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how normal is head scratching?

Posted: Mon Aug 03, 2020 10:03 pm
by Kevin142001
So my dudes big basking cave rock, has kind of a rough surface(i think ita good for his nails and he loves being on it). I caught him today rubbing both sides of his head on the rough part of the rock.

It was definitely a scratching behavior. Sometimes I've seen him rub his head on the glass. Like he'll rotate his head a little and brush it against it.

I dont see anything wrong with his eyes. He's a Halmahera im sure he was wild caught. I dont see any spots on his body anywhere that could indicate bugs. Humidity jumps alot throughout the day but ranges from 55% -70%. When its night or when the mister comes on.

I'm not too worried about the number because when you see it mist in there and when you look at the substrate it definitely has to be more humid than what the hygeometer reads. He has shiny healthy looking skin and scales and has no problem shedding, even with his feets.

I think they have like two eyelids? Like an inner one. I caught a glimpse at the inner one earlier and it was really red. But that could also be really normal? I've just never seen it before.

His eyes look fine but occasionally he'll keep one eye closed for half a minute and the other open and then just keep them both open for a while.

When he does the scratching bit with his head, he only does it like a couple times at once then doesn't seem to do it for the rest of the day.

Is this considered normal behavior for a blue tongue or should I be looking at modifying his enclosure or assessing him more for problems?

Right now he's in a coconut husk/aspen bark/sphugmun moss mixture.

When he borrows occasionally he'll have stuff on his head and its got me wondering how common it is for them to irritate their eyes with the substrate

Re: how normal is head scratching?

Posted: Tue Aug 04, 2020 5:05 am
by splashy07
It's normal during shedding time, but if it's happening more often I'd double check for irritation or possible mites. Mites don't always show up right away, all you need is a pregnant one and before long a colony manifests itself. How long have you had your skink?

Re: how normal is head scratching?

Posted: Tue Aug 04, 2020 5:58 pm
by Janella
I completely agree with Splashy. Keep an eye out for mites or shedding issues.

Re: how normal is head scratching?

Posted: Wed Aug 05, 2020 2:44 am
by Kevin142001
Been almost 3 monthes now I think. Im just looking for the little dark points on his scales that move over time right? I didnt see anything but im going to check.

Re: how normal is head scratching?

Posted: Wed Aug 05, 2020 4:39 am
by splashy07
Best way to check for mites, wipe down your skink with a warm damp paper towel. Watch for moving black spots on the towel. Wipe all areas, around ears, under legs and 'armpit' areas.