
Blue Tongue Skink

GENERAL INFO
Scientific Name: Tiliqua
Native Habitat: Australia and Indonesia
Lifespan: 15-20 years
Size: 15-24" depending on species

DIFFICULTY
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

ENCLOSURE
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.

ENVIRONMENT
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.

ENRICHMENT
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.

DIET
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!
A foster-based rescue in Southern Ontario