Blue tongue found in pool

[Maxiibon]

Every Wednesday my friend and I do tennis at our club. He always comes to my house every second Wednesday. We would always check in the pool, pool filter and spa for frogs to let go in the creek (in valley AGAIN). I went to check while my friend drank a milk shake.

I saw a leafy pattern, the pattern of an Eastern. I walked up closer only to see a bluey in the pool! It had its head up to breathe and was very still. I thought it was dead so I am not going to pick it up. I called him and said it was urgent and when he saw it. Just simply picked it up and the blue tongue came to life and was wriggling around. Guessing it was trying to run away.

We suspected it was Pooly's partner. My friend says we saved it and he now keeps it. I told him to let it go with Pooly. So next time he comes over we shall let it go. 

Except the fact is, Pooly died today but I still think he should let it go, any suggestions? Should he keep it or let it go without its suspected partner that has unfortunatley died?He apparently says that they tried to let it go but Spike (it is what they called it) just turned around and walked back to them. Is that possible for an adult wild blue tongue to love you in about 2 weeks?

It also seemed it was happy in the wild because when we saw it Spike was fat and fast.

[MELUCHJA]

I'm sorry to hear about pooly, very sad.

Firstly, it is illegal to keep a wild animal. So yes, I think they should return it to the wild.
Secondly, wild Bluey's don't love humans, so no I don't think it is possible for it to love your friend within two weeks.

[Dakota]

From what I understand and am reading, the Eastern does not pick a specific mate over another, like say-- a shingleback-- would. And even if they did, that is life, they will get over and find another mate. Just as a human would (although the Eastern does not do this). So, she/he would care less, and probably would even thrive more since there is no more competition for food/hide/ect. anymore. Definitely let it back go.

And no, that is probably just the path that felt best at the moment.. the same path the friend was walking.

[Maxiibon]

Thanks guys i will tell him.
I never knew it was illegal my friends dad said they weren't! Unless law change. So it is illegal in Melbourne Victoria?

[Dakota]

In all of Australia. You have to obtain a permit, I believe.

[Lea]

Yes, taking from the wild is illegal unless you have a permit to collect, but they are not given readily and need to be obtained in advance. It's meant for researchers and the like, not for pet keepers.

If I were you, I'd do lots of research for your current shinglebacks. They are easy to please and great survivors, but will do so even when conditions are not right. You'll need to make sure you are giving them all they need with regards to diet, housing and don't forget to research brumation, for when winter comes around.

Just out of interest, where did your father get them from?

[Maxiibon]

My dad said he got them from a pet store, I am not quite sure which one. I am hoping to get a blotched blue tongues on amazingamazon.com.au is it reliable? I saw it didn't tell me the age of them or gender just except what they eat and general stuff for researching. I watched a video and they seemed fine and active. They sell in the city where I live so it is close.

[Lauriek]

Maxibon, have a look at the classified section here on this forum. There's someone in Melbourne with blotchies for sale. I'm sure they would be delighted to help you and they are a member of this forum, too.

[Richard.C]

Amazing amazon is one of the more reputable pet stores

Just a heads up,in victoria you need a licence to have shinglebacks,and u legally can only purchase off other licenced keepers,no reptiles are meant to be taken from the wild,even ones you dont need a licence for,even rescuing them

For more info,check out the folliwing web page


Dse.vic.gov