BLUE TONGUE SKINKS

Hi all. I hate to be the bearer of bad news but my skink escaped his tank. I was completely panicked for days and read everything I could and have been leaving smelly food out in all the rooms to lure him out of hiding. No luck though, not a single bite has been taken out of any of them over the last few days (daily replacements of fresh food). He'd been sleeping all day before the escape so I think he'd already started brumation and now may be fully in it? Not sure as I'm still a new owner. He's only 5 1/2 months old too. What recommendations would any of you have for an escapee that may be brumating? Should I just leave water out and go about my business until February and then start leaving food again? Any advice would be greatly, greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Hi there,

Sorry to hear this - horrible situation to be in. What is the layout of the house around where his enclosure is? Is there anywhere he can slip into within the internal structure of the house/external areas or is it all mainly closed off? (I.e. only spots would be cupboards, under appliances etc.)

Not sure there is much more you can do, than what you have been doing. If it is cold where you are at the moment that is also going to work heavily against any chance of him becoming active and wandering to different places where he can be captured.

Please keep us updated on this.

Place a heat lamp about three feet from the floor, one of those clamp types should work or figure another way to suspend it. As long as it is not hanging by its wire. Put a water bowl close by and a little food. I’ve heard this worked for others. If he comes out to bask he will probably run off when you come into the room, perhaps you’ll see where he retreats to and you can take it from there. Good luck!

I found him! Some family came over last night to help me look and we found him under a rug (thankfully one I'd set to the side while he was missing so it wouldn't get stepped on in case he went for it). I'd searched that rug several times so either I hadn't checked it thoroughly enough or he'd moved in there recently.

Thank you both so much for your suggestions. I'm so excited to have him back, even though he's definitely in brumation and I'm unlikely to actually see him out and about in his tank much. Just knowing he's safe and sound has taken a load off of my mind and is a fantastic belated Christmas gift XD