new BTS owner so many questions!!

[jgodman1011]

We adopted a 2 year old BTS from a guy who was leaving for the military and his GF wouldn't take care of it. I felt bad, but honestly after asking him a few questions, i am not sure he was doing everything right, and i hope that Leonard (his new name) is ok. They never used any UVB lighting, which i plan to use. I am hoping he didn't develop MBD in the meantime!! I'm going to read all the informational stuff you have on this page, but i just wanted to come and check if you have any advice in the meantime?

He said he loved tuna, but from what i read, tuna isn't all that great for them? i tried giving him greens and some tuna last night but he just licked it a bit and turned away. He hissed a few times as well.
Help?
Thanks!!
Jenn (a new worried BTS owner)

[splashy07]

Hi there and welcome! Check out the diet chart on this site. Many BTs will not eat greens unless mixed with something else, like a high quality canned dog food. I'd stay away from tuna, that's for sure! What type of BT do you have?

[jgodman1011]

i honestly do not know! i thought the guy said northern but someone said they didn't think so based on the pictures i had. maybe someone here can tell me? here are a few pictures from craigslist and i can take a few more at home, i hope he's healthy since he obviously was feeding him tuna lol!!






i was doing alot of research and will definitely chop up his greens smaller with some premium canned dog food next time i try to feed him.

[Susann]

You have yourself what appears to be a gorgeous Irian Jaya.

Sorry I'm too busy to respond more, but please start by looking over the topics in the "PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE POSTING" thread; you'll have easy links to lots of good reading from there.

Do not hesitate to ask any questions you may have.

And welcome to both of you!

[jgodman1011]

well thank you! i've been looking at the FAQ, and have already gained alot of info!! Plan to get him some good food this evening hoping he will eat Does he look healthy from those pictures? I can take some more later, cause they'd be more recent, just wanna make sure he's getting good care.
TTYS and thanks again!

[Scincoides]

That is definitely an Irian Jaya. A nice looking one to. Don't be concerned with the lack of UVB from the previous owner, supplements play a far larger role than UVB does. As long as the animals diet was supplemented with calcium and d3 there shouldn't be much risk of MBD

[Susann]

Size-wise it looks plenty healthy

[Millerk850]

IJs don't seem to need as high humidity as the other Indonesian types and they generally they are much more calm than most other skinks. We have had our IJ almost a year on aspen and he has never shown any signs of discomfort or sickness and he has never shown any aggression. The occasional huffing if being disturbed is normal. IJs make great pets just let him settle. You got yourself a big one though. If you have the extra bit of space investing in a bigger cage can help stimulate more activity which will be enjoyable for the both of you.

[jgodman1011]

He seems very nervous today. Should I leave him alone?

[Millerk850]

Yes. Just give him his space. Offer him tasty food to keep him interested.

[Millerk850]

You can leave a little plate of food in the cage for a little bit.