okay could anyone who owns a blue-tongue skink give me some advice here
ive been wanting to eventually get one for YEARS, but the process of actually getting one is extremely daunting and theres a lot of conflicting info out there
is substrate an absolute requirement or is impaction / other health concerns too much of a risk? [i know if they arent on substrate theyre still going to want to dig sometimes and id have to find a way to let them do that] if substrate isnt a good idea, what IS recommended? my beardie is on a textured mat of sorts [unsure of the material] because carpets get stinky and are hard to clean. would a skink do well with that or better with something else?
do they actually need a smaller enclosure size as a baby or juvenile. everybody says that and ive never seen a lizard who actually seemed bothered or effected at all
how difficult is it to get a baby one used to handling?
ive seen 4x2x2 is the proper minimum enclosure size for an adult blue-tongue. are they able to thrive well in that size enclosure very well or do i need to be worried about looking into an even more expensive and large setup
whats the best way to go about getting all the stuff? with how expensive everything in a setup is to buy, not including the actual animal, whats the best way to get it all without being too worried about spending too much money at once? i know reptile cons are generally a great start for setups AND animals since the costs are typically cheaper, but whats a good plan for when to buy what in what order?
Hello, I was browsing the tag and am responding because nobody else has yet. Even though I don't personally own a bts - I have worked with them in a zoo setting and have been keeping lizards in general for abt 13 years. Hopefully I can give some info that helps.
Substrate is not technically a requirement but is necessary in order for the skink to act out natural behaviours. Both skinks I have worked with were digging all the time, often choosing their own burrows over premade hides. It helps them feel secure and enriched long-term. You can easily reduce impaction risk by only feeding them on a plate so they don't accidentally ingest substrate, and making sure they have a large and consistantly full and clean water bowl. Most dirt/sand impaction cases I have seen over the years were a result of a very neglected and dehydrated lizard just not having enough moisture in its body to flush out the small amounts of particles that would normally safely and easily pass through. A healthy lizard should have no risk on appropriate substrate.
No, the enclosure can be as large as you want as long as there are plenty of hides and permeable cover (like fake plants) so they can walk around without feeling overly exposed.
Answering this one for lizards in general since I haven't personally worked with a baby bts - it usually depends on the temperment of the individual and the way you approach. Just be calm and consistent and let the lizard choose to come out and engage with you and it should be fine. The adult skinks I've worked with were both very mellow with handling as long as they were lifted from underneath and their bodies were properly supported.
Yes, a 4x2x2 should be fine as a minimum. If you have the space and funds, its definitely recommended to go bigger, but its up to you. A good idea to help your lizard thrive in its space is to rotate in and out what decor you have in the tank each week - different fake plants and hiding options - so they have new things to explore regularly in the same way they would moving between different areas in the wild.
Look for things that you can use second-hand. In my area theres always people selling old enclosures on facebook marketplace or craigslist. Anything that is glass or hard plastic can be disinfected and made safe to use for your skink. The main thing you really don't want to cheap on is lights and any other heating elements that could become a fire hazard - buy those new from a pet store or online reptile shop (I like PangeaReptile, they have big sales a few times a year).
A resource I really trust is Reptifiles.com, she has very in-depth care guides with well researched info if you want to read more.
