A Question Before Buying

[scoops1111]

Hello,

I'm new here and currently doing research before I finally commit to getting a blue tongue. While I've been able to find a lot of sources detailing the differences between species, I'm having a harder time determining if there are any behavioral differences between the two sexes. While I know there is a difference when two blue tongues are placed in proximity to each other (males will usually be aggressive, or try to mount, etc), I can't seem to find more than one source that talks about the differences when it comes to human interaction. It's very unlikely that I'd get more than one blue tongue, and so that's primarily what I'm interested in.

I figure that before I look into actually buying, I should figure out the sex I ideally want as well as the species.

Long story short: Have you noticed any differences in behavior between your male and female blue tongues when it comes to interacting with humans? Have you found that one or the other adapts to socialization better/easier? The one site I found says males tend to be more aggressive, but I don't really want to just go off of one source.

Thanks!

[Dakota]

I would say in general, there is not much of a difference in the placidity of the two sexes. However, I have noticed some of my males do get fairly cage aggressive during the breeding season; what I call the "rut". I really wouldn't so much focus on the sex having much of a major correlation in the differential ethological aspect of our skinks, besides males becoming more active during breeding season. Females and males can come in/act quite feral in nature, while others can become quite "dog tamed" — regardless of sex.

Welcome to the forum, BTW! I would say skinks, for the most part, are quite personable. I have a number of them, and they all have their own personalities.

[alichamp]

Hi and welcome

It's actually very difficult to confidently guess the sex of skinks anyway, particularly if you plan on getting a baby one. Yes people with lots of experience will have a guess but there have been times when they've been fooled! So they might guess for you but breeders are unlikely to sell babies as 'male' or 'female'.

Generally speaking BTS largely tolerate handling and that's partly why they are increasingly popular in captivity. BUT temperament does differ between individal skinks - some are really soft, some huff but settle down quickly, and yes there are a few that are just, well, jerks. Your best bet will be to avoid wild imports and get a bluey from a reputable breeder as they have a good sense from their babies about temperament and they could suggest one from their litters that will likely suit what you are after.

Check out this list of Recommended breeders.

This also has some great information on What to expect in the first few weeks.

[Susann]

breeders are unlikely to sell babies as 'male' or 'female'.

If someone says they're a breeder and is labeling babies as male or female, that should be sign number one that it's highly unlikely they actually bred the skink(s) at all.

Males can be more aggressive, especially towards other male skinks, but that does not carry over into how they tame down or behave towards their keepers. At least I've never heard of such a thing nor has it been my experience at all with the number of skinks that have been through my house over the years.
Some individual skinks will take much more time and patience, but I would not say that my females tend to be any more or less friendly than my males are.
...then again, I can only speak to Meraukes...

I don't know if the site you read about the male aggressiveness was talking about skinks in the wild...?

[scoops1111]

Thank you for the replies everyone! Sorry I'm a little late getting back to this because of finals haha. I really appreciate all your answers!

[Edward]