Me too…

Okay, so you're thinking about getting a blue tongue skink, or maybe you already have one and want to make sure you're doing everything right! Like my little guy, who often looks super 'eepy' and content, these reptiles bring so much joy, but they do have specific needs. On this day, December 19, 2023, I wanted to share my comprehensive care guide, drawing from my own experiences to help you provide the best possible home for your scaly friend. First off, let's talk about their habitat – the enclosure. For an adult blue tongue skink, you'll want a minimum of a 40-gallon breeder tank, but bigger is always better! I personally use a 4x2x2 foot enclosure, which gives my skink plenty of room to roam. Substrate is super important. I find that a mix of cypress mulch and coco fiber works wonderfully. It holds humidity well and allows them to burrow, which they absolutely love to do! Make sure it's deep enough for them to completely bury themselves. Heating and lighting are non-negotiable for their health. Blue tongue skinks need a temperature gradient. You'll want a basking spot around 90-100°F (32-38°C) and an ambient air temperature of 75-85°F (24-29°C) on the cooler side. I use a ceramic heat emitter for ambient warmth and a basking bulb for the hot spot, both controlled by a thermostat to prevent overheating. Don't forget UVB lighting! While some older guides might say it's optional, I firmly believe a good quality UVB bulb (a T5 HO 10.0 or 12.0) is crucial for their bone health and overall well-being. It helps them synthesize vitamin D3, which is essential for calcium absorption. Now, onto my favorite part – food! Blue tongue skinks are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals. This makes their diet fun to prepare but also means it needs to be varied. About 50-60% of their diet should be greens and veggies (collard greens, mustard greens, squash, bell peppers), 20-30% lean protein (high-quality wet dog food without grains, lean ground turkey, cooked eggs), and 10-20% fruits (berries, melon, papaya, in moderation due to sugar). I feed my adult skink 2-3 times a week, dusting their food with calcium powder most feedings and a reptile multivitamin once a week. Remember to offer a shallow, sturdy water bowl that's always clean. They love to soak in it! Humidity is another key factor. Blueys need moderate humidity, typically between 40-60%. I achieve this by misting the enclosure once a day and having a good substrate that retains moisture. A hygrometer is essential to monitor this. Handling can be a rewarding experience. Start slowly and gently, allowing your skink to get used to your presence. Always support their entire body when picking them up. My skink, for example, used to be a bit shy, but now he'll often come out to greet me. Finally, keep an eye on their health. If your skink is unusually lethargic (beyond just being 'eepy' after a big meal), has discharge from their nose or mouth, or refuses food for an extended period, it's time for a vet visit. Finding a vet experienced with reptiles is super important. I hope these tips help you on your blue tongue skink journey. They are truly amazing pets!