Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello,
My nephew has a baby Northern Blue Tongue.
It is thriving, having at least doubled in size since it's birth a couple of months ago. A few times a week we notice some foam outside it's mouth in the corners. Most of the time it's mouth is perfectly clean. No sneezing, no wheezing, no other typical signs of lizard illness. Any thoughts? Thanks!!
Adam

Is this really heavy foam? Like the foam ontop of a beer? OR just a few bubbles in clear saliva? Or is it just buildup of gunk in the corner of the mouth?

What are you feeding the skink as well?
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PHLdyPayne

Forum Princess

It's a small amount of clear foam near the corners. Seems to be only when he's handled, but not every time. This guy is like a lap dog and the "foaming" is only seen once in a while. We have lots of herp experience(but little with BTSs), and nothing else indicates an actual illness.
His diet is RepCal juvie beardie pellets, a few crickets, and some mixed vegies.
Thanks!
A

I don't think there is anything wrong with your BTS's. Its not unusual for them to get a little build up of saliva in the corners of their mouths. As its clear foam and not alot and you only notice it once in awhile, its probably nothing. If you see build up of mucus (more yellowish) around the nostril or mouth, or whistling/wheezing (don't confuse BTS 'hissing' with this though..BTS hiss by blowing air forcefully through their nose, usually when they are nervous about something), then it would be a respiratory infection. As long as your BTS is active, alert with a good healthy appetite, I don't think you have anything to worry about.

From what you mention feeding, I probably focus more on fresh greens than pellets. The pellets can be used mixed in with the salad, but shouldn't be the main ingredient. You didn't mention it, but if you don't already do it, soak the pellets in water first...hard dry pellets to me probably end up being flung all over the cage more than eaten.

It is also a good idea to offer a variety of insects too, like superworms, silkworms, butterworms and hornworms (store bought, dont' use wild caught hornworms, as they are toxic. Store bought are specially raised on a diet which doesn't contain the toxins natural food for these caterpillars contain). Not sure how big your BTS's are right now, but the occasional pinky mouse can be offered too (no more than 1-2 a month). You can buy frozen pinky mice at a pet store or reptile show. Just thaw in warm water till completely thawed and offer with tongs or forceps. Sometime BTS confuse pink fingers for pinky mice...best they see it on tongs.
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PHLdyPayne

Forum Princess

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