blue tongue skink care - Noah's Ark Pets
Common Name: Northern Blue Tongued Skink
Scientific Name: Tiliqua scincoides intermedia
Adult size: up to 27 inches.
Inhabits semi-desert, mixed woodland and scrubland habitats and is diurnal. Most will become tame with regular handling. Males can become territorial, separate from other males. They are difficult to sex, usually docile and friendly, easy to handle.
Captive environment:
When captive, adults will require a 60 gallon enclosure. Baby and juvenile skinks can be kept in 20 gal aquariums. You can use reptile carpet, calcium carbonate sand or shredded coconut husks as substrates. Remove wastes daily and change substrates often. Provide hiding places and low rocks for climbing. One area of slightly damp substrate should be kept, or a humidity retreat box (into which they can freely climb in and out, filled with damp sphagnum moss, for use during shed periods).
Temperature:
The temperature should range from the mid 70s on the cool side to the mid 80s on the warm side. A slightly warmer basking area, with temps into the low 90s, may also be provided during the day. There are several methods for establishing the proper temperature range for your reptile. Using spotlights of variable wattage incandescent bulbs on the outside of the enclosure, under tank heaters or heat rocks or any combination of these. When using spotlights for 24 hour heat use red, night bulbs or a ceramic heating element to maintain day / night light cycle. Never place lights inside the enclosure where the reptile could come in contact with them and get burned. Use a thermometer to ensure proper temperature range is maintained.
Lighting:
Full-Spectrum lighting that emits UVB is a must for captive reptiles. Reptiles depend on ultra-violet light to synthesize vitamin D3, which regulates calcium absorption in the intestine. The light should be positioned less than 18" from your pet for maximum effect. Glass blocks ultraviolet light, and air circulation, therefore it should never be used as a top for the enclosure. A 12- hour day/ night lighting cycle is a good start for your pet reptile. Using a timer is the best way to ensure that the proper amount of light is received.
Food:
Blue-tongue skinks are omnivores, consuming both plant and animal matter. Their diet should be 60% plant, 40% animal. Likes dark greens (collard, mustard, turnip, dandelions). Also will eat some pink mice/rats, insects and various species of worms. Supplement leafy diet with (squash, sprouts, and zucchini). 10-15% of diet may include fruits.
Water:
They should have a bowl of water available at all times. The bowl should be big enough for them to climb easily in and out of if it is to be used for bathing. Change the water daily or as it becomes dirty.
NOTE: This care sheet is a general guide, to learn more about your pet consult a book about it.
