New Skink Anxiety!!

[TheLittlePrince]

I just got my first blue tongue skin at a reptile expo a couple days ago. I prepared to get one for a while and did quite a bit of research first, but I still am so scared he's going to die! I'm not sure what is and isn't normal behavior so everything odd I see I worry is a sign of something being wrong.

I kinda of splurged to get him, he cost $500 which was more than I've spent on a purchase for myself in year's. So there's definitely money anxiety mixed in there too about messing this up.

Has anyone else dealt with this? How do you deal with the stress of not killing a new expensive pet??

[Janella]

Hi there. First take time and breathe. Then, I would post a picture of your skink so we can help you identify what exactly you have. Next, once we identify we can help you make sure your husbandry is correct. Let us know what your set up is. The key for skinks is providing the proper husbandry. They are awesome lizards and by far my favorite. Now enjoy it!!!

[TheLittlePrince]

Next, once we identify we can help you make sure your husbandry is correct. Let us know what your set up is.

Thanks!! I had to wait until he was out to get a good photo, and a photo of his set up. One side of his cage is ~89 degrees and the other is ~82 with humidity in the upper 40s. The lights are on a 12 hour cycle and its about 75 at night.

He's about 4 months old so I'm feeding him daily a mix of chicken dog food and squash with a little bit of fruit baby food.

[Janella]

Okay, so what type of skink was it sold as? A Northern or IJ? Send us some pictures from over top and the sides and we can identify this one for you better. Also I wouldn't use Aspen. It is to dry. I would switch to a better humidity holding substrate. My favorites are Jungle Mix, Eco Earth, Cypress Mulch, or plain top soil. I would then add like Reptibark or something similar on top. Remember these lizards love to burrow. So I usually use about 3-4 inches of substrate. Your basking spot should be around 100 or so. The cool end can be around 72-75. It is super important to follow proper husbandry. As for feeding, the dog food is fine, but these guys needs dark leafy greens and a mix of veggies as well. Don't forget to check out the forums feeding chart. If you have any more questions, don't hesitate to message in.

[splashy07]

It's a northern. Very tolerant of humidity fluctuations but I'd keep it around 40 give or take. Basking temps should be around 95. Ditch the aspen as mentioned, too dusty and dry and will cause shedding issues. I do not feed greens but some do...you've got to finely chop them and mix with dog food (I'd use the type that already contains vegetables and not just chicken as a protein source, especially when still growing). My babies get cat food up until 5-7 months, it is higher in protein. The first 10 months of your skink's life will shape his future, nutrition is very important in the active growing stage. Don't forget the calcium supplement. Necessary for fast growing bone structure.

[Janella]

Thanks for confirming the Northern. I was about 90% positive it was.