Keeping/breeding BTS in rack systems?

[tylern]

Hey, everyone. I just wanted to start off by saying that this is my first post, so if it's in the wrong place I apologize ahead of time. My wife and I LOVE reptiles, and are finally in a place where we have room to keep them. We've had our eyes on these beautiful little creatures for quite some time and have been looking into getting our first pair. We plan on breeding them purely for fun and out of love when they've reached the required age. I've been trying to find videos or articles on anyone keeping their skinks in tubs, and while I have found some, none have gone into detail. Most have told the person asking that it is indeed possible to do. My major concern is finding a way to provide them with a basking spot in tubs (preferably without completely destroying my electric bill lol). If anyone has any videos, pictures, step-by-step guides or just useful tips they'd like to provide my wife and I, it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!


Edit: Keep in mind we are completely new to this. So ANYTHING you deem helpful/important, please don't leave out!

[starscream3232]

Hi and welcome to the forum. I keep most of my skinks in a rack system. I built a custom rack using 4ftx2ft tubs from target.I use flexwatt heat tape controlled by a thermostat. Blue tongues don't need Uvb if their diet is supplemented with cal/d3. Some have been keeping them with out uvb for 25+ years with no issues. Before you get your first skink research the species you like. The Indonesian species require high humidity and must are wild caught imports that will require a vet visit. Northern blue tongue skinks are always captive bred and born and it's the middle of baby season for them right now. As for finding a pair that can be pretty hard. Blue tongues are notoriously hard to sex. You may find a confirmed male here and there but a confirmed female are ultra rare. Best bet is to buy a few babies and hope you end up with a pair.

[tylern]

Thanks for the info! What material would you recommend making the racks out of?

[starscream3232]

I used 2x4s and melamine. I wish I put casters on it. It's heavy and a pain to move.

[tylern]

Thanks so much! Doesn't look like it'd be too hard to make. Do the tubs sit on top of the heat tape? If so, I'm assuming you don't have a problem with them over heating.

[starscream3232]

Yep I use flexwatt with a thermostat.

[tylern]

Awesome! Thanks so much for all of your help! I can't wait to get started!