BLUE TONGUE SKINKS

So I have had my skink for three weeks now, and I feel as if I'm making no progress. I know skinks arent like dogs and won't be cuddling with you day one, yet I feel as if my skink doesn't like me. He does not hiss or try to bite me yet huffs whenever I pick him up. He stops huffing soon, yet starts whenever I try to pet him. I have given him treats often to build trust and nothing seems to work.

On another note, does anyone know how to get a skink to settle down? I try placing him on my lap but everytime he walks off and explores the same area again and again. I also try placing him on my shoulder and neck while I play a video game yet he trys to crawl down my back and gets stuck. I know not all skinks will be calm like this, yet the previous owner said my little guy would just chill on his shoulder while he watched TV.

Is patience just the key here? I've heard some people say it can take up to 6 months to gain trust and I definitely would hate waiting through all of that.

Halogen wrote:So I have had my skink for three weeks now, and I feel as if I'm making no progress. I know skinks arent like dogs and won't be cuddling with you day one, yet I feel as if my skink doesn't like me. He does not hiss or try to bite me yet huffs whenever I pick him up. He stops huffing soon, yet starts whenever I try to pet him. I have given him treats often to build trust and nothing seems to work.

On another note, does anyone know how to get a skink to settle down? I try placing him on my lap but everytime he walks off and explores the same area again and again. I also try placing him on my shoulder and neck while I play a video game yet he trys to crawl down my back and gets stuck. I know not all skinks will be calm like this, yet the previous owner said my little guy would just chill on his shoulder while he watched TV.

Is patience just the key here? I've heard some people say it can take up to 6 months to gain trust and I definitely would hate waiting through all of that.

I'd be inclined to let him explore for a while (UNDER VERY STRICK SUPERVISION) in a safe area of the house, then when he's done exploring he may well more ready to chill out for while on the chair next to you, on your lap, snuggling into your tummy and elbow, under your shirt....even if he's small enough , in a shirt pocket (these were all fav spots for my BTS when they were very young.

Other than that if he's real live wire and can't sit still for long without something grabbing his attention and demanded his inspection, you'll just have to be patient, as he gets bigger and older, he'll eventually calm down and will be more inclined to enjoy chilling with you .... mine all seek me out if I'm not in the same room ---- no privacy when you have pet skinks .... not even when you are sitting on the toilet ..... LOL

Don't worry, 3 weeks is still very early! It can take a few months for them to start trusting you, I've had mine for 3 months now and he is still very wary and will watch me closely when I'm doing things in his tank. Give it time

Ohgeez wrote:Don't worry, 3 weeks is still very early! It can take a few months for them to start trusting you, I've had mine for 3 months now and he is still very wary and will watch me closely when I'm doing things in his tank. Give it time

I was lucky enough to choose (be chosen by) two baby BTs who were very friendly and people orientated .... George and Mildred as little babies only about 2 months old came right over to me and climbed out onto me and seemed to want me to choose them.
'They've always been very into snuggles and good handlers.

I agree it might still take some time, keep using yummy fruit treats but it is not immediate. Huffing is not unusual when being picked up but the good sign is that he settles once held.

I would stop 'petting' him though. They generally don't like it and yours is showing you he doesn't like it. They tend to tolerate handling more than like being petted so pick him up and let him sit in your hand/lap without extra touching. Allow him to move away from you a little to feel more comfortable.

I also suggest that you limit his time out with you to short periods - 5-10 minutes or so then put him back. Keep interactions with you short and positive and remember that as OhGeez said, it can take quite a while for them to settle in and what you do can influence how secure they feel. You can't force them or it takes them much longer to come around.