Have you ever seen a lizard with a bright blue tongue? If so, you might have encountered a blue tongue skink, one of the most fascinating and popular reptiles in the pet trade.
Blue tongue skinks are easy to care for, friendly, and intelligent. They make great pets for beginners and experienced reptile keepers alike.
In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about blue tongue skinks, including their origin, appearance, behavior, and care requirements.
You will also discover some common health issues and breeding tips for these amazing animals. By the end of this article, you will be well-equipped to provide your blue tongue skink with a happy and healthy life.
But if you want a more comprehensive and detailed guide to have with you, we recommend checking out the Blue-Tongued Skinks CompanionHouse Books.
Table of Contents
What is a Blue Tongue Skink?
A blue tongue skink is a type of lizard that belongs to the genus Tiliqua, which contains eight species and several subspecies.
The most common species kept as pets are the northern blue tongue skink (Tiliqua scincoides intermedia) and the eastern blue tongue skink (Tiliqua scincoides scincoides), both native to Australia.
Blue tongue skinks have a robust body, a large head, short legs, and a long tail. They can grow up to 24 inches in length and weigh up to 2 pounds.
Their scales are smooth and shiny, and their coloration varies depending on the species and subspecies. They can be brown, gray, black, tan, or red, with dark bands or spots on their body.
The most distinctive feature of blue tongue skinks is their blue tongue, which they use for several purposes.
They use it to smell their environment, to taste their food, and to communicate with other skinks. They also use it to scare away predators by sticking it out and hissing loudly. Their blue tongue contrasts with their mouth, which is usually pink or red.
Blue Tongue Skink Care Sheet
| Category | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Housing | A minimum of 40-gallon tank with a secure lid |
| Diet | A balanced diet of commercial skink pellets, fresh vegetables, and insects |
| Temperature | A basking spot of 95-100°F and a cool area of 75-80°F |
| Humidity | A moderate humidity of 40-60% |
| Substrate | A substrate that is safe, comfortable, and easy to clean |
| Handling | Gentle and regular handling to build trust and socialization |
| Cleaning | Spot cleaning daily and deep cleaning monthly |
Housing
One of the most important aspects of blue tongue skink care is providing them with a suitable enclosure. Blue tongue skinks are active and curious animals, so they need enough space to explore and exercise.
A minimum of 40-gallon tank with a secure lid is recommended for one adult skink. If you have more than one skink, you will need a larger tank or separate enclosures, as blue tongue skinks can be territorial and aggressive towards each other.
The best types of enclosures for blue tongue skinks are glass or plastic tanks, as they allow for good visibility and ventilation.
You can also use wooden or metal cages, but make sure they have enough air holes and a solid bottom. Avoid mesh or wire cages, as they can cause injuries and heat loss.
When setting up the enclosure, you will need to consider the following factors:
- Substrate: The substrate is the material that covers the bottom of the tank. It should be safe, comfortable, and easy to clean for your blue tongue skink. Some good options are paper towels, newspaper, aspen shavings, coconut fiber, or cypress mulch. Avoid substrates that are dusty, sharp, or toxic, such as sand, gravel, pine, or cedar.
- Lighting: Blue tongue skinks need a natural day and night cycle, so you will need to provide them with artificial lighting. You will need a UVB bulb, which mimics the sun's rays and helps your skink produce vitamin D and calcium. You will also need a UVA bulb, which provides heat and visible light. The UVB bulb should be on for 10-12 hours a day, and the UVA bulb should be on for 12-14 hours a day. Make sure the bulbs are placed at a safe distance from your skink, and replace them every 6-12 months.
- Decorations: Blue tongue skinks like to hide and explore, so you will need to provide them with some decorations to enrich their environment. You can use rocks, logs, plants, caves, or tunnels to create hiding spots and climbing opportunities. Make sure the decorations are sturdy and stable, and do not pose any risk of injury or escape.
Blue Tongue Skink Diet
- Commercial skink pellets: These are specially formulated food for blue tongue skinks, which contain all the essential nutrients they need. You can find them in pet stores or online, and they come in different flavors and sizes. You should feed your skink pellets every other day, and soak them in water before offering them to your skink.
- Fresh vegetables: These are a great source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber for your skink. You should offer your skink a variety of fresh vegetables, such as leafy greens, squash, carrots, bell peppers, or broccoli. You can chop them into small pieces and mix them with the pellets, or offer them separately in a shallow dish. You should feed your skink vegetables every other day, and remove any leftovers after 24 hours.
