Silly question about handling

[BuggyPickles]

Hello all! I hope this post is in the right spot!

I am a new blue tongue skink owner (I have had them for about 1 month) and as my skink and I get more comfortable with each other I have read lots of forum posts about the best ways of handling, but not too many on the frequency of how often they handle. I handle my blue tongue skink about every 2 of 3 times they are out. They are not always out each day, but when they are I handle for about 15 minutes. Additionally, I should *not* be lifting up hides to try and find/handle them right? How often do you guys handle your blue tongue skink? Any information helps!

[LeapingLizards]

I wouldn't lift their hides or take them out of their substrate when they're burrowing unless it's an emergency, but as long as I see my skink out, I'll handle him for about 15-20 minutes.

[CircusCandi12]

Hello all! I hope this post is in the right spot!

I am a new blue tongue skink owner (I have had them for about 1 month) and as my skink and I get more comfortable with each other I have read lots of forum posts about the best ways of handling, but not too many on the frequency of how often they handle. I handle my blue tongue skink about every 2 of 3 times they are out. They are not always out each day, but when they are I handle for about 15 minutes. Additionally, I should *not* be lifting up hides to try and find/handle them right? How often do you guys handle your blue tongue skink? Any information helps!

Unless it's for something like... A bath or a vet visit, I wouldn't lift their hides. It scares 'em. I handle Stryker at least once every day unless he's feeling moody and doesn't want to be touched. I let him out for at least a couple of minutes to half an hour but I've had him for about 6-7 weeks, so he's much more comfortable and affectionate now. If you only recently started handling, I would start off letting them out for a couple of seconds, then the next day let them out for longer, and so on. Increase the handling time more each day until they're comfortable. This worked wonders with my boy. Best of luck!