Getting my first BTS

[dry]

Hello everyone. I am currently doing all the research I can possibly do on proper care on Blue Tongue Skinks. I have read the care sheets a few times, and always browse through it constantly. I am planning on purchasing my first BTS, and if anyone has suggestions on where to buy (online) please do so. I am going to make a list of general housing of BTS to make sure I am going to be doing everything. Just a reminder I am not going to include food diet in the list because I am aware of all the foods, and how important variety is for a BTS to live a healthy life. Also please do not hesitate of making suggestions on products. One more thing what UV lights do you recommend?

40-60 gallon
Plenty of hide, plants on cool side
Rough slate/tile, or log for basking area
Cool side 70's and low 80's
Basking side 95-100
Night time no lower than 60
12 hour daylight/nighttime cycle
Humidity 25-40
Aspen of Cypress Mulch substrate
Babies/Juveniles feed everyday.
Start feeding every other day 1 year and up.
UV lighting/Basking Light

[donkeybuff]

Thanks for researching before purchasing. I recommend a MVB (Mercury Vapor Bulb). It provides both UV and heat. Also, feeding every other day when 1 year old would give you a very fat skink. Up to 3 months old is everyday feedings, 3-8 months old is every 2-5 day feedings, and above 8 months is once or twice a week feedings. As for breeders to buy from online, go to viewtopic.php?f=5&t=19635. I think Jeff and Zach still have a few left. Since you're probably getting a Northern, the humidity is fine, but an Indonesian species will need it higher. If you get an Indo species use cypress mulch, otherwise aspen is fine. Someone more experienced than me can probably give you more advice.

[xxmonitorlizardxx]

I would recommend looking at this:
viewforum.php?f=24

[dry]

I am planning on purchasing my BTS at my upcoming reptile show. Hopefully I can find one! The only concern I am having is finding a truthful vendor that wont lie and say that it is CB when it is not.

[LarissaLurid]

I am planning on purchasing my BTS at my upcoming reptile show. Hopefully I can find one! The only concern I am having is finding a truthful vendor that wont lie and say that it is CB when it is not.

Yea that can be a problem :// I've seen many obviously WC ones at shows as well as others that have already been in homes and cared for poorly who are missing tails, toes, etc. :[ At the last expo I did see someone selling CB northern hatchlings though :] You might see some.

You could try looking online for reputable breeders or people needing to re-home as well. I did that when looking for mine (went to a breeder) and was happy with my results. I got mine shipped overnight to me.

[xxmonitorlizardxx]

It's not always bad getting a wild-caught skink. ...

[Bird_Brain]

It's not always bad getting a wild-caught skink. ...

I dont see any benefit from getting a WC skink as your first skink!

[Rani-May]

My very first blue tongue skink was wild caught, he was injured and bleeding in a strawberry patch at my mothers work. One of the best pets ive ever had. I properly looked after him and he came out extremely healthy and lively, also so very loyal and loving. I started off wearing a glove ( so it wouldnt show him i was scared of him biting me) he bit the glove once when i first handled him and from then on did not view me as a threat because I had no reason to flinch from him (which is very important not to do if trying to tame any animal) However, you need plenty more patience and dedication if you want a wild caught one compared to a hand raised one.

[dry]

Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice! I truly do appreciate it! I am very anxious to buy my first BTS. I hope I will be able to find a baby one next month at the Tucson Reptile Expo!

[Rani-May]

They are wonderful pets, you wont regret it

[CupcakeCaper]

My two little bluey's are my first reptiles I've ever had. They've had a heap of issues so hopefully you have more luck than me starting out, but hey are truly amazing pets and I wouldn't trade them in for anything. It's been a big learning curve for me as I've only been raised with cats and dogs!

[tylociraptor]

Regarding the CB issue- look for AUSTRALIAN species. Aussie has strict laws regarding exportation, and although they are bypassed at times, the result is that most, if not all Aussie reptiles in N.A. are CBB.