Hi there- New to BTSs!

[reptilegirl88]

Hi there,
I have a BTS that I got in November, specifically the 30th, at the White Plains Reptile expo. Now this is my first post and If I need to add anything or let people know more I will and apologize if this is too vague.

I'm not sure what type of BTS I have But I can post pictures. My BTS is getting ready to shed... she/he is a little pale in color and the tummy scales are kinda rough when my finger brushes them. I take my BTS out for social interactions and for soaks, and today I noticed little mites. Now I have owned many reptiles before, but never a BTS. Is this common? I just cleaned the tank out and took out the substrate I had before which was Aspen, and placed down paper towels. I'm going through everything in the tank and taking it out and cleaning it. What can I do to get rid of these mites?? Thanks.

[Dakota]

Rough scales mean the humidity is too low. Use a more humidity friendly substrate such as Orchid bark, ReptiBark, cypress mulch, etc.

You can post a picture of it, regardless if it is in shed, we'll still ID it no problem. I heard there were a lot of Meraukes there, so likely a Merauke.

What color are the mites? If they are white, then they are wood lice and are completely fine. If black, they are snake mites, which needs to be taken care of immediately.

[reptilegirl88]

They are black. And should I take him to a vet or is there over the counter stuff? And sure I would love to post a picture of him. Thanks so much.

[reptilegirl88]

http://s725.photobucket.com/user/Junadr ... 9.jpg.html



Heres a picture of him. I took the substrate out that was in there before though. So yeah

[Dood]

There is over the counter mite insecticide for reptiles, I'm not sure of the brands available in the USA, I doubt a vet would have any or even know what to use unless they specialized in reptiles.

I wouldn't say mites are common but like any parasite they do happen - he could have been imported with them or picked them up at the dealers or at the reptile show

I'd say your skink is an Irian jaya and will need higher humidity than a Northern but less than an Indo. However, with a mite infestation you may want to incease the humidity to help him have a complete shed I'd recommend a humid hide box with moist paper towels or sphagnum moss that you don't mind throwing out frequently so the mites cannot hideout in there

Oiling their skin with plant or animal oil can help soften the scales and help with a shed while suffocating the mites but is not the most reliable method of killing the little blood suckers

[reptilegirl88]

Thank you so much. For everything I'm taking my little friend to the vet today, for some mite killer stuff. Also I just wanna get my little friend here checked out so . Thank you all so much for all your help! By the way, He/She is Shedding!!!

[Dakota]

Yup, Irian Jaya.

[Dood]

Don't forget to bring a fresh stool/poop sample to the vet to check for internal parasites

[reptilegirl88]

I already did Thanks!!!!