BLUE TONGUE SKINKS

I need some advice. I have 6 purebred baby Northerns and I need to find homes for them. I live in Texas where it is insanely hot---so I don't plan on shipping any time soon. I also am opposed to selling them to pet stores---as few pet stores will accomodate their needs adequately. I asked if I could post an ad at Petco but the employee said you can't do that if you are asking money for them. My complaint is that when animals are "free" that people don't have an invested interest. Case in point: The pet store employee wanted "a couple of them" until she realized I was charging.
I have posted pictures on a local forum (where most people have snakes) but had no response. I posted an ad on this forum too but still no response. There is a reptile show coming to our area at the end of next month but I probably couldn't afford a booth for 6 lizards. Honestly, I think at this point, I will put a sign on my car and direct them to this site for my contact info!
I believe $100 each is reasonable but I am willing to go less if the home is a good one.
What other suggestions do you have?

My username was actually aggiegirl but I forgot my login. Could any of you administrator types help me get back my posts?

Texasgirl wrote:My username was actually aggiegirl but I forgot my login. Could any of you administrator types help me get back my posts?

I can reset your password for the aggiegirl account, but we can't combine two accounts or posts from two users unfortunately. PM me if you would like me to reset your aggiegirl password - it probably makes more sense to go with that account rather than TexasGirl which has a lot fewer posts.

patience young grasshoppah.

I have shipped nearly 40 baby skinks from Arizona in the last 5 weeks. The temperatures on the days I shipped were between 105f - 113f. I did not have a problem with a single skink.

I'm definitely not saying just throw them in a box and put them in the mail, but if you take the proper precaustions, there is really no reason that you can't ship them safely even when it's hot.

I sold a total of 42 northerns babies this year. Since I shipped out my last available skink, I have been contacted at least 6-7 times from people wanting them, even though they are no longer advertised for sale. There is definitely demand for them, you just need a way to connect your supply with the demand.

Wow! Welcome back! Its been a while since you have been on the forum!

Jeff gave excellent advice! I know if it has been hot where I am but the person receiving will be at a decent temp, I have no issue shipping. The local Fedex hub near me will accept packages as late as 11pm for next day delivery. I can take them there right before bed and not worry about the heat. Might be something to look into if your worried about the heat.

OK, Katrina, I would love to be aggiegirl again.
OK, maybe I will have to ship but I will wait til temps cool. You have to realize that my kids have put personalized name tags on each tank and they sleep on baby blankets. Losing even one would be a family catastrophe.

Babies are eating Wellness with finely ground collards daily. Should I go for anything else?[/i]

Texas-Girl I sent you a PM

I'm surprised. I had a hard time finding a Northern when I went looking for one last year.

I would have more luck shipping but I will wait and do that only if there is no other choice. I have gotten a little creative and figured out that I can coordinate skink drop offs with my kids' out of town soccer tournaments. That keeps me from shipping precious cargo and allows the new owner to hang on to their gas money.
I can't believe how quickly the little ones are growing. Their colors and personalities are becoming more distinct too. Some are fiesty and others are laid back. Some are messy and some are...well, less messy. Some have lighter colors and some remain dark. Some spend more time hiding and others spend their time staring out at us.
They are eating cat food with finely cut collard greens now. Should I branch out and give them other stuff or just wait? Also, they are on paper towels and old baby blankets. How long will it be until they can use regular substrates (aspen or CareFresh?) I'm in no hurry but I will need to tell their new owners and I want to include it in the caresheets I send to their new homes...

As long as they aren't fed off of it (i.e. fed on plates instead) there is no reason not to use substrate from a young age. Some people will feel more comfortable using paper towel or similar so that they can be sure that what goes in is coming out, but babies will be fine on substrate.

Welcome back aggiegirl!!

Consider shipping. You would have a better chance to find all of them homes.