My Bluey is not flicking his tongue.

[Leaf]

My blue-tongue skink is 10 years old. Today he has been acting a lot more lethargic and I have not seen him flick his tongue out at all. Should I take him to the vet ASAP?

[Katrina]

Ummm... that really isn't enough of a description for us to help with. However, you know him best - if you are concerned then a vet trip is always a good idea. Is he just acting odd today? For a matter of several hours? Is he warm enough? Here is a very good description of lethargy in reptiles (as compared to normal, reptile laziness): http://www.anapsid.org/lethargy.html

We can't help you based on just two sentences. If you can give more information we may be able to help more, but if you're concerned a trip to the vet is always a good idea. How long have you had him? Long enough to know that this is very odd behavior? Good luck!

[Leaf]

I think he might have just started brumating. All he has done for the past 12 hours is sleep. Is this normal for brumation? He was at least a little active before this.

[Katrina]

If you are worried about 12 hours of low activity for a reptile, I wouldn't be... They slow down gradually for winter, it's not like a switch is flipped. There is lots of good information on here about brumation if you do a quick search.

How long have you had him? Did you read the article I linked? Does it sound like he is lethargic or just lazy?? Again... you haven't given enough information for anyone online to help you or to know if it is serious or not. But sleeping for 12 hours and general laziness is very normal for reptiles and blueys... but I don't know the situation well enough to let you know if it is normal or if it is something you should consult a vet on.

[Leaf]

If you are worried about 12 hours of low activity for a reptile, I wouldn't be... They slow down gradually for winter, it's not like a switch is flipped. There is lots of good information on here about brumation if you do a quick search.

How long have you had him? Did you read the article I linked?

I have had him for nearly 10 years, and I bought him when he was only a few weeks old. In the past few weeks, he has eaten very little, and mostly just drink instead.

In regards to responding to stimuli, even while he is sleeping, if I blow on him, he will make a huffing hiss.

[Richard.C]

If hes trying to brumate,and not at peak body temp to be fully active and u blow on him ect,they tend to huff,its there way if say oh would u bugger off im trying to sleep,lol

Pretty normal at this time of year,they seek out a cool area if availabke and try having a rest period,even with basking spot still being available

If in a lethargic,sleepy mood ,they dont tongue flick like when they are active,usually if they show tongue during sleepy time its a threat display,but just keep your eye on him,make sure hes not loosing to much weight