SURPRISE BABY

[Dakota]

Yeah, Bluetongues are quite known for their ontogenetic change from baby to adult. I'd imagine that baby will grow up to be yellow like its mother. If you search the post of Susann having her first babies, I think in the classifieds way back when, it shows from baby to adult; shows the drastic change they go through. Hers are Meraukes, but it is the same concept.

Here is the post, as an example of the ontogenetic change:
viewtopic.php?f=5&t=23058&p=427158&hilit=CBB#p426009

[mooeysbluey]

Wow!!! Those are some incredible color changes. Susann has some gorgeous blue tongues. I didn't know their colors changed like that.

[mooeysbluey]

I know that you shouldn't feed live food with the babies when they're in a group setting, but should I pick him up some mealworms or waxworms or anything since he's by himself? He is completely disinterested in the catfood, even when I water it down and try to syringe feed him. I'm gonna try feeding him a scrambled egg right now.

[mooeysbluey]

It's pretty precious, he gaped and hissed at me earlier and all I could do was coo at him. They're so tiny and adorable!!

[Susann]

If the "afterbirth" isn't eaten within a day, I would remove it. Either snip it off with sterilized scissors, about halfway up the cord, or take a piece of sewing thread and tightly tie it around the cord --either cutting it off that way or then snipping it right above the knot.

Gigas species and subspecies are known for all looking very alike at first, that's why it's so hard to tell what species of gigas a baby is. Since you have no way of knowing what she mated with, I would make this clear to potential buyers, that there is a chance they could be integrades (=mixed). All you can do is wait and see how they develop with time.

[mooeysbluey]

Is it not called that? Oops! He seems to have eaten part of it, the rest is drying up. I'll make sure to do that soon, though. It is getting stuck to the towel occasionally and I don't want him to hurt himself.

That's so neat! There's so much about these wonderful animals that I'm learning through this experience. A reptile friend of mine might know someone who wants a blue tongue, so I'll definitely be sure to fill them in on everything if they decide they want him. If no one local wants him, or if I find them incapable, I would definitely trust him to anyone on the forum. Thank you so much Susann!

[Commanderday]

I wasn't going to post on this thread but I had to say your all caps post when she ate the afterbirth me me laugh. It was slowly built up with previous posts and then bam! I loved it, I share your excitement. I'm happy to see something beautiful came out of the rocky situation. Enjoy the new baby!

[mooeysbluey]

This experience has been the craziest roller coaster. It's amazing to just watch him! Thank you so much

[Dakota]

If I had money, I'd be interested! It's that time of year, though.. broke! I'd love to see it develop.

[mooeysbluey]

I'm kinda super attached right now. Whoever gets him may have to deal with a contract about sending me progress pictures once a week I'll be sure to keep you updated Dakota!! Definitely that time of year for sure.


He hasn't really eaten anything. I'm trying to remind myself that his stomach is super tiny, but I can't help but be worried. I got him calciworms and a chunky dog food, and tricked him to eating a tiny bit off of my finger when he bluffed at me. He's self regulating his temps just fine and drank some water earlier.

Momma is acting more than fine, even. I've never seen her this out and about before! Rereading the caresheet, it said that pregnant skinks hide and don't eat as much and I know I wasn't looking for this behavior but it's amazing I didn't see it in hindsight.

[Scotts1au]

Jar lids for weak babies. Water is more ok portably than food. Often they are born already dehydrated but won't last long in that state. Food- lightly scramble chicken egg cooked In microwave eg in s glass - no additives and or finely chopped raw meat. The idea is to get them to start eating and building strength.

[mooeysbluey]

Thanks Scott!

He's been running about the cage all morning. I woke up to see that he had eaten half of the dog food I left in there and about two calciworms during the night. I left him some egg in there and he doesn't seem interested in it at all, but hopefully he'll explore it some more when I'm not hovering near the cage like a nervous mother.

[mooeysbluey]

I came home from work today and found him curled up in the corner not breathing. I don't understand what happened this time, but I know that sometimes these things just happen. I would again like to thank everyone so much for all of your help, you've all really educated me and helped me learn so much more about these beautiful reptiles. Thank you again. I know you helped to make this little guy more comfortable for the short time I had him.

[Commanderday]

Aw man I'm sorry to hear that. I was just catching up on your thread and read your last post. From what I understand that's just the nature of it when it comes to babies. Once again I'm sorry to hear about the little guy. He was cute as hell. Hang in there, much love from Idaho.

[Dakota]

Some things are just not meant to be. What an emotional rollercoaster this has been.

[skinks101]

I'm sorry for your loss.

[Scotts1au]

Weak babies can be difficult like that. Often babies that are unable to eat the yolk sac they are born with - the prognosis isn't good. I'm assuming that you had constant warmth since birth but it is probably hard to know the stresses the mother went through previously. Having a cool period can kill weak babies quickly.eg overnight.sorry for your loss.

[Susann]

I'm late to reply, but am so sorry it turned out this way. You did everything you could though, so take comfort that his short time was full of care.