Reptile & Amphibian Forums

i am getting a blue tongued skink at the NC reptile show and need to know what they eat, what kind of bedding, cage size, do they need both UVA and UVB(like monitors) or just UVA(like leo geckos), and temperment.

Greetings,

First off, your doing the right thing by researching prior. Do check this forum out plus use the search engines. There is a book by Walls on Blue-Tongues which is a must read.

I'm not going too deep on this, I'll leave it for the bigger BTS experts. I will say that temperment-wise you couldn't pick a better lizard. BUT... DON'T LET YOUR GUARD DOWN COMPLETELY. Blue-tongues can have off-days just like all of us and have been known to bite. But generally they are very placid.

Full spectrum UV should be used. Although a burrower, They do bask. (I hope no one objects to this.) They should have hides whether logs or tubes. They don't need plants added, the simpler-the better. This is especially true for cleaning. But if you want to add to the decor, you can. Watch out for natural objects or bedding put in that could lead to parasitic infections. BTS are not climbers. That is why your width and length is more important than height. The height should be high enough that if a lid is not used, there is not chance of shimming out. Very large storage containers can be used or a dwelling can be constructed. They can be picky eaters at one extreme or ravenous other times. You have to experiment to see what your BTS will prefer in food.

Good luck to you. You are taking the first important step..Research. Continue with the to read with the means made available and you can determine if Tiliqua are for you.

Liz

check out www.bluetongueskinks.net

that is where all of us blue tongued addicts hang out; you'll find all the info you need to know over there.