Question about my new Blue Tongue

[TheGeezer]

So I got a blue tongue skink about three weeks ago. From what I can tell it is a Merauke, or a type of Indonesian (I can post pictures of needed). It is most likely a couple years old, judging by its size (16") and has a really good temperament.

I have a good handle on its diet. A combination of rich greens, squash, carrots, mealworms and roaches with a little banana or Apple to entice eating the greens.

My main question is regarding humidity. I have gotten a huge range of answers, anywhere from 70% down to 25% humidity. I saw the caresheet on the main page and so far the humidity in the viv is around 30-40%. However, I have read that some species of BTS need more humidity. I wanted to get this dialed in as soon as possible.

If anyone needs pics of my skink to help me identify it, I can definitely post some.

[alichamp]

It does depend on the species so post a pic please.

[Dood]

The gigas (Indonesian/Halmahera, Meraukes) need 70% plus humidity on a daily basis

The scincoides (Northern) can do with less but still over 40% and will need more during a shed

The Irian Jaya usually fall in-between the two ranges

I kept a humid hide in with my Northern x IJ and my Northern as a precaution and they both have had perfect sheds. They also seem to enjoy resting in there even when not shedding

[Dakota]

A good rule of thumb is taking a look at where they are found. Humidity is very important, especially if you have Tiliqua gigas.

[TheGeezer]

This is Gojira.

From the coloration, pattern and tail size I was assuming Merauke. But I am new to this so I will deffer to you're guys' expertise.

[Dakota]

You are correct, you have a Merauke. They thrive with higher humidity. In my experience, they don't need as high as Halmaheras, but the more the better. I would say 60-70% is a good range to shoot for. If you would like further confirmation on what you should shoot for, look in cities like Merauke, Port Moresby, etc. as a guide.

[TheGeezer]

What's a good way to keep the humidity up. So far I have a pretty good size bowl of water in the viv and have been misting down the substrate each morning; however, this is only keeping it around 30-40%.

Do you have any suggestions for simple fixes?

I was reading that some people use cigar humidifiers? The viv is 36" x 18" and im not sure what I need to get the humidity levels right for her.

[Dakota]

Lower the ventilation of the enclosure. I keep most of mine in tubs with about 30 holes drilled in, and they stay at 80%.

[TheGeezer]

Ah,

So my viv has two open grates on the top. I'll try covering one and seeing what it does

[Dakota]

What substrate do you use?

[TheGeezer]

Cypress Mulch

[robocop]

I have a Merauke and this same issue as well. I'm using a additional water bowel but its not working. My next move is to buy him one of the xtra large lagoon types of retile rock bowels . Im hoping that if i keep it filled with clean water his humidity level will rise.