BLUE TONGUE SKINKS

Hi everyone!

So I have been using the same substrate that the previous owner was using (aspen) and I don’t like it whatsoever. I initially thought it was okay because I have seen that aspen is typically used, but it is so dusty in the enclosure that the little man sneezes so much

He loves to burrow so it makes the dust worse. I just noticed him sneeze out some brown liquid (which I can assume is from the dust getting all up in there) but I am very worried about that, especially because I know respiratory illness is a thing (if anyone else has experienced the brown liquid too, any information would be helpful.) Certainly going to take him to the vet if it doesn’t get better after the new substrate. Temperatures are good but I have to fight to keep the humidity up enough on his hot side.

Onto the question: What substrates have you found that works best for northerns? Also which ones do you use if you mix them?

I have read through so much but I am so lost especially when it comes to which is best for which breed there. Any information would be useful since I am going to the store tomorrow. Thank you!

Hello and welcome to the group. Aspen is unfortunately way to dusty as you found out. Glad you are choosing to switch. I don't like hearing that there was liquid coming out of your skinks nose. As you said definitely keep a close eye on your skink. Listen for wheezing, look for more nasel or eye discharge, stops eating, listless. If you notice anything at all, don't hesitate to call a vet asap. As for substrate. My Northern is on Zilla jungle mix with reptibark on top. He LOVES it and I have had zero issues with him. You can also use eco earth, forest floor, or even plain top soil. All of these help with humidity. However with Northern you don't have to worry to much about that. Last thing is are you sure you have a Northern? Send some pictures and the group can help confirm. Hope this all helps.

Here’s a picture of him!! I’ve also added pictures of mom and dad if that helps

As for other symptoms, he hasn’t been displaying any. I don’t hear any crackling, his eyes and mouth look normal, he is eating well, sleeping normal (not with his head up and burrowed), and generally seems to be acting normal (which I think that’s what they do anyways to try to hide the fact that they are sick.)

The liquid looks like, for lack of better terms, dirty boogers like how ours look when we are in dusty conditions. I am basically all over him so of course if anything else appears, I’m taking him to the vet straight away since i know how serious RIs can be. The liquid definitely is freaking me out so I hope it really is just the dust from the substrate and not something more serious.

Definitely a northern, and a beauty at that! See how things go after substrate change, I had similar issues with mine when I first started keeping them and was also using aspen.

Agreed with its a Northern. Gorgeous skink. Also agree change the substrate and see how things go.

My 'substrate' is cardboard boxes, tea towels and other items found around the house that a lizard can rummage through and, especially, under. It isn't very natural-looking, but you might have some cardboard boxes and tea towels to hand and ready for immediate use. This means you can junk the aspen straight away and not wait until your preferred substrate arrives. Yesterday I placed 3 Bonio (dog biscuit) boxes in a row and cut holes to join them. He was so interested that his head was poking out of the 2nd box while I was trying to connect the 3rd. Tomorrow he will be exploring some old cardboard filing boxes with secret doorways cut by me!

[Since my particular setup is permanent, he also has a large shallow roasting pan full of water for paddling in and to maintain humidity]

I’d like to thank everyone who replied because I would like to say Mr. Beans McGee is loving the new substrate. He’s been digging around the tank since I put him back in! (I’m still cleaning a few things so that’s why his tank is a bit empty.)

Glad to hear he seems happier. Skinks love to burrow. The more chance they get to do what is natural for them, the happier they are.

What substrates did you end up using please