Ferguson Zones

[Manny]

Think I may have based some of my decision making on some wrong info or there is a variance with the different subspecies of blue tongues. I'm also wondering if Pink tongues would share the same ferguson zones as easterns. I believe they co-habit the same territories, or possibly their semi arboreal nature affects their zones?

Anywho... I was going on the information that blue tongues are in the ferguson zones of 3-4. Just came across a couple of articles that were saying they were in the zones 2-3. I am having some dificulty locating/confirming information on this any help would be appreciated.

[mb606587]

In my opinion, I'd agree with 2-3. I'm personally hard pressed to put them in a category any higher than 3 as it's been proven they can survive sans UVB without adverse effects, unlike many of the other ferguson 4 reptiles. Also, when not basking, they tend to be hidden under brush or burrowed to avoid predation. As for Pink Tongue Skinks, due to their crepuscular, bordering nocturnal, nature, I'd guess no higher than 2.

[Manny]

Thanks, you put things back into perspective for me. I admit, I did panic a bit. When I thought about it. Realized all I would have to do is lower the basking area. Still nice to know the actual zone though. It's amazing how hard it is to find certain types of information.

I suspect your right about Pink Tongues. I've read several more articles on them. Which stated that they are crepuscular/nocturnal during hot weather and in cooler weather they flip and are diurnal. Thought that was quite interesting.

[mb606587]

They are very similar to Monkey Tail Skinks, which I keep, although I would love to have Pink Tongues one day. Monkey Tails typically only come out at night when temperatures are in the 70 through low 80 degree range. Most place this species in zone 2.

[Manny]

I've seen some pictures of adult Monkey Tails. They look huge. One of the big reasons, I've chosen to go the BTS route for my reptile of choice is their diet. I'll never have to worry about food for them, due to the remote area I live. I have an interest in Pink Tongues as well. However it seems harder to find good articles/care guidelines on them. What I have gathered so far is that they are even more specialized in Snails/slugs. Meaning a higher protein requirement and a high calcium requirement, I think. Which probably means a quality wet cat food should probably be the base of the diet. There are a whole lot of snails in my backyard, but I am not going to collect and farm/breed. Just not worth the risk of doing something wrong. With the parasite load snails/slugs carry and I do know that lungworm is endemic to Newfoundland. Heck if I remember properly Canada is endemic for 7 types of lungworm. I could see if it is possible to order in frozen snails, but then one of the concerns that I am looking at is how much of a nutritional loss is there feeding those due to the freezing.

[mb606587]

Yes Monkey Tails can reach lengths exceeding 30". Many aren't much larger than some of the "bigger" Blue Tongue Skinks, although the enclosures are substantially larger. The diet is fairly simple in leafy greens and various vegetables. Spring mix salad and frozen green beans make up the bulk of what I feed. From my understanding, many breeders of Pink Tongues rely on cat food as the base diet with great success.

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[Manny]

That is one gorgeous looking animal!!! Looks like you have put a lot of time and effort into it as well. I've heard they can be quite defensive.

[mb606587]

Yep they are my pride and joy. But yes they can be quite defensive. I've taken one bite from my male in 4 years. Let's just say my female, I tend to leave her be!

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[Manny]

I can definitely understand why!