Pet Critique

Hi there, pet lovers! 🦎

If you’re considering adding a fascinating and unique lizard to your collection, the Blue-Tongued Skink might just be the perfect fit. Known for their striking blue tongues and calm demeanor, these lizards are incredibly popular among reptile keepers. In this pet care article, we’ll dive into why the Blue-Tongued Skink is such an amazing companion, with expert tips on how to properly care for them before bringing one home. Here’s what you need to know:

Ease of Handling: 4/5

Blue-Tongued Skinks are generally calm, inquisitive creatures that enjoy interaction, making them a great option for reptile lovers. Once they get used to handling, they’re remarkably mellow, almost like handling a potato! They’re large enough to handle with confidence but not so large that they become difficult to manage.

What sets them apart is their curiosity. These skinks are social in a way that many reptiles aren’t, and they tend to seek attention, which makes them more engaging for their owners. While they’re not known to bite and don’t have sharp teeth, their jaws are strong, and their bites can be powerful, so handling with care is important. Hence, they have tiny little legs compare to other lizards of the same size, they won’t likely to scratch or cut you.

One thing to be aware of is that Blue-Tongued Skinks can sometimes defecate while being handled, which can be an inconvenience. This usually happens when they’re stressed, but with regular and gentle handling, they typically become more comfortable and less likely to poop unexpectedly. They do have a long tail that can be used for maneuvering, but be cautious as it’s not meant for grabbing, and while they can drop their tails, it’s not something they do easily.

Overall, Blue-Tongued Skinks are very manageable and often grow fond of their owners, making them a joy to handle.

Care and Maintenance: 5/5

When it comes to care, the Blue-Tongued Skink is one of the easiest large lizards to maintain. They have a simple diet, primarily consisting of things you can find at your local grocery store, such as ground turkey, vegetables, and fruits. Unlike many reptiles that require specialized feeder insects or rodents, these skinks thrive on accessible and varied foods, though it’s important to supplement their diet with vitamins and calcium.

Their habitat is also relatively straightforward to set up. They require a large enclosure with ample space for movement and hiding spots. A moderate basking temperature (in the high 90s) is enough to keep them comfortable. While they don’t need extreme heat like some other reptiles, a basic heat lamp will do the job. It’s also a good idea to provide a UVB bulb for added health benefits, although some argue it’s not strictly necessary.

One thing to note is that Blue-Tongued Skinks can have different humidity needs based on the species. For example, the Northern Blue-Tongue Skink requires moderate humidity, while the Meru Key variety needs a slightly higher level. Without proper humidity, shedding can become an issue, particularly on their toes, which might cause them to lose their toes if not addressed. Regular access to water and substrate for digging are essential, and they’re very easy to maintain as long as you meet these basic needs.

A very important note about housing these guys is that you must not keep Blue-Tongued Skinks together, they hate each other and will often tear each other to pieces if given the chance, for say if you house two males or two females or sometimes even a male and a female, they will fight each other. You can try owning a very large enclosure so each Blue-Tongued Skink can establish their own territories although it is not recommended. Overall, housing them individually is the best choice in any cases.

Health and Durability: 5/5

Blue-Tongued Skinks are among the hardiest lizards you can keep. They are resilient creatures, even in less-than-ideal conditions. In fact, there are cases of rescued Blue-Tongued Skinks surviving in poor environments for long periods. With proper care, they can thrive for many years.

They don’t have any major health concerns aside from shedding problems, which can occur if their humidity is too low. This is usually easily managed with appropriate enclosure maintenance. As long as you monitor their environment, provide a balanced diet, and ensure hydration, Blue-Tongued Skinks are generally free from serious health issues.

Their durability and ability to tolerate varying conditions make them an excellent choice for both first-time and experienced reptile keepers. They’re also not as prone to illnesses or stress as some other species, which makes them more forgiving to beginner mistakes.

Availability: 2/5

While Blue-Tongued Skinks are incredibly popular, their availability can be a bit of a challenge. These lizards are in high demand, but they’re not always easy to find. The fact that they are live-bearing reptiles (as opposed to laying eggs) means they don’t reproduce in large numbers, leading to limited availability. Additionally, the Australian species are not exported, so if you’re outside of Australia, your options are restricted to captive-bred skinks.

The relatively low supply combined with high demand means that Blue-Tongued Skinks can be quite expensive. Prices for these skinks often run into the several hundred-dollar range, particularly