Meet Mars!

[j_silv]

I got my first Bluey today (Mars) from the reptile expo and I'm wondering how long I should wait before I start trying to handle him. He is about 1 year old and I am pretty sure he is a Merauke. the first guy who helped me said he didn't know but someone who seemed like they knew more said Merauke, can anyone tell from the pictures? (he also has a beautiful rosy red tummy with a black pattern that you can't see in the pictures. I know I said i had wanted the same species as the one at my job but when i was at the show they had almost NO blue tongues. There was one vendor that had a few babies but people were saying he wasn't reliable, and another guy who had 4 juveniles but he was asking to much money. Then I went over to a vendor that was selling blueys with deformed backs and asked if they had any healthy ones (because they seemed to have the biggest selection of reptiles in general) and he checked a few bins that were off to the side and pulled out Mars. He was active curious an beautiful. I was holding him for a while and we seemed to jive well together, so I took him home.

But now he seems really scared and hisses when I try to pet him. but he did eat some food and an earthworm, I also caught him basking for a while. He is stunning and I want him to be comfortable but I also know its important to get them used to you. also any first time handling tips would be great. thank you! (also the vendor was outback reptiles)

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[K.lib]

You should leave him alone in his cage for 1-2 weeks while he gets used to it. A move for them is extremely stressful and trying to handle them is just more added on stress during that time.when you do start handling, start in small 5-10 minute increments once or twice a day. This will help them to get used to you and tame them better. When holding support their whole body so they feel secure. Try resting them on your forearm so their face is over your palm. It's important to always have their body fully supported or they will freak out

[Dood]

What a lovely merauke

I second the advice of K.Lib and since there is a good chance he is a wild caught he may be a bit more skittish of people compared to a captive born that's been frequently handled. Give him some time to settle in and get use to the sights, sounds and scents of his new home and to learn that you don't pose a threat and are the source of food

[alichamp]

He/she looks good! Yes, he will be freaked out and won't love you straight away

I found this really helpful when we got our hub home:
what to expect in the first few weeks. viewtopic.php?f=24&t=20347

[j_silv]

Thank you guys! Thats really helpful

[Susann]

Outback does not have the best reputation for quality animals, so you got lucky he found a healthy looking animal in his bin
Usually reptiles can be unusually calm at shows and expos due to being cooler than normal, but then again many, many skinks will never stop huffing when they are "petted" as that is something that makes most skinks nervous.

Congrats on Mars though, (s)he sure is a good looking Merauke!