Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have built a large outdoor enclosure for my trio of BTS. It is 15X6 feet and has some large rocks with burrows dug under them. I'll post photos of them soon.

Here's the interesting part. I live in southeastern Massachusetts and we are in the winter that won't quit. We are teased with a couple of nice 70 degree days and then its back to cold and wet. I put my BTS out when I finally figured spring was here. Late May...almost Memorial day! Well, you live in the northeast you know what the long weekend was like: forties day and night and dizzile and than rain. I couldn't get to them to bring them indoors. They were out for three days of that rotten wether. I was sooooo worried all weekend!

I got to them this morning...after 72 hours in the wet and cold. When I looked under their favovite burrow I saw three little faces looking at me and SLOWLY blinking. All seemed in good shape but very cold. Their eyes were bright and breathing clear. They are now resting under their 100 watt UVB lamp until JULY!

Brian

I know I'm in AZ but it was still in the 40s and 50s overnight quite often, and they made it just fine. I think most of us have underestimated the temperature range these skinks experience in their natural habitats. Mine are all Australian species and from temperature zone maps of that continent I've studied, they are frequently exposed to near-freezing temperatures in much of their range. So, while I don't recommend cold AND wet winters, an occasional day or two of such weather should be bearable. I know this goes against what many keepers believe to be ideal; I am only speaking from personal experience but, most importantly, also from reading lots of the literature and personal communication with herpetologists in Australia.
And, finally, let me emphasize that my animals are outdoors and so are able to thermoregulate in a much more natural manner than could ever be possible in an indoor enclosure. So, I am NOT advocating keeping BTS in cold, wet enclosures in the winter. (I know that was unnecessary for those who get what I'm writing, but I know others might take it the wrong way.)
Edward

P.S. By the way, great job on your enclosure.

Hello Brian and Edward
I've been reading this thread with interest, as I live in Sydney, Australia, and have recently been given a baby BTS (common Eastern) rescued from a cat (8 of her siblings were killed.) There are lots of BTS living in suburban gardens here so its a common problem unfortunately. Strictly speaking I shouldn't have her, as in Australia it is illegal to keep wild-caught animals, and you need a licence to keep captive-bred ones (is it the same in North America?) However it was a licenced reptile keeper who gave her to me to look after, and I am going to keep her at least awhile longer as I am a bit besotted by her and want to ensure she makes it through the winter. (Have always loved lizards....had a gecko in New Zealand as a child.) It does get quite cold in Sydney, not usually freezing though - between about 10C on a cold night, and around 18-25C during the day. I live on the coast though, and inland temps get lower, so yes, they are pretty hardy.I have been bringing her inside at night (room temperature only)until now and she is still active, having just shed and still consuming slugs and snails with gusto. But am getting her outside enclosure nice and snug ready for brumation, as the winter is setting in.

Edward - do you know anyone in Oz who would be willing to email me re BTS issues/ advice? I always read your knowledgeable posts with interest.

If I can get hold of a camera I will post a picture as she is beautiful. Bye for now (sorry for long post!)

Susan

WOW,

I thought the rules here in Massachusetts were tuff on herp lovers. We are allowed to keep up to two (or maybe three) of any non-listed (endangered, threatened, or species of special concern) herp. Captive bred means nothing here. I found out my rhinocerous iguana (Cyclura cornuta) is illegal in MA. I don't see why! It could never survive a New England winter and establish a population and it is documented as captive bred. No one is more supportive of conservation than I. My degree is in Wildlife and Fisheries Biology; I have worked in university herpetological museums; a major zoo, and now I teach environmental sciences...I would turn my grandmother in if I thought she was harming rare populaitons...but I just can't understand some rules here in Massachusetts.

...and you guys have some of the coolest herps (and everything else) in he world down there. I have always been fascinated Australia!

Ed,

You love in Arizona and it never gets cold! (Haha)

Thanks all,

Brian

PS: I'm still trying to figure out how to save my outdoor pen photos at a smaller size so I can post them here.

is Glenn Shea. He is the expert on Tiliqua and other Australian species. I have communicated with him over the years and he is always very willing to help. He is very busy at the University of Sydney, so be patient if he doesn't respond right away. Often, he is doing field research somewhere.
His email address is:

gshea@mail.usyd.edu.au

Best of luck.
Edward

LOL!

Thanks for the contact. I know Sydney Uni well. My Mum did agricultural science there, and my grandfather was a vet lecturer in the 1930's.

Out if interest - what types of skinks do you keep?

Susan

Tiliqua scincoides intermedia, T. occipitalis, and T. nigrolutea. I love 'em all!
Edward