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)
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