BLUE TONGUE SKINKS

I just got a BTS the other day from petco, she has a very comfortable home but I am unsure of the type of skink she is, she looks like a merauke. I'll post some pictures, any help is greatly appreciated! I just need to know so that if she is I can get something to give the enclosure more humidity!

That is a Merauke.
Congratulations!

Susann wrote:That is a Merauke.
Congratulations!

Thank you that is good to finally know. What do you suggest for providing her with all the humidity she needs? And if there's anything other than the humidity that makes her different from the other types! I appreciate the fast response!

No other special needs
Check the thread on substrates in the FAQ section at the top of this forum, and go with one of the ones that hold humidity better. If (s)he has a hard time shedding you can always look into a humidifier, but it's usually not necessary for most.

Nice looking Merauke. Looks in good shape. Probably hasn't been in captivity for very long.

I personally love orchid bark. I have tried numerous substrates, and orchid bark has been the best as far as Tiliqua gigas "friendly" goes. ReptiBark is made from the same tree as orchid bark - Fir.

Good luck with it. Make sure you check for mites and such.

Dakota wrote:Nice looking Merauke. Looks in good shape. Probably hasn't been in captivity for very long.

I personally love orchid bark. I have tried numerous substrates, and orchid bark has been the best as far as Tiliqua gigas "friendly" goes. ReptiBark is made from the same tree as orchid bark - Fir.

Good luck with it. Make sure you check for mites and such.

I'm using the reptibark now! Should I mist the terrarium daily to increase humidity? And also what is the best way to check for mites? Thanks for your advice

Merauke humidity requirements are very easy to maintain. Or at least in my experience - a breeze compared to the Halmaheras. Usually you can pour in a little water into it, and mix it in thoroughly. Don't make it soaking or anything; just a little damp.

How much effort you put into raising humidity totally depends on the humidity in your house.

Look for irregular raised scales, tiny moving black dots, etc.

Awesome! Thank you all for the help!

Best way to check for mites is to take a damp paper towel and let him crawl through it and wipe down as if you were drying him off. Pay special attention to facial area and where legs join body. you may even give a light soaking so if there are any, they will crawl upwards towards the head. If you see the tiny black dots moving around on the towel, unfortunately you'll have to take down entire enclosure and clean it out. Best way is to check before bringing him home, right at the store. Adorable little merauke, best of luck with him/her!

She was mite free!