Questions about getting my first skink

[Celozon]

Heyy so I've actually been here before years ago when I first started looking into getting a skink, and unfortunately it simply wasn't a good time for me to get one then, so I decided to hold off till I'd have a more stable environment for a pet. I'm now in a much better situation (I'm probably making this sound worse than it is, basically just now in a place where I'm not dealing with untrained cats or constant vape smoke and I have a space that I'm in control of with room for the right sized enclosure). So since its been 5 years since I put this on hold and I imagine some things have changed and I just wanted to see if I could get some pointers as I dive back into this.

Just for general context, I live in Florida and plan on getting a Northern BTS. Right now the plan is to get a baby (I'm not opposed to rescue or getting an older one but I'll admit I kinda want the experience or raising them)

I am planning on getting an enclosure that is at least 4x2x2 feet, but I would love some suggestions for reputable places to buy from. I was suggested DIYCages last time and I see they are still selling more or less the same things I was looking at before. I also came across ReptileKages, which seemed to be offering something very similar, but the price was much higher. Does anyone have experience with these and could give some insight if that price increase correlates to a better product, or if either would be good options? (I was specifically looking at the 4x2x2 options both sites have). I'd also welcome alternate suggestions! Those were just the two I stumbled on. Price isn't a huge issue for me but I don't want to be grossly overpaying for something when its not necessary.

On enclosures, right now the room I stay in tends to be a good 77-80 for most of the day, often staying in that higher portion for the whole afternoon (and it is very warm here compared to the rest of the US right now, its been in the 80s all week). I'm mainly concerned because I know that the enclosure should have a cooler side and a warmer side, and that the cooler side should be around 75-80, so I'm actually concerned that it will be too warm on the whole with heat lamps if the ambient temperature is already so high. And considering that the enclosures I've been looking at don't really have screens to let the heat out (just some vents on the sides or back). I know thats not a normal issue with this sort of thing, but I am wondering if I should be worried about the enclosure being too warm and not having an appropriately 'cool' side or if it will be self-contained enough that it won't be an issue. We are trying to fix the AC so my room is cooler, just not having any luck so far and just wondering if I should prioritize that or if there are alternate options to keeping the enclosure cool enough if its going to be an issue.

I'd also be interested in recommendations for breeders. I actually did go to repticon back in 2018 and met with a local breeder that was suggested to me back then, but (obviously) didn't end up buying, the breeder doesn't seem to be actively breeding BTS right now so I'm on the lookout for others. I live in central florida, my local area probably doesn't have much but I can easily go to Orlando and the surrounding area and wouldn't mind a bit of a trip for the right breeder. I do plan on going to another repticon this year as well to look around but thats a couple months out.

I'm also very out of the loop, but I do recall a while back some restrictions being put on moving exotic pets across state lines, and I tried doing some searches but I wasn't having any luck finding anything. I just wanted to know if BTS were included in that and if they are allowed to be moved to other states as pets. I eventually plan to move to another state permanently and want to make sure there won't be any (legal?) issues taking my future buddy with me. Also possible I'm completely mis-remembering this and its not an issue but I figure better safe than sorry.

Those are my main concerns right now! I'm still refreshing myself on a lot of the details like diet and lighting, but I don't think there is a whole lot that has changed on that in the past years so its mostly just making sure I'm caught up on all that.
Thank you for any assistance!

[Celozon]

Just wanted to bump this for visibility, any input/tip on any part of this would be helpful, I know its a lot (I tend to over-worry about things and prepping beforehand helps).

[Justincalhoundvm]

While 77 would be my ideal cool side, I think for a northern, it's likely totally acceptable. The trick will be to determine how cool that is once you have a heat source on the opposite side in the actual cage. Any PVC cages should be adequate so long as they have adequate access for heating and lighting. There are a ton of companies doing this right now. Most local reptile shows have people selling them every show.

As far as breeders go, I think there are still leftovers from last year visible on morphmarket but if you want a newborn, baby season is happening right now. I know I expect to have a few litters for the first time in a couple decades (took a break from tiliqua) as well as people who have been consistently producing for a while are posting on Facebook.

Hope this is helpful.

[Justincalhoundvm]

One more thing. Blue tongues can travel freely within the United States. You can no longer import or export northerns or any other Australian species.

[Janella]

Hi there, and how exciting to be considering getting your new skink. So right now is breeding season, so babies will be showing up in a few months. There used to be a fantastic breeder out of Florida but for the life me, the name is slipping from me. Perhaps you could private message Splashy07 who is a breeder in NY. She may be able to make suggestions or you could get one from her and have it shipped (she is amazing!!!). As for your enclosure, the size is fine. You just need to settle on the place you like to buy first. I personally also like DIY cages. They have good prices and the enclosures are well known. As for your temps. The biggest concern will be making sure your basking side doesn't get too hot. The cool side can be between 70-75 for a Northern with no worries. If it runs slightly hotter, I don't think it will be an issue. You don't want the basking area being hotter then 105-110 at max. I hope this helps. Send us pictures when you get your new one.