Considering a BTS

[Relle]

Hello! I'm new here and thinking about getting a northern bts. I've done all my research and I've already picked out a 4x2 enclosure and I already have most of the supplies I'll need as far as heating and lightning goes. I was originally considering a tegu because I like that they can be quite handleable if you work with them. One thing I really wanted to know is how do blueys do with handling on average? For those that are tame, can they be out for long periods of time? I know it comes down to the individual skink, just want to make sure I'm making the right choice. I've been wanting a tegu for years but blueys seem way easier to house and care for long term.

Also, would putting a baby bluey in a 4x2 enclosure stress them out? Should I start with a smaller enclosure first?

[Janella]

Hi there and welcome to our forum. Skinks are amazing lizards to own. As a matter of fact they are by far my favorite that I have ever owned. I have had bearded, chinese water dragon, panther chameleon, and now skinks. I also have worked with just about any other type of lizard you can think of. BTS are relatively easy to care for if you do your research. Both the Northern and Meraukes have good personalities. However, each skink is different. My Merauke is actually better than my Northern. As for time out of their enclosure. Yes they can be out, but they need to be supervised at ALL times. They are master escape artists. My Northern escaped for two days in my home. It was my fault and I got distracted with my kids, but now he is always under strict watch. They can be fast when they want to. If you want to just have a snuggle or watch some TV with yours, they can learn to do that too. However, they also shouldn't be away from their enclosure to long. They need their basking lamp. You don't want your skink getting a chill. My guys usually get about an hour or so out. As for the enclosure it will be fine. Just make sure to provide plenty of substrate and hiding areas.

Tegus are great lizards as well, but they get big. Alot of people don't have the space or funds to keep them long term. If you do, then great.

[Janella]

Hi there and welcome to our forum. Skinks are amazing lizards to own. As a matter of fact they are by far my favorite that I have ever owned. I have had bearded, chinese water dragon, panther chameleon, and now skinks. I also have worked with just about any other type of lizard you can think of. BTS are relatively easy to care for if you do your research. Both the Northern and Meraukes have good personalities. However, each skink is different. My Merauke is actually better than my Northern. As for time out of their enclosure. Yes they can be out, but they need to be supervised at ALL times. They are master escape artists. My Northern escaped for two days in my home. It was my fault and I got distracted with my kids, but now he is always under strict watch. They can be fast when they want to. If you want to just have a snuggle or watch some TV with yours, they can learn to do that too. However, they also shouldn't be away from their enclosure to long. They need their basking lamp. You don't want your skink getting a chill. My guys usually get about an hour or so out. As for the enclosure it will be fine. Just make sure to provide plenty of substrate and hiding areas.

Tegus are great lizards as well, but they get big. Alot of people don't have the space or funds to keep them long term. If you do, then great.

[kingofnobbys]

My two now 11 year eastern bluetongues love being out to explore , but I never let them out together ( I don't want any hanky-panky going on ), they love looking out the front window, and love snuggles even more.

Great pets, my 10 year old grandson loves them ,and they love being petted and nursed by him.

[Relle]

Thank you both for your input. I think ultimately, I'm probably gonna go with a bluey. Only thing I have to do now is pick out an enclosure. I'm looking at zenhabitats in the long-run. For now I'm just keeping my eyes peeled when babies are available again.

[Janella]

Keep an eye out on our forum. Northern babies are being born now.

[splashy07]

Hi, and welcome! Looks like your questions were answered, you have made the perfect choice for what I consider the world's best pet reptile. My Easterns were born two weeks ago and expecting Northerns in June. There are already some early Northerns out there too!