Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi all,

Which is a better choice as far as a pet? Blue Tongue Skink or Schneiders Skink?

Thanks, Linda

whichever one interests you the most and you are able to care for. Research both, find out their care requirements etc.

personally I don't know much about schneider's skinks other than they aren't very big, compared to BTS. Thus they will need less space. I don't think they like handling as much either...but other than that, I don't think they are difficult to care for. BTS's of course, reaching 19" or more, depending on species, need a much larger cage, at last 4'x2' and about 16-18" high. They also need to be housed separately. Schnieder's skinks..no clue if they can be kept in male/females groups (ie one male, one female or several females) but definitely know blue tongued skinks tend to be far too territorial, so its not wise to house even male/female pairs together, except during breeding.
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PHLdyPayne

Forum Princess

Thank you for the information. I have been thinking about getting a BTS since last year when I saw them at NARBC. I will have only one so no problem with fighting. I have already researched them and from what I have read they seem very laid back. I am going to the show in Tinley Park again in October and I really think I may get a hatchling or young adult.

Another lizard I am interested in is the Frilled Dragon. Do you know how they measure up to the BTS as far as ease of care and interaction with people?

Thanks,
Linda

From what I have read about frillies is they can be pretty laid back, but not as much as blue tongues or bearded dragons. I am no expert on them, probably a good idea to read through the frilled dragon forums here to see what people say about them there.

They do require space, including height as they are more prone to climbing being a more arboreal species. Also, they are strictly insectivores, whereas blue tongues are more omnivorous, eating more fruit/greens than insects.

Frillies are not as colorful as blue tongues either and may be more flighty initially, depending on how well they adjust to being handled. Australian frillies are more colorful than their more commonly available sub species, the err...can't remember where they more commonly come from now... Philippians or New Zealand I think...just know the Australian Frilly is much more rare, since you can't import them at all, or at least not without special permits/situations. Those that do come up in the pet trade now are captive bred from animals smuggled out decades ago.

In general care..they are a bit more difficult mostly due being more arboreal, so require a much taller cage than a blue tongue or even a bearded dragon. Also they can get longer than both, up to two and a half feet I believe. They are also a lankier lizard more tail than body if I recall correctly. They are fast too, so if it gets out of a cage and decides it doesn't want to be caught, they can move pretty fast. Fortunately they don't run for long.
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PHLdyPayne

Forum Princess

The more I think it about it I think my choice is the BTS.

Linda