BLUE TONGUE SKINKS

What are some good key indicators of mites or scale rot on bts'? I'm sure this has been talked about but I can't find anything very in depthly explainatory. I'm concerned because I just noticed a few scales (maybe three total) in different spots of my bluey's back that look like maybe they bled a little bit? They look kind of "cracked", for lack of a better word. Not a smooth curve like the rest of the normal scales. He seems a little dry in general.. not very smooth when going against the grain of the scales with my hand. Could this be mites, scale rot, or maybe just too low humidity? Also he's been very dull for maybe three or four days now so he'll likely shed very soon. Might that have anything to do with it? would a good shed clear it up?

Additionally, when humidity does run low, what are your personal tricks to boost humidity? I hear misting is not a good idea and may grow mold in the substrate.

if you could post some pictures of the area of concern that will help with advice. to avoid mold you could use a humid hide they work we for my skinks.

I will try to get around to pictures some time this week. But in the mean time can anyone describe the general symptoms of these problems on BTS' so I can know if what I'm looking at is a serious issue?? I've noticed a few other scales almost "peeling" up at the very ends? Almost seemed like shed at first, but it isn't. Can anyone help????

If mites you might notice the scales lifted up a bit and not smooth going one direction as the mites burrow under the scales to get to the skin. Also look for tiny white spots over the skink, this is the mite pooh, and small black bugs crawling around on the skink, especially around face and head. If it is mites and it has been a problem now for 2 weeks you would need to start treatment ASAP as untreated infestation can get serious. Do a search for mites as there have been some detailed recent posts in the last few months, including from me as I have had to treat for this myself...

Do post a pic though.

Not to thread hijack but my little guy has a strange area on his elbow. Could this be a mite problem? I thought it was a shed issue but now im a bit worried. Thanks.

These are photos of the problem scales. Some are scabbed or "cracked" looking, others seem to have a pinkish tent at their ends, and others are just lifted up. Click the images, it really helps to see the problem. Please help!!!

I'm afraid I can't help in any way as I've never dealt with either mites or scale rot. All the surrounding scales look healthy to me, but I definitely see what you're talking about. Hopefully someone else can chime in who's either seen something similar or can tell you whether it does or doesn't look anything like mites or scale rot...

Susann wrote:I'm afraid I can't help in any way as I've never dealt with either mites or scale rot. All the surrounding scales look healthy to me, but I definitely see what you're talking about. Hopefully someone else can chime in who's either seen something similar or can tell you whether it does or doesn't look anything like mites or scale rot...

Thank you anyway Susann. I hope someone does too.