BLUE TONGUE SKINKS

Hello,

I am interested in getting a BTS in the relative future (probably a couple years off still). In terms of herps, I currently have a pair of eastern American toads. In the past I have had a lot of various herps, beardies, iguanas, aquatic turtles and ball pythons. I have just had toads now for many years and miss having a reptile. I initially wanted to get another ball python, but my wife would never allow a snake in the house I liked the fact that ball pythons are very docile and my previous ball would just hang out around me when out. My research leads me to believe that BTS are very docile lizards and one that would just lounge after some taming time. In a lizard I also want something medium in size, small enough to have a 4x2 or 5x2 be adequate for it, but a hefty lizard with some weight. My other ideal feature is that of minimum insect feeding. Seems like the protein needs can be met with things like high quality dog food for BTS and I could supplement with the occasional insect, or even canned insects. Is my understanding of the BTS fairly correct? Seems like the ideal that I would be looking for. I initially was thinking of a uromastyx, but seems like the BTS is maybe more docile of a lizard, as well as requiring far less heating compared to the uros. Is my general understadning of the BTS correct? I am looking forward to learning more about them.

-PP

I love Uros! They are pretty awesome themselves, but yes you are correct in saying that a BTS is likely easier to keep. Most are generally pretty placid animals and the diet is simple. My adult skinks eat once a week, a spoonful of wet dog food with some assorted vegetables mixed in. It's important to realize that there are several species and even subspecies of BTS and we have a page that describes each one. Generally the Northern is recommended for first time owners in the US. Besides the fact that they don't have demanding humidity requirements, they are all captive born and bred here. Many of the Indonesian species tend to be imported, although there are dedicated breeders succesfully producing Irian Jayas and Meraukes, which also can make excellent captives.

One of the resources that I am using for research is climate-data.org It shows the high and lows temp/humidity by month, years and average. Of course depending on where you live you might have to flip the data it to match your summers/winters. It's just interesting to match the data to what is recommended in care guides. It is also an eye opener when it comes to some species/sub species. Also have to keep in mind when looking at that data. That captive animals aren't exposed to the elements like the wild ones are. Hope this is helpful.

I couldn't agree more with Splashy. I also do love my Merauke. He is actually better than my Northern, bit Noodles is pretty chill lizard.