How should I gain my skinks trust?

[DeMonTTail]

I bought I new baby northern blue tongue a few weeks ago, I think he has adapted to his new environment. He is eating properly, drinking and pooping. He is active and is able to climb a turtle shell to bask. When ever I move him to place new food for him, he puffs at me or tries to scurry away. I would like to begin to gain his trust to that I can handle him in the future.

[robocop]

It takes alot of time and effort to gain any reptiles trust. When i had my monkey tailed skink it just sort of hapend because he was sick and i ended up having to feed him baby food off of a spoon. I've had my merauke for a few months now. He puffs a bit when picked up and isnt as calm as i would like for him to be but he has never bit me. I think food association and 10 or 15 minute handling session are a good way to go. What im doing now is feeding him treats off a plastic fork. He's a little hesitant but he comes over and eats. I have also been working on petting him while he's in his terrarium. One good tip i read was that if your'e enclosure has a front opening door its better to pick him up that way because predators in nature come at them form above. Hope this helps. Keep working with him and you'll get there.

[Lauriek]

Time.
They are not by nature a "let's-snuggle-up-to-human" creature. They are naturally curious; they do have distinct personalities, and, they get used to routine. When ever I've had a new lizard, I leave him alone. The newest is Eric. Eric is still a tiny rescued eastern. Eric still skurries away and hisses when even I go to pick him up. The moment the top of the cage is opened, he runs and hides. He's in with Bliss. Bliss is a blotchie about 7 yrs old. Nothing phases Bliss. When I do pick up Eric, I make sure he feels secure. Cupping him in my hands calms him down. He can see out, but can hide. He really is tiny.
When he is about 60 cm in length, it will be a different story! All my skinks can see out and watch the world go bye. Well, humans, and the dog bounding in and out. They have become used to the regular household noises.
Just let your little one get used to his surroundings and being young, it seems they have an instinct to run and hide. It's a protective mechanism.
There is no time limit. Some skinks are very shy by nature. One of my shingles, Solomon, trusts me, but will hide if strangers are around.
Just take it slowly. When you do pick him up, be confident and make sure he feels supported. They do fear being dropped.

[DeMonTTail]

Thank you Lauriek and robocop for your advice! I really appriciate it and found it very helpful!

[robocop]

No problem and best of luck to you.

[Susann]

My advice would be to not let his huffing bother you. Some stop doing it as they age and calm down, some never do. I have some skinks that are nearing 10 years of age, still huff up a storm when I reach for them, or am carrying them; it's just their way of voicing unease.
My other advice would be to make him associate being plucked out of his cage with something good happening; let him learn that the big hand reaching for him means food, treats, exploring time, etc. If you have the time, feed him outside the tank, hand-feed or tong-feed treats to him, make an area, maybe in a large tub, where he has things to explore: put some treats inside a box, a paper bag, a toilet paper roll, put down some toys (big enough he can't swallow them): baby rattle, cat ball with a bell, a Kong with treats, a tennis ball, a car.....you get the idea. Some skinks couldn't care less about these things but some find them endlessly fascinating. Some are too scared when young but learn to appreciate them as they calm down.
My point is, when he is properly acclimated to his new home, show him that his huffing doesn't bother you and is unnecessary because nothing bad will happen. Quite the opposite.