Does it need a bigger enclosure?

[EricaLikeBurrito]

My skink has been climbing the sides of the enclosure and even rubbing its nose against the glass to the point that there is some skin rubbed off :( I have heard that its because its bored, it needs a bigger enclosure, needs something, or looking for a female. I'm using a 20 gallon long (30x12x12). If it does need a bigger one how big should it be? It's only 2 months old so it'll grow. The temperatures are right (95 for basking and 79 on the cool end. It's a big warm but my house is just normally warm). If my tank is too warm is there anyway to cool it down? I'm not sure if my skink is a male or female or even old enough to have the instinct to reproduce. Any ideas on whats wrong and how to fix it?

[Janella]

I would highly suggest a larger enclosure. The minimum length these guys need is 4ft. Ideally they would love 6ft. Both my skinks are in 4ft enclosures, but I let them out all the time. My Northern does climb at the glass, but alot is because he is for sure a male. Some just do that. I hope this helps.

[EricaLikeBurrito]

Ok thanks :) I put paper on the side and it stopped rubbing its nose on the glass. Now it just climbs.

[Janella]

Your welcome. The climbing is still a sign of stress/mating behavior/it may be just one that does that. I am glad the rubbing stopped though. The poor guys can cause alot of damage rubbing.

[splashy07]

I've got one in a 4x2 that does it darn near constantly. When I let him out he does it on the walls. Yours does need a larger cage, regardless, but I doubt it will stop the behavior. Some just do that. Youngsters sometimes grow out of it and become a bit more lazy but mine did not. Don't know if it has anything to do with gender (a two month old would not be looking for a mate) but I notice it only with my males. Perhaps they have a bit more of the wanderlust.

[LittlePetDirt]

I have a 36x18x16 and I believe that is the minimum size for a blue tongue skink. I would upgrade the tank and see how it works. Hope this helped!

[EricaLikeBurrito]

Im going to upgrade to a 4'x2' tank :)

[kingofnobbys]

yes : a 4ft L x 2ft W x 18 in T AT LEAST !!!

[EricaLikeBurrito]

Is it ok to put a juvenile in a 4x2 or is it too big? I know that the bigger the enclosure the better but I don't want it to not be able to find water or something like that.

[Janella]

Nope it will be just fine.

[EricaLikeBurrito]

OK thanks :) What should I put the tank on? It's a bit hard to find something to up it on that can support the weight too.

[Janella]

I put my in custom reptile stands or some people use fish tank stands.

[EricaLikeBurrito]

I was thinking fish tank stands or just making my own :)

[Janella]

Yup they both would work.

[EricaLikeBurrito]

Where can I find a 4x2 tank? I found one but it's $640 which is way too expensive. I'd rather build one.

[Janella]

You can build one or alot of reptile suppliers have them. Where are you located? I know a few people who make them

[EricaLikeBurrito]

I'm by the bay area

[Janella]

Which bay area?

[EricaLikeBurrito]

San Francisco

[Janella]

Okay, the closet person to you that makes enclosures is in Arizona.