The BTS is approximately a 17 year old male. I believe he is a Northern. It took me some time to read up on most of what I need to know. Poor thing's substrate hasn't been changed in at least two years, and his nails haven't been clipped in probably 3-4 years. All the supplies the previous owner gave me were probably a decade old or so. I've purchased all new supplies including substrate and crickets and worms. I've been feeding him canned dog food and veggies as suggested by this site (50/40/10). I believe the tank is a little too small but I can't afford a new one at the moment and it's the one he's been living in his whole life. I plan on taking him out to have supervised free time in the house. I know how to clean the tank and plan on changing the substrate this weekend (unfortunately I have had exams this week).
One thing I'm worried about is the nail clipping. I've read some places online that you can't cut the nails off all at once even if they're over a half an inch long, which this skink's are. Is this true? I want to cut them short as soon as possible because this skink's nails are all curled together and it's interfering with how he moves. Also, should I leave food out for him or put some down every three days, let him eat as much as he wants in one sitting, and then take it away?
Any other beginner advice in dealing with a severely neglected BTS would be much appreciated! I have no experience with them but I desperately want to help this little guy and be a better owner than the previous one! Thanks so much.
