Blue Tongue Skink Care Guide: Diet, Housing, Facts

Are you considering adding a blue tongue skink to your reptile family? Blue tongue skinks make wonderful and unique pets, especially for novice reptile owners. Not only are they docile and relatively easy to care for, but their vibrant blue tongues make them stand out among reptile enthusiasts. However, it is important to do your research and properly prepare for their arrival to ensure they have a healthy and happy life. In this care guide, we will provide you with all the essential information to properly care for your blue tongue skink, including their diet, housing needs, and interesting facts about these fascinating creatures.

Blue Tongue Skinks – The Facts

Before diving into the specifics of blue tongue skink care, let’s learn a bit more about these creatures.

Where Do Blue Tongue Skinks Live?

Blue tongue skinks are native to Australia and parts of Indonesia, where they inhabit a variety of environments such as open woodlands, rainforests, and arid scrubland. In the wild, they are primarily ground-dwelling reptiles, but they are also capable climbers.

Blue Tongue Skink Appearance, Colors, and Morphs

Blue tongue skinks get their name from their unique blue tongues, which they use as a defense mechanism to ward off predators. Their bodies are relatively stout and stocky, with short legs and a spiky tail. They have smooth scales, which can come in different colors and patterns depending on their geographic location and morph.

There are several popular morphs of blue tongue skinks, each with their own distinct colors and patterns. Some common morphs include the Northern (Tiliqua scincoides intermedia), Eastern (Tiliqua scincoides scincoides), and Indonesian (Tiliqua gigas) blue tongue skinks.

How Big Do Blue Tongue Skinks Get?

Blue tongue skinks are considered medium-sized lizards, with adult sizes ranging from 15 to 24 inches in length. Males tend to be slightly larger than females. They can live up to 20 years in captivity if provided with proper care.

Blue Tongue Skink Lifespan

With proper care, blue tongue skinks can live for 15 to 20 years in captivity. Providing them with a suitable habitat, a balanced diet, and regular veterinary check-ups will help ensure they live a long and healthy life.

How To Care For Blue Tongue Skinks

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive into the essential care requirements for blue tongue skinks.

Blue Tongue Skink Tank Setup

Creating the optimal habitat for your blue tongue skink is crucial to their well-being. Here are some important factors to consider when setting up their tank:

Tank Setup:

– A tank with a minimum size of 36 inches long, 18 inches wide, and 12 inches tall is recommended for an adult blue tongue skink.
– Provide a secure and escape-proof enclosure, as blue tongue skinks are known to be strong and curious.
– Use a substrate that mimics their natural environment, such as cypress mulch, reptile-safe soil, or coconut coir.
– Include various hides and shelters to provide security and enrichment for your skink.

– Provide branches and rocks for climbing and basking.

Lighting and Temperature:

– Blue tongue skinks require both UVB and UVA lighting to support their overall health and well-being. Use a reptile-specific UVB bulb to ensure they receive the necessary ultraviolet rays.
– Maintain a basking spot temperature of around 95°F (35°C) and an ambient temperature range of 75-85°F (24-29°C) during the day. At night, the temperature can drop to around 70°F (21°C).

Do Blue Tongue Skinks Need UVB?

Yes, blue tongue skinks require UVB lighting to properly metabolize calcium and prevent metabolic bone disease. UVB bulbs should be replaced every six to twelve months, as they become less effective over time.

Substrate:

The substrate in your blue tongue skink’s enclosure should be loose enough to allow them to dig and burrow. Cypress mulch, reptile-safe soil, and coconut coir are ideal choices for substrate. Avoid substrate that can cause impaction, such as loose sand or gravel.

Humidity:

Blue tongue skinks require a moderate level of humidity, ideally around 50-60%. Mist the enclosure daily to maintain proper humidity levels. Providing a humidity hide, such as a moistened hide box, can also be beneficial for your skink.

Blue Tongue Skink Tank Decor:

Along with providing hides, branches, and rocks for climbing, you can enhance your blue tongue skink’s enclosure with artificial plants, logs, and other naturalistic decor. These additions not only provide visual stimulation but also create a more aesthetically pleasing environment.