- Insects: These are a great source of protein, calcium, and fat for your skink. You should offer your skink a variety of insects, such as crickets, mealworms, waxworms, or roaches. You can dust them with calcium and vitamin supplements once or twice a week, and offer them in a separate dish or by hand. You should feed your skink insects once or twice a week, and avoid overfeeding them, as they can cause obesity and health problems.
A general feeding schedule for blue tongue skinks is as follows:
| Day | Food |
|---|---|
| Monday | Pellets and vegetables |
| Tuesday | Insects |
| Wednesday | Pellets and vegetables |
| Thursday | Insects |
| Friday | Pellets and vegetables |
| Saturday | Insects |
| Sunday | Fasting |
Some tips on ensuring proper nutrition for your blue tongue skink are:
- Always provide fresh and clean water in a shallow dish for your skink to drink and soak in
- Avoid feeding your skink foods that are high in sugar, salt, or fat, such as fruits, nuts, cheese, or bread
- Avoid feeding your skink foods that are toxic or harmful, such as onions, garlic, avocado, chocolate, or alcohol
- Monitor your skink's weight and body condition regularly, and adjust the portion and frequency of feeding accordingly
- Consult your veterinarian if you notice any signs of malnutrition or illness in your skink
Temperature
Blue tongue skinks are ectothermic, which means they rely on external sources of heat to regulate their body temperature. They need a proper temperature range in their enclosure to stay comfortable and healthy. The ideal temperature range for blue tongue skinks is:
- Basking spot: 95-100°F
- Cool area: 75-80°F
To create a basking spot, you will need to use a heat lamp or a ceramic heat emitter, which provides infrared heat without light.
You should place the heat source on one end of the tank, and measure the temperature with a thermometer.
You should also provide a flat surface, such as a rock or a tile, for your skink to bask on. The basking spot should be large enough for your skink to stretch out, but not too large that it heats up the entire tank.
To maintain a cool area, you will need to use a thermostat or a rheostat, which controls the power output of the heat source.
You should place the thermostat or rheostat on the opposite end of the tank, and measure the temperature with another thermometer.
You should also provide some hiding spots, such as caves or plants, for your skink to retreat to. The cool area should be cool enough for your skink to regulate its body temperature, but not too cool that it causes hypothermia.
Some tips on maintaining a proper temperature range for your blue tongue skink are:
- Check the temperature levels daily, and adjust the heat source or the thermostat as needed
- Avoid placing the tank near windows, vents, or drafts, as they can cause temperature fluctuations
- Avoid using heat rocks, heat mats, or hot water bottles, as they can cause burns or overheating
- Provide your skink with a night-time temperature drop of 10-15°F, by turning off the heat source or using a red or blue bulb
- Consult your veterinarian if you notice any signs of thermal stress or illness in your skink
Humidity
Humidity is another important factor for blue tongue skink care, as it affects their skin, shedding, and respiratory health. Blue tongue skinks need a moderate humidity level in their enclosure, around 40-60%.
To maintain the ideal humidity level, you will need to use a hygrometer, which measures the moisture content in the air.
You should place the hygrometer on the cool side of the tank, and check the reading daily. You should also use a spray bottle or a humidifier to increase the humidity, especially during shedding periods. You should mist the tank lightly once or twice a day, or use a humidifier on a low setting.
Some tips on maintaining a proper humidity level for your blue tongue skink are:
- Avoid using substrates that retain too much or too little moisture, such as sand, gravel, or peat moss
- Avoid over-misting or over-humidifying the tank, as it can cause mold, bacteria, or fungal growth
- Provide your skink with a moist hide, such as a box filled with damp sphagnum moss or paper towels, where it can relax and shed
- Provide your skink with a shallow water dish, where it can drink and soak
- Consult your veterinarian if you notice any signs of dehydration or respiratory infection in your skink
Substrate
The substrate is the material that covers the bottom of the tank. It should be safe, comfortable, and easy to clean for your blue tongue skink. There are many types of substrates available for blue tongue skinks, but not all of them are suitable. Some of the best substrates for blue tongue skinks are:
- Paper towels: These are cheap, easy to find, and easy to replace. They are also absorbent, hygienic, and soft. However, they are not very attractive, and they do not provide any enrichment or stimulation for your skink.
