Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi all.

On a recent trip to the pet store, I've noticed they now carry baby blue-tongued skinks about 5-7 inches long, which seem particularly eager to find out what's going on outside their enclosures. The ones I saw were climbing about, trying desperately to get a look at anyone who walked by, and were very active, which I know tends to be a sign of good health.

If I were to purchase one of these babies, what sorts of things should I have prepared for it? What size of tank, what sort of substrate, food, lighting, lidding, et cetera? What sort of a temperament and level of handling can I expect? Do skinks enjoy being handled once they trust you? What kind of a veg/fruit/live food balance should I strike, from baby onward? Are there any other things I should know?

I know that's a lot of questions, but I wanted to make sure I covered everything. Thanks in advance.

The care sheet information at www.bluetongueskinks.net/ and other websites (just google 'blue tongued skink care') will answer most of your questions. The first site contains most information you are looking for but I also recommend checking other sources as well.

To start with a baby, a 20-30 gal long tank or equivalent is fine, but you will need to buy or build a cage that is at least 4'x2' of floor space once the skink is 14" long. They need a fair bit of space as adults. I keep mine in 5'x 2' x 18 inches high cage. For basking temperatures, 100F range is good. Babies I would house on paper towel layers and/or newspaper layers with plenty of low hides big enough they can turn around in comfortably but small enough they feel secure. Small TV dinner boxes work great...and are easy to get without paying alot of money. Once your BTS is adult size, you can buy more fancier looking hides. Kind of pointless buying several different sizes of hides which will only be used for a few months to a year at the most before the BTS outgrows it.

From what I remember about BTS babies, feed them every day all they can eat of mixed greens and insects with some fruit. The link above gives more details on diet. I am finding using crested gecko diet powder mixed with water and sprinkled ontop of the greens works great. You can buy a bottle of this at most pet stores, or buy the 4 oz bags which would last a long time. I have both BTS's and a gargoyle gecko so I already have the powder but it may be more inconvenient for you if you only have the BTS.
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PHLdyPayne