then raise them until they were mature, then breed them. Please let me know if I should not be trying this. As for the link, yes, I just meant it was a paint to type in the forum lol.

If you get skinks as youngsters, you want to wait until they are close to 2 yrs old before breeding. Also, you will need to cool them prior to breeding, although some folks have successfully bred them without the cooling time. It can be easy, but sometimes it can be very tricky.

No one should be telling you that this is - or isn't - a project for you. You have to decide for yourself. It is a long-time committment as BTS can live for 15 years.

Morgana

Well I printed out that care sheet from bts.net, it tooke forever, but it was worth it. I just read the breeding info on there, just seems sexing is going to be tough if I buy them from a shop. I think I will stick with herp expos for this.

No one told me this was a project. I just call it that.

I am enjoying doing my "homework" about BTSs. I am always looking forward to reafing that caresheet I printed out. And from what I've read so far, I am really psyched about getting some BTSs of my own!

Well, if you DO decide to try breeding and want a proven pair of IJ's, give us a shout. I think we can help you find a pair.

Good luck, and happy reading!
Morgana

www.reptayls.com