New Owner here

[ezraperson18]

Hello everyone! Just purchased a Blue Tongue Skink 2 days ago and I've read a bunch of articles pertaining to their behavior and everything but I am still concerned about the acclimation process. He hasn't come out from under his hiding place except for 5 minutes and went right back in the entire past 2 days and hasn't eaten or drank anything. I've offered him a wide variety of foods and still nothing. Is it because he isn't comfortable in his new home yet? I've followed all the recommended steps so I'm hoping he's just still acclimatizing. He isn't my first reptile (female bearded dragon 11yrs old still going strong) but I know there is obviously a difference in behavior even if the care is pretty similar to a beardie. Any input is greatly appreciated! He loved being held when I got him the first day but I haven't held him since because I read not to touch him while he's acclimatizing... Hope I'm just being paranoid!

[Jeff]

Welcome! It is pretty normal for them to behave the way you describe right after a move. Chances are you will notice a big difference in a week or two.

[ezraperson18]

Awesome I knew i was probably just worrying for nothing. How long is it usually until they start eating? I just keep offering food everyday and it's quite a waste.

[DevDomSki]

Welcome!

[ezraperson18]

This is Cee Lo. Named him that because like the singer, his arms are way too small for his body!

[ezraperson18]

by the way can anybody ID exactly what kind he is? I'm not familiar with identifying different breeds of BTS

[Katrina]

Welcome! Looks like a Merauke, but if you post a picture that shows his back it would help.

For an adult BTS, not eating for a couple weeks after moving is completely normal. Don't worry - just offer food every 3-4 days and if he doesn't eat take it away. The first couple weeks in a new home is stressful, so give him time and you'll see him starting to become more curious about his surroundings and his new home. Love the name!!

[ezraperson18]

If he decided to venture outside of his cave I'll put up some more pictures. I read it isn't good to handle them while they're adjusting to a new home so I haven't picked him up since he came home. Thanks for the speedy replies everyone! I love this little guy and I want to make the best possible home for him that I can!

[Linnea]

welcome to the forum

[StaceyLeigh]

Welcome to the forum! Very pretty Skink!

[Kbell31]

looks like a very pretty Merauke! Great idea w the name too lol

[ezraperson18]

Some more pictures of him! Judging from what I can see and have read, I would say Merauke as well. Although I have never identified a skink before! he's getting slightly more comfortable... still hasn't eaten but he's exploring more!

[xxmonitorlizardxx]

Yes, that is a beautiful example of a merauke!

[Katrina]

Gorgeous!! Love the colors.

[Bird_Brain]

This is Cee Lo. Named him that because like the singer, his arms are way too small for his body!

That is hilarious!

Welcome to the forum. Beautiful bluey

[ezraperson18]

Cee Lo ate for the first time today! Which is a huge relief for me to see him getting more comfortable. However, he was only interested in the canned crickets, mealworms, and blueberries. He smelled and tasted all the greens that i cut fresh and washed for him and didn't seem to be interested in them at all. I gave him mustard, collard, and spinach. Any others he might prefer over those?

[iLoveMyLizard]

Glad to hear hes settling in a bit more and taking food, hes a lovely skink and his shine is beautiful. As for the greens, mine is really picky like that, alls he will eat on its own is butternut squash mushed up, however i find that mulching it together with meats works well, however make sure there is still a balance in there.

[ezraperson18]

Thanks for the compliments! I got cat food for him that was recommended i checked all ingredients it's all natural with none of the bad things I read to watch out for. Maybe if I mix that in with some greens he'll eat them. I will have to get some butternut squash and try that. I'm just glad he's finally getting comfortable. He's basking finally instead of hiding 24/7. I read somewhere that they could have boiled chicken? Thanks for the input, I want nothing but the best for him!

[iLoveMyLizard]

Thanks for the compliments! I got cat food for him that was recommended i checked all ingredients it's all natural with none of the bad things I read to watch out for. Maybe if I mix that in with some greens he'll eat them. I will have to get some butternut squash and try that. I'm just glad he's finally getting comfortable. He's basking finally instead of hiding 24/7. I read somewhere that they could have boiled chicken? Thanks for the input, I want nothing but the best for him!

Yeah im the same, ive just got my skink and i also want nothing but the best but ive encountered a few things thus far. As for the chicken, ive been hand feeding mine boiled chicken as he loves it in an attempt to gain his trust as hes pretty nervous around me still after 3 weeks. I feel were making good progress with the hand feeding, however i dont want him to rely on it. Maybe you should try it once he gets a bit more comfortable with his surroundings, but dont rush into it.

[ezraperson18]

He had no problem with hand feeding today and it was his first time eating. He ate the crickets and blueberries on his own so I know I can allow him to eat on his own. He is perfectly fine with me being in the cage moving something to catch an escaping mealworm. He even comes over to my hand and rubs against me! I do have one concern about a tank though. After reading how large these Merauke's get I am buying a 125 gallon tank this week so i don't have to worry about him needing more room. He already runs out of space in the 40 gallon breeder tank I got him. I'm just concerned he will not eat for a further week or so if I move him already. But he seems to adapt rather quickly so I don't think he will have a problem with it. I feel bad because he is well over half the length of the current tank