Blue Tongue Skink

Scientific Name: Tiliqua

Native Habitat: Australia and Indonesia

Lifespan: 15-20 years

Size: 15-24" depending on species

Temperament: Docile

Ease of handling: Manageable size, docile temperament, and quite hardy

Skill level: Beginner

Activity level: Diurnal, active during the day and asleep at night

At minimum, adults should be kept in 48”x24”x12”. Skinks need as much ground space as you can provide, but do not require a tall enclosure as they are terrestrial.

Temperature: Warm end should be between 30-35°C. Cool end should be between 20-27°C. 

Lighting: UVB should be provided to simulate a day/night cycle

Humidity: Varies by species. Australian species do well between 20-40%. Indonesian species prefer higher humidity, between 60-80%. Raise the humidity if you notice any shedding problems, blue tongue skinks tend to lose their toes quite easily with low humidity.

A large water dish should be provided for drinking and bathing.

2 hides are recommended, one at each end of the enclosure.

A basking rock or tile is recommended.

A rough surface such as a large stone can help with shedding.

Blue tongue skinks love to burrow, provide them with a several inches of substrate.

Adults should be fed 1-3 times a week. Skinks are omnivores and thrive with a diverse diet. Feeder insects, eggs, raw poultry, organs, fish, veggies, fruits, canned dog/cat food. Skinks are one of the best pets to feed, they eat nearly everything and are quite entertaining!