Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just got a one-year old BTS a few weeks ago and I've been disappointed to discover that he's quite fond of peeing on people. He won't even be in distress, just contentedly sitting on my shoulder and suddenly my shoulder is all wet. Is there any way to discourage this behavior? At first I was putting him back in his cage immeadiately, but now I make a point to not let him go back in his cage for awhile. Any suggestions? He's making himself difficult to handle for more than ten minutes at a time.

This is something that happens with a lot of blue tongues that are feeling a bit of stress. It could be that he wasn't handled much when he was growing up.

Out of our 35 - we only had one do this, and he quit after acclimating to his new environment. However, I was always prepared - had towel in hand when I picked him up and held him on the towel too.

You might try giving him a treat when he gets picked up... banana slices; a raspberry; a snail; even cooked chicken slices.

Stay patient.. skinks are worth it.
Morgana

Thanks! That's great advice; I'll start that right away. Do you think it would work to have him out for a short period of time and then give him a treat before he goes back in if he doesn't pee while he's out? Or do you think that is that too complex for a skink to understand?

You don't have to use the treat as a reward for not wetting on you. Instead, try giving him the treat soon after you take him out - so he associated coming out as a good experience (food).

Then pet him and interact with him a bit... maybe he will learn to enjoy his times with you.

Some of our skinks will scratch at their door... when I open it, they just want some petting and attention - then go right back to being lazy skinks. LOL They are very interesting critters, and suprisingly smart.

Good luck with him.

Morgana

just keep at it. I think you are doing right... the previous owner probably always put him down after he peed, so he learned.
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1 Eastern Blue Tongue Skink
2 Tarahumara Mountain Kingsnakes - Knoblochi
1 Thayer's Kingsnake - Thayeri
2 Golden Greek Tortoises
1 Pyxie Frog - 14 years old

peeing is a defense mechanism for most lizards so he's just scared i've had leo's sit in my ocket for a half an hour and all of the suden pee and it was normaly because something new was going on just keep doing wut your doing and he'll come around