- Newspaper: This is similar to paper towels, but cheaper and more eco-friendly. It is also easy to use and dispose of. However, it can be messy, smelly, and ink-stained. It can also contain harmful chemicals or dyes that can irritate your skink's skin or eyes.
- Aspen shavings: These are natural, biodegradable, and odorless. They are also soft, fluffy, and easy to spot clean. However, they can be dusty, dry, or moldy. They can also cause impaction or allergies if ingested by your skink.
- Coconut fiber: This is made from the husk of coconuts, and it is organic, renewable, and compostable. It is also absorbent, moist, and easy to clean. However, it can be expensive, hard to find, or inconsistent in quality. It can also cause impaction or allergies if ingested by your skink.
- Cypress mulch: This is made from the bark of cypress trees, and it is natural, aromatic, and attractive. It is also moist, soft, and easy to spot clean. However, it can be expensive, hard to find, or contaminated with pesticides or parasites. It can also cause impaction or allergies if ingested by your skink.
Some tips on choosing and using the best substrate for your blue tongue skink are:
- Consider your skink's age, preferences, and habits when selecting a substrate. Younger skinks may prefer softer and moister substrates, while older skinks may prefer firmer and drier substrates.
- Consider the pros and cons of each substrate, and weigh them against your budget, availability, and convenience. You can also mix and match different substrates to create a custom blend for your skink.
- Avoid substrates that are sharp, abrasive, or toxic, such as sand, gravel, pine, or cedar. These can cause injuries, infections, or poisoning to your skink.
- Avoid substrates that are too loose, fine, or sticky, such as corn cob, walnut shell, or clay. These can cause impaction, choking, or blockage to your skink.
- Change the substrate regularly, and spot clean it daily. Remove any feces, urine, food, or debris from the substrate, and replace it with fresh substrate as needed. Deep clean the substrate monthly, and disinfect the tank and the decorations.
Handling
Handling is an essential part of blue tongue skink care, as it helps to build trust, bond, and socialization between you and your skink.
Blue tongue skinks are generally docile and friendly, but they can also be shy, nervous, or defensive. Therefore, you need to handle them gently and carefully and respect their personality and mood.
Some tips on how to handle a blue tongue skink safely and effectively are:
- Start handling your skink as soon as possible, but give it some time to adjust to its new home first. Wait for at least a week before handling your skink, and let it settle in its enclosure.
- Handle your skink regularly, but not too frequently or for too long. Aim for 2-3 times a week, and 10-15 minutes per session. Avoid handling your skink when it is sleeping, eating, shedding, or stressed.
- Handle your skink gently, but firmly. Use both hands to support its body and tail, and avoid grabbing, squeezing, or pulling it. Hold it close to your chest or lap, and avoid lifting it too high or too far from its enclosure.
- Handle your skink confidently, but calmly. Speak to it softly and soothingly, and avoid making sudden or loud noises or movements. Reward it with treats or praise, and avoid punishing or scolding it.
- Handle your skink carefully, but not fearfully. Do not be afraid of its blue tongue, hissing, or biting, as these are natural defensive behaviors. Do not react negatively or aggressively, and do not drop or throw your skink. If your skink bites you, do not pull away, but gently pry its mouth open and wash the wound with soap and water.
Cleaning
Cleaning is another important aspect of blue tongue skink care, as it helps to prevent diseases, parasites, and odors. Blue tongue skinks are relatively clean animals, but they still produce waste and mess in their enclosure.
Therefore, you need to clean their enclosure regularly and thoroughly, and use safe and reptile-friendly cleaning products.
Some tips on how to clean a blue tongue skink's enclosure properly and efficiently are:
- Spot clean the enclosure daily, and deep clean it monthly. Spot cleaning involves removing any feces, urine, food, or debris from the substrate, water dish, or decorations, and replacing them with fresh ones. Deep cleaning involves removing everything from the tank, and washing and disinfecting the tank and the decorations with a mild bleach solution or a reptile-safe cleaner.
- Use disposable gloves and a paper towel or a sponge to clean the enclosure. Avoid using harsh chemicals, detergents, or abrasives, as they can harm your skink or leave residues. Rinse and dry everything well before putting them back in the tank.
- Clean the water dish daily, and the food dish after every feeding. Wash them with hot water and soap, and rinse and dry them well. Replace the water with fresh and clean water, and remove any leftover food from the tank.
- Clean the substrate regularly, and change it as needed. Depending on the type of substrate you use, you may need to change it every week, every month, or every few months. Dispose of the old substrate safely, and replace it with new substrate.