How To Clean A Blue Tongue Skink Tank

Regular cleaning is essential to maintain a clean and hygienic environment for your blue tongue skink. Here are some steps to follow when cleaning their tank:

1. Remove your skink from the enclosure and place them in a secure temporary enclosure.

2. Remove all tank decor and hides.

3. Dispose of the soiled substrate and replace it with fresh substrate.
4. Thoroughly clean the tank’s interior, including the walls, floor, and any glass or plastic surfaces. Use a reptile-safe disinfectant and rinse well.

5. Clean and disinfect all tank decor and hides.

6. Allow the tank and accessories to dry completely before reintroducing your blue tongue skink.

Blue-Tongued Skink Diet

Proper nutrition is key to the overall health and well-being of your blue tongue skink. Their diet consists of a combination of vegetables, fruits, and high-quality protein sources. Here’s what you need to know about their diet:

What To Feed:

Blue tongue skinks are omnivorous and require a varied diet. Offer a mix of the following foods:

– High-quality commercial diets formulated for blue tongue skinks.

– Dark leafy greens, such as collard greens and mustard greens.

– Vegetables, such as squash, sweet potato, and carrots. Finely chop or grate these vegetables for easier consumption.
– Fruits, such as berries, mango, and banana. Feed fruits sparingly due to their high sugar content.
– Insects such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches. Insects should be offered sparingly and dusted with calcium powder before feeding.

How Often To Feed:

Blue tongue skinks should be fed every 2-3 days. Juveniles may require more frequent meals, while adults can be fed less frequently.

How Long Can They Go Without Food?

Blue tongue skinks can go several weeks without food, but it is not advisable to intentionally starve them. Always provide regular meals to ensure proper nutrition.

Do Blue-Tongued Skinks Need Water?

Yes, blue tongue skinks require access to fresh water at all times. Provide a shallow water dish that allows them to soak and drink. Ensure the water is changed daily to maintain cleanliness.

Vitamins and Minerals:

Supplementing your blue tongue skink’s diet with calcium and multivitamin supplements is crucial. Dust their food with a reptile-specific calcium powder at least once a week, and use a multivitamin supplement occasionally as directed by a reptile veterinarian. These supplements help ensure they receive all the necessary vitamins and minerals for optimal health.

Blue-Tongued Skink Behavior and Temperament

Blue tongue skinks are generally docile and easy to handle, making them great pets for reptile enthusiasts of all experience levels. However, it’s important to note that each skink has its own unique personality, and some may be more shy or skittish than others. It’s essential to handle them gently and respect their boundaries.

Do Blue Tongue Skinks Like Being Handled?

While blue tongue skinks can tolerate handling, they may not actively seek it out like some other reptiles. It’s crucial to handle them with care and avoid sudden movements that may startle them. Regular, gentle handling can help build trust between you and your skink over time.

Blue Tongue Skink Common Health Problems

It’s important to be aware of potential health issues that can affect blue tongue skinks. Here are some common health problems to watch out for:

– Respiratory infections: Respiratory issues can occur due to inadequate humidity or temperature fluctuations.
– Metabolic bone disease: Improper diet and lack of proper lighting, including UVB exposure, can lead to metabolic bone disease in blue tongue skinks.
– Parasites: Internal and external parasites, such as mites or ticks, can affect blue tongue skinks if their enclosure or food is not properly maintained.
– Mouth rot: Poor oral hygiene or injuries can lead to mouth infections in blue tongue skinks.

Regular veterinary check-ups and providing a suitable habitat and diet can help prevent these health issues. If you notice any signs of illness, it is crucial to consult a reptile veterinarian.

Are Blue Tongue Skinks Good Pets For Beginners?

Yes, blue tongue skinks are generally considered excellent pets for beginners. Their docile nature and relatively easy care requirements make them an ideal choice for inexperienced reptile owners. However, it’s essential to remember that they still require proper care, including appropriate diet, habitat, and handling.

Final Thoughts

Blue tongue skinks are fascinating and rewarding pets to own. By providing them with a suitable habitat, a balanced diet, and regular care, you can ensure they live a happy and healthy life. Remember to do your research, consult a reptile veterinarian, and continuously educate yourself on the best practices for blue tongue skink care.