Blue-Tounge skink care sheet

Blue-Tongue Skink Care Sheet 

Blue-tongue skinks (Tiliqua spp.) are hardy, intelligent reptiles that make great pets. They can grow up to 50–60 cm and live for 15–20 years with proper care. These ground-dwelling lizards require a warm, spacious, and well-maintained habitat.

1. Enclosure & Habitat

Tank Size & Setup

  • Minimum enclosure size: 120 cm (L) × 60 cm (W) × 45 cm (H). Larger is always better.

  • Substrate: Use coconut fiber, cypress mulch, or reptile-safe soil to allow burrowing. Avoid sand, as it can cause impaction.

  • Hides: Provide at least two hides (one on the warm side, one on the cool side).

  • Climbing & Enrichment: While primarily ground-dwelling, skinks enjoy exploring. Add logs, rocks, and safe plants for enrichment.

Temperature & Humidity

  • Basking Spot: 35–40°C (use a ceramic heat emitter or basking lamp).

  • Cool Side: 22–26°C.

  • Night Temperature: No lower than 18°C. Use a ceramic heat emitter if necessary.

  • Humidity: 30–40% for most species; higher (50–70%) for Indonesian blue-tongue skinks. Use a hygrometer to monitor levels.

Lighting

  • UVB Required: Use a 10.0 UVB bulb (such as Arcadia or ReptiSun) for 10–12 hours a day. This is essential for calcium absorption and preventing Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD).

  • Replace UVB bulbs every 6–12 months.

2. Diet & Feeding

Blue-tongue skinks are omnivores, requiring a mix of protein, vegetables, and occasional fruit.

Diet Breakdown

✔ Protein (40–50%)

  • Cooked lean meats (chicken, turkey, beef)

  • Insects (crickets, mealworms, dubia roaches, snails)

  • Boiled eggs

✔ Vegetables (40–50%)

  • Leafy greens (collard greens, dandelion, kale, bok choy)

  • Squash, carrot, sweet potato, peas, bell peppers

✔ Fruits (10%) (occasional treat)

  • Berries, mango, papaya, apple, banana

✔ Commercial Diet (Supplementary)

  • High-quality dog or cat food (grain-free, low-fat, no artificial additives)

  • Repashy Bluey Buffet or Mazuri Tortoise Diet

Feeding Schedule

  • Juveniles (under 1 year): Feed daily.

  • Adults (1+ year): Feed every 2–3 days.

Supplements

  • Calcium + D3: 2–3 times a week.

  • Multivitamins: Once a week.

3. Handling & Temperament

  • Blue-tongue skinks are docile and can be tamed easily with regular handling.

  • Support their body fully while handling. Avoid grabbing them from above, as this can stress them.

  • They may hiss or puff up when scared, but they rarely bite.

4. Common Health Issues

Signs of a Healthy Skink:

✔ Active and alert
✔ Clear eyes, smooth scales, no stuck shed
✔ Eating and defecating regularly

Potential Problems & Causes:

❌ Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD) – Lack of UVB or calcium. Signs include weak limbs or deformities.
❌ Respiratory Infections – Caused by low temperatures or high humidity. Symptoms include wheezing, bubbles from the nose, or lethargy.
❌ Shedding Issues – Usually due to low humidity. Ensure proper hydration and provide a humid hide if needed.

If you notice any health concerns, consult a reptile vet in NZ.

5. Legal & Ethical Considerations in NZ

  • Blue-tongue skinks are legal to own in New Zealand, but responsible care is required.

  • Importing reptiles is illegal without special permits. Ensure your skink comes from a reputable breeder.

  • Do not release them into the wild, as they could disrupt native ecosystems.

6. Final Care Tips

✅ Provide adequate space and heating.
✅ Offer a balanced diet with protein, vegetables, and supplements.
✅ Handle regularly to build trust.
✅ Keep the enclosure clean and monitor humidity levels.
✅ Ensure proper UVB lighting for long-term health.

With proper care, your blue-tongue skink will thrive for years! 🦎💙