Thoughts on a harness for my BTS?

[mjolaga515]

If anyone knows of any harness brands (and can possibly provide pictures) that will work with a BTS, please feel free to share! I was going to buy a generic lizard harness/leash, but thus far I've found that asking the forum before wasting money on anything is always a safe bet. Do not expect to walk my skink, but I do want a way to keep her close so that letting her roam outside a little bit is an option with a lesser chance of escape. I know they are slow, but I have heard stories of them being quite speedy if spooked or in pursuit of a possible meal. Anyway, I would love to hear your thoughts on this!!

[Scincoides]

Usually harnesses aren't a great idea. You definitely get points for considering the safety and security of your skink first, but harnesses tend to cause unnecessary stress. I'd suggest construction an outdoor pen with lots of secure hides and a screen top if you'd like to allow the animal some time out of the enclosure, and the weather allows. Blue Tongues tend to be preyed on frequently in the wild, so they are hardwired to feel panicked and stressed when out in the open in places that they aren't familiar with.

[Susann]

This is a topic that comes up with relative regularity. You could try a search on the word "harness", but be prepared that it often is met by strong feelings by many.
I am of the opinion that a harness provides a very false sense of security. There is no harness out there, and not one that's been constructed at home, that I have ever seen, that a skink can not fairly easily get out of. Because of the streamlined way skinks are built --slight slope from scull to neck, with very little size difference in head and neck, and the concaved area between ribs and arms, and neck and arms, where they can tuck their arms-- they simply slide out backwards or right through forwards.
So for you to count on that harness to tell you where your skink is by keeping an eye on the trailing cord/string, or to stop him if he starts running and you step on or grab the cord, might end up with an unfortunate outcome.

We understand that people are looking for something that would be an additional security, but in my opinion, if the harness does not stay on securely, it would be a false security.
Anybody is still welcome to try to find something that works, we're not necessarily saying that they are bad and never to be used, we instead advocate staying within reach of your skink at all times when outside and to never take your eyes off them, IF you don't have a secure outdoor "pit" with a cover, like Scincoides was saying.

[mjolaga515]

Thank you for your replies, I suspected that this would be the case. If it is so easy for a skink to slip out of a harness, there is no use in having one...I will definitely find other ways to be sure she is able to enjoy the outdoors safely

[NickBrahz]

I tried a harness once, i found that skinks are to slender and sausage like for them to work unless you have it so tight it will choke them, otherwise they just slip out of it kind of like trying to put a leash on a snake.

[Richard.C]

I would dislike them even if skinks couldnt easily slip out of them

Just see them as a gimmick,mostly used by folk thinking there animals love it like a dog does

[Lea]

Definitely not a good idea, so glad you are reconsidering it.

Even if successfully fitted, a tight fitting harness could then break limbs or other fragile bones, even the ribs, if your blue tongue suddenly decided to make a break for it.

Much better you get your skink used to being " free" and yourself used to the idea of a chase should they try to scarper. Best idea is setting up a small enclosure, with overhead protection, such as a hide, or branches, so they feel safe in the outdoors.

[splashy07]

I'd also go with the outside pen, but be sure he can get out of the sun, it has hides and a secure cover. Don't know about where you are but there are a zillion feral cats and pretty big hawks around here. Truthfully I've never let go of mine when outside. I don't even like harnesses for bearded dragons because of the shape of their body, can't possibly be comfortable, and as for a bluey, just like Nick said, would be like trying to leash a snake.