What I need to Know

[KingKaifesh]

I have just recently purchased a nice looking Halmahera Indonesian Blue Tongue Skink. I would like to learn more about this sub species of blue tongue. There is just not enough information out there for me to learn about this lizard. I would like to know how big it gets, is it aggressive, what special requirements do they need, are they rare, so on and so fourth. If any of you out there could answer some of my questions it would be very helpful.

[Dood]

It is just a different colour form/phase/variety of Tiliqua gigas gigas AKA the Indonesian BTS

Check out the species in the top left box http://www.bluetongueskinks.net

[Susann]

I've got one of our mods writing up some more species specific info, but until that is done, like Dood said, Halmahera is just (for now anyway) a color variation, or locale, of the Indonesian species. Where Indos can sometimes be a bit more aggressive, it is pretty rare for a Halmahera to be so; they tend to be more timid and shy, hide or flee more, but generally they are not hard for new owners to deal with.
Those experienced in BTS keeping who own them say that they are the neediest where humidity is concerned, so it is highly recommended owners try to keep humidity up around the 75% mark or higher, either in the entire tank or by giving them constant access to a humid hide.

[KingKaifesh]

There should still be a way to tame it right? I do spray the tank until it is at 75% or 80%, but I did notice that the humidity drastically declines as soon as I spray it. I was wondering if there is a way to keep the humidity inside of the enclosure? Also I am just very curious to know how big do these lizards get, and how fast? Because if I could keep it in my 36x18x16 for most of its life. If anyone could answer my most needed quetions, that would be much appreciated.

[Dakota]

Making sure you have a good substrate that holds humidity is very important. I personally use orchid bark with bunches of sphagnum moss, but there are many to choose from. There is a thread in the FAQ going over a lot of the options written by Susann.

Lower ventilation also helps a lot, too.

I refer mine as bluffers; they are all bark, no bite. I have never been bitten by one, but they sure will put up a threat. This is usually seen as very intimidating to new keepers. I don't believe in forcing skinks to become "puppy dog tame", but I'm sure it is not impossible with Halmaheras. Just takes a dedicated keeper.

Mine all range from 18-22", I believe. I would say 20" is average. They don't get very large, especially with their lengths being up to 50% of their total length. Mine were all slow growers, but they are reptiles.. there is no fixed growth. More food equates more growth.

I would say 36" x 18" is very fine. I keep all mine in 39" x 20", though. They don't explore often; they like to hide most of the time.

[Susann]

I think we all have different expectations of our reptiles pets, and also different definitions of the idea of "tame". Will you be able to handle him without fear? I would say that that is absolutely extremely likely if you have patience. Will he climb up on your hand when you lower it into his tank to come out and hang out with you? It is possible, but with Halmaheras being lots more timid than, for example, Northerns, it may be an unrealistic expectation.
I am not saying that the most you should hope for is being able to handle him without fear! Not at all. With gentle patience you should be able to have a pet skink who is very comfortable around you, but he may always initially put up a huffing storm when you go to get him from his tank. Will he snuggle with you while you watch TV? If he has a warm comfy place to hide, possibly so, but it may not happen predictably until he's adult and has learned that running away does no good

Be patient and let him learn that nothing bad happens when the big human grabs him, quite the opposite, humans bring food, treats, and exploration. But it may be a while before he's able to enjoy those things around you. Just don't let it discourage you; you'll get to know him and he'll get to know you, just be patient.

[splashy07]

Mine are as tame as my Northerns, and have been since babies, and I don't even handle them much with the exception of a full body check after a shed and general maintenance. They do hide a bit more than my Northerns, but are curious and docile. I got them at a very young age (they were tiny!) and they ate from my hand the very first day. (They were hand fed at my friend's shop where I got them, too) May be a bit more of a challenge with an older one, but with time and patience you will have a rewarding pet. And my personal opinion, they are absolutely gorgeous. But then again, aren't they all? Wish I had a favorite, I no longer do. So I have to have Halys, Meraukes, Northerns....Oh, my!

[KingKaifesh]

thank you guys a lot . This makes me feel so much better and now I know why my skink has been hissing at me a lot. I hope he becomes tame, because the main reason I wanted to get one is because how much of a personality they have. I really love these lizards and hope mine will be comfortable around me when I handle him.
I also came up with a great name for him. I decided to name it Rusty . I still don't know which sex it is yet, because it is still too small to tell.