BLUE TONGUE SKINKS

I've got a 90gal tank that has been empty for a long time and I'm thinking about putting a blue tongue skink in it. I'm actually thinking about getting one for myself and then my sister getting one and then hopefully breeding them. I'm not new to reptiles/exotic pets as in the past I've had bearded dragons, leopard geckos, sugar gliders and my first lizard as a kid was a Tokay gecko. I had three beardies in the 90 gal years ago and had it set up real nice and I still know quite a bit about them. My sister on the other hand is a school teacher and I got her a beardie for her class room and she didn't manage the cage temp well nor provide enough UVB lighting and her lizard died a couple of months ago from I believe MBD. I'm hoping she learned her lesson and it seems that BTS have a little more margin for error with regard to UVB and temp, tho I would still make sure she set hers up much like a proper bearded set up.


I've just scratched the surface on my research in reading some care sheets and checking out prices online but I have no clue at this point which species I should go for. Do they all require pretty much the same care? What about cost and ease of breeding? Availability? The upfront cost would suck but I wouldn't mind getting a more expensive variety so that if I'm successful at breeding it will pay off well. Plus her husband isn't an animal lover so if this looks like it might bring in some cash he won't cry as much about it since she has two cage set ups and takes the lizard home each night.

I live in KC and I heard there is a reptile show this Sunday so I'm probably going to go check that out.

I personal prefer northern blue tongues. They are all captive bred and are responsible priced. 90 gallons is a good size for an adult. If you get a baby you should start with something smaller so they feel secure. Also if you do get 2 now that they shouldn't be housed together. Blue tongues are not really social and can fight pretty bad. I'm breeding right now and witnessed how rough they can be. Just do your research and you'll find keeping blue tongues a rewarding experience.

starscream3232 wrote:If you get a baby you should start with something smaller so they feel secure.

No need for this with blue tongue skinks, as long as you provide ample places for them to hide.

Northerns are a good, hearty species, and if you get some with nice color (Sunset, Sunrise, Caramel, to name a few) they can bring in higher prices.

I second the idea of of a Northern as they tend to be hardier than the Indonesian species and readily breed in captivity - T. gigas not so much

For a second choice I'd recommend an Irian Jaya

Sexing BTS is not easy so ensuring you get a male and female pair will be difficult. The only way to know for certain is if you see sperm plugs or hemi-penis or they have babies or slugs - visual differences and even mating behaviour is not 100% reliable

It is completely down to you. If you REALLY want to breed, you might want to get a Northern or IJ, as they are more reliable breeders. Whilst CBB Tiliqua gigas cost a bit more than a CBB Northern, they aren't reliable breeders. If you manage to breed, say, a Halmahera, which has never been bred in Europe, Canada, United States, etc. ever, you could sell them for $250 a pop or so depending on how you want to price. While normal Northerns are usually $200 or less. I think a Northern would be a good choice for you.

Personality wise, hardiness, ease of care and reasonably priced, always captive bred...Northern. But again, matter of personal choice.

As far as best looking..

Halmahera.

I second that, Dakota!