- Clean your skink occasionally, and only when necessary. You can use a damp cloth or a soft toothbrush to gently wipe or brush your skink's body and tail. You can also use a cotton swab or a tweezers to gently remove any stuck shed or dirt from your skink's eyes, ears, or mouth. Avoid using any soap, shampoo, or lotion, as they can irritate your skink's skin or mucous membranes.
Blue Tongue Skink - Common Health Issues
- Parasites: These are organisms that live on or in your skink, and feed on its blood or tissues. They can cause weight loss, diarrhea, lethargy, or anemia. They can also transmit diseases or infections to your skink. Some common parasites that can affect blue tongue skinks are mites, ticks, worms, or protozoa. You can prevent parasites by keeping your skink's enclosure clean and hygienic, and by quarantining any new skinks or insects before introducing them to your skink. You can treat parasites by using anti-parasitic medications or products, as prescribed by your veterinarian.
- Infections: These are caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses that invade your skink's body and cause inflammation or damage. They can affect your skink's skin, mouth, eyes, ears, respiratory system, digestive system, or reproductive system. They can cause swelling, discharge, pain, or fever. They can also lead to serious complications or death. Some common infections that can affect blue tongue skinks are mouth rot, eye infection, ear infection, respiratory infection, or cloacal infection. You can prevent infections by keeping your skink's enclosure clean and dry, and by maintaining proper temperature and humidity levels. You can treat infections by using antibiotics, antifungals, or antivirals, as prescribed by your veterinarian.
- Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD): This is a condition that affects your skink's bones and muscles, and is caused by a lack of calcium, vitamin D, or phosphorus. It can cause weakness, deformity, fractures, or paralysis. It can also affect your skink's appetite, growth, and behavior. Some common signs of MBD are soft or rubbery jaw, swollen limbs, curved spine, or twitching. You can prevent MBD by providing your skink with a balanced diet, a UVB light, and a calcium supplement. You can treat MBD by consulting your veterinarian, who may prescribe injections, oral medications, or surgery.
Blue Tongue Skink Breeding
Breeding is an optional but rewarding part of blue tongue skink care, as it allows you to witness the miracle of life and contribute to the conservation of these amazing animals.
Blue tongue skinks are sexually mature at around 18 months of age, and they breed once a year, usually between September and December. The breeding process involves the following steps:
- Mating: To initiate mating, you will need to introduce a male and a female skink in the same enclosure, and monitor their behavior. The male skink will chase, bite, and mount the female skink, and insert one of his hemipenes (penis-like organs) into her cloaca (vent). The mating can last from a few minutes to a few hours, and it can be repeated several times over a few days. You should separate the skinks after mating, and provide them with extra food and water.
- Egg-laying: After mating, the female skink will develop a gravid (pregnant) appearance, and her belly will swell with eggs. The gestation period can vary from 90 to 150 days, depending on the species and the temperature. The female skink will lay 5 to 25 eggs in a moist and warm spot, such as a nest box filled with damp vermiculite or perlite. You should remove the eggs carefully and place them in an incubator.
- Incubation: The incubation period can vary from 50 to 70 days, depending on the species and the temperature. The ideal temperature range for incubating blue tongue skink eggs is 82-86°F, and the ideal humidity level is 80-90%. You should check the eggs daily, and remove any moldy or rotten eggs. You should also mist the eggs lightly every few days, and turn them gently every week.
- Hatching: The hatching process can take from a few hours to a few days, depending on the egg and the hatchling. The hatchling will use its egg tooth (a small bump on its snout) to cut through the egg shell, and emerge from the egg. The hatchling will be wet and sticky at first, but it will dry and fluff up soon. The hatchling will also have a yolk sac attached to its belly, which will provide it with nutrients for the first few days.
Caring for Baby Blue Tongue Skinks
- Housing: You can house the baby skinks in the same incubator for the first few weeks, or in a separate 10-gallon tank with a secure lid. You should provide them with the same substrate, lighting, and decorations as the adult skinks, but with smaller and softer items. You should also provide them with more hiding spots and less space, to make them feel secure and comfortable.
- Diet: You can feed the baby skinks the same food as the adult skinks, but with smaller and softer pieces. You should offer them food every day, and remove any leftovers after an hour. You should also provide them with fresh and clean water in a shallow dish, and mist them lightly every day.
