Nips tail and back legs

[Megz]

Hi there,

So I just got a 4 month old Northern Blue Tongue Skink named Gizmo. I have never owned a blue tongue skink before but I have done a ton of research. One thing however I can’t seem to find anywhere is information on skinks biting their back legs and tail.

When I take Gizmo out and let him explore he is on a carpet. I notice after a little bit of walking around on the carpet or on the laminate floor he will turn and nip at his tail and/or his back leg(s). He does this more than once in increments of walking around.

I was just wondering if anyone has experienced this or if there is a reason for this behavior.

Thanks so much

[Yeshika]

I've never heard of something like that before. It there any shed on it's legs and tail? Only thing I can think of. Might be trying to pick it off?

[Megz]

He isn’t shedding/haven’t shed yet otherwise I agree that would be my thought. The only thing I’m thinking is if it is a ‘boy’ thing. Similar to a behavior seen in male crested geckos. But I figured I’d ask.

[kingofnobbys]

Pulling out stubborn sticky seminal plugs ? and eating them ?…. I expect they can be pretty itchy if they don't come out properly .

I don't recall my boy George ever having an issue like that when he was younger and more virile and horny much of the time , but he's nearly 9 years old now and would be regarded as a geriactric BTS I guess

[splashy07]

Geriatric at 9 years???? I know keepers who have breeding pairs still going at it at 20 plus years old.
I have never witnessed this biting behavior except when shedding and there's an annoying piece left on there. Give him a good once over.

[Megz]

Thanks for your thoughts and opinions. I know it's so strange. I will be sure to look over him and watch his behaviour. My last possible thought is perhaps he is just pretending to be a dog and chasing his tail

Thanks again

[splashy07]

How about some pictures so we can check him out? Always up to seeing pictures anyway!