Blue Tongued Skinks Care For Beginners

 

Blue-tongued skinks are great reptiles for beginners due to their docile nature and relatively easy care requirements. Here's a beginner-friendly care guide:

1. Enclosure

·  Size: Minimum 40-gallon tank for juveniles; adults need at least 4 ft x 2 ft of floor space.

·  Substrate: Aspen shavings, cypress mulch, or coconut husk. Avoid pine/cedar.

·  Hides: Provide multiple hides and climbing logs.

·  Humidity: 40–60% (higher for Indonesian species). Mist if necessary.

·  Lighting:

o    UVB lighting (12 hours a day) for vitamin D3 synthesis.

o    Basking light at one end to create a temperature gradient.

2. Temperature

·  Basking spot: 95–100°F (35–38°C)

·  Cool side: 75–85°F (24–29°C)

·  Nighttime: No lower than 70°F (21°C)

Use digital thermometers with probes for accuracy.

3. Diet

·  Omnivorous:

o    50% veggies (collards, mustard greens, squash, carrots)

o    30% protein (boiled egg, insects like crickets, cooked lean meats)

o    20% fruits (berries, melons, banana)

·  Supplements: Calcium and multivitamin powders (1–2 times/week)

·  Feeding Frequency: Juveniles daily; adults every 2–3 days

4. Handling

·  Very tame and curious. Start slowly and gently handle a few minutes at a time.

·  Always support their body fully.

·  Wash hands before and after handling.

5. Cleaning

·  Spot clean daily.

·  Deep clean monthly (replace substrate, disinfect surfaces).

6. Health Tips

·  Watch for signs of illness: lethargy, wheezing, loss of appetite, or irregular shedding.

·  Regular vet checkups (preferably with a reptile vet).

Blue-Tongued Skinks (CompanionHouse Books) Selecting Your Lizard, Housing, Feeding, Handling, Health Care, Breeding, Habits, Skink Family Information, Varieties, and More (Advanced Vivarium Systems)

Blue-Tongued Skinks (CompanionHouse Books) Selecting Your Lizard, Housing, Feeding, Handling, Health Care, Breeding, Habits, Skink Family Information, Varieties, and More (Advanced Vivarium Systems)

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