Alright, so I work at a pet store where we have a skink for sale. He's very expensive though, about $200, and he's just a common blue-tongued skink. He is a juvenile, and he's been my little project there since we got him in. He is extremely tame and eats well, etc. I'd been considering saving up to buy him but then recently came to find another place in town sells blue tongues as well, and for about half the price. These BT's are sub-adults, very, VERY pretty, healthy...though not quite as tame as the little guy at work. I held one and he did the whole 'puff up and hiss' thing quite a bit. He didn't seem agressive but he didn't seem too happy. Would he tame up with time? I just love the juvenile as he is so personable, but there's the whole 'if I wait he will be gone' possibility. My broyfriend and I have a bearded dragon we were looking to trade for the skink at the other store...so it just seems the more practical choice as the cost is lower and the skink already established, etc. I just worry he won't be as tame as starting with a younger animal. I'm so confused! Any suggestions? Thanks!
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Choosing a skink-dilemma!
Replies (2)
$200 is way too much for a northern blue tongue skink. Finding a local breeder will be better. Then you know you will get a much better price, the skinks will be in better health (or should be, depends on the breeder) and most will be tamer.
For the older cheaper blue tongues you found that are not quite as tame as the one in your petstore, if healthy otherwise, feel free to get him. Blue tongues tame down easily with regular handling. My two who I don't handle as much as I like, are only hissy when I go pick them up, once in hand, they are very calm, more interested in exploring than hissing or biting. I can't wait to get them into their new cages...with a front opening door, it will be so much easier getting them out then.
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PHLdyPayne
agree.
why are you trading? Will you do the same with the bluey in a couple of months? Bluetongues can live a long time.
Buy from a breeder. I won't buy anything from a pet store except for substrate/bedding.
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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