- Temperature: You can maintain the same temperature range as the adult skinks, but with a slightly higher basking spot of 100-105°F. You should also provide them with a night-time temperature drop of 10-15°F, by turning off the heat source or using a red or blue bulb.
- Humidity: You can maintain the same humidity level as the adult skinks, around 40-60%. You should also mist the tank lightly once or twice a day, or use a humidifier on a low setting.
- Handling: You should handle the baby skinks gently and carefully, and only when necessary. You should avoid handling them for the first few days, and let them acclimate to their new environment. You should also avoid handling them when they are shedding, eating, or stressed. You should handle them for 5-10 minutes per session, and 1-2 times per week.
- Cleaning: You should clean the baby skinks' enclosure regularly and thoroughly, and use safe and reptile-friendly cleaning products. You should spot-clean the enclosure daily, and deep-clean it weekly. You should also clean the water dish daily, and the food dish after every feeding.
Conclusion
Blue tongue skinks are amazing and unique reptiles that make great pets for anyone who loves and appreciates them.
They are easy to care for, friendly, and intelligent. They have a long lifespan of 15-20 years, and they can provide you with endless joy and companionship.
However, blue tongue skinks are also a big responsibility, and they require proper care and attention. They need a suitable enclosure, a balanced diet, and a comfortable environment.
They also need regular handling, cleaning, and veterinary checkups. They may also suffer from some common health issues, or breed if you have a pair of them.
Therefore, before you decide to adopt a blue tongue skink, you should do your research and prepare yourself for the commitment.
You should also make sure you get your skink from a reputable breeder or a rescue center, and not from the wild or the black market. You should also respect your skink's personality and mood, and never mistreat or neglect it.
If you follow these guidelines, you will be able to provide your blue tongue skink with a happy and healthy life.
You will also be able to enjoy the beauty and wonder of these amazing animals and learn more about them and their natural history. Blue tongue skinks are truly remarkable creatures, and they deserve your love and care.
FAQS about Blue Tongue Skink
How can I tell the difference between a male and a female blue tongue skink?
Male blue tongue skinks have larger and wider heads, thicker and longer tails, and two bulges near the base of the tail. Female blue tongue skinks have smaller and narrower heads, thinner and shorter tails, and no bulges near the tail.
What are some signs that my blue tongue skink is happy and healthy?
Some signs that your blue tongue skink is happy and healthy are active and curious behavior, bright and clear eyes, smooth and shiny skin, regular and complete shedding, good appetite and digestion, and normal weight and body condition.
What are some things that I should avoid doing with my blue tongue skink?
Some things that you should avoid doing with your blue tongue skink are: exposing it to extreme temperatures or humidity, feeding it inappropriate or spoiled food, handling it roughly or excessively, stressing it out with loud noises or sudden movements, and keeping it in a dirty or crowded enclosure.
How can I bond with my blue tongue skink and make it more friendly?
You can bond with your blue tongue skink and make it more friendly by handling it gently and regularly, speaking to it softly and soothingly, rewarding it with treats or praise, providing it with toys or enrichment, and respecting its personality and mood.
Where can I get a blue tongue skink and how much does it cost?
You can get a blue tongue skink from a reputable breeder or a rescue center, and not from the wild or the black market. The cost of a blue tongue skink can vary depending on the species, subspecies, age, and quality, but it can range from $150 to $500.
Are blue tongue skinks good for beginners?
Yes, blue tongue skinks are good for beginners, as they are easy to care for, friendly, and intelligent. They have a long lifespan and a strong personality.
What is the best setup for a blue tongue skink?
The best setup for a blue tongue skink is a minimum of 40-gallon tank with a secure lid, a substrate that is safe and comfortable, a UVB and a UVA light, a heat source, a thermometer, a hygrometer, a water dish, a food dish, and some decorations.
Are blue tongue skinks friendly?
Yes, blue-tongue skinks are friendly, but they can also be shy, nervous, or defensive. They need gentle and regular handling to build trust and socialization. They can also bond with their owners and show affection.
How rare are blue tongue skinks?
Blue tongue skinks are not very rare, but they are not very common either. They are native to Australia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea, and they are protected by law in some countries. They are also bred in captivity by hobbyists and professionals.
Can you keep 2 blue-tongue skinks together?
No, you should not keep 2 blue-tongue skinks together, as they can be territorial and aggressive towards each other. They can fight, injure, or kill each other, especially if they are of the same sex. They are better off alone or in separate enclosures.