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Handling Blue Tongued Skinks?

Posted: Thu Jul 27, 2017 7:06 pm
by rorisms
Hi, new owner here. I just got a baby northern bts about 2 weeks ago and since it's my first I'm a little lost on how to get her comfortable with me handling her. I haven't picked her up since I put her in her cage because I wanted to give her some time to adjust. I put my hand in to feed her and she will come up and smell it and nip at it (not in an aggressive way I think, just making sure I'm not food). I've touched her back before but she either runs away or hisses so I leave her alone.
I'm a bit nervous to touch her/pick her up yet as she seems a bit nervous still.
Any tips on getting her used to me?
Thanks :)

Re: Handling Blue Tongued Skinks?

Posted: Thu Jul 27, 2017 10:10 pm
by kingofnobbys
I started off with all my pet lizards very slowly , keeping the handling to the absolute minimum but giving them their first few insects each day (as babies and juveniles) by hand as a bonding ritual.
This is a great way to form a trusting bond with a lizard and they soon learn you are the bringer of food.

Also spend as much time as you can hanging out near the new lizard's viv were it can see you doing stuff (ie homework, study, playing vid and comp games, and just doing stuff) this gives it a chance to study you , you can also try placing your open up turned hand in the viv where the lizard can see it (with a tempting treat on it) , eventually the lizard will overcome it's fear and distrust of you and amble over to take the treat.
I also find petting them while they are eating or basking works well, as does taking them out for snuggle when they are tired and ready to go bed.

Patience is the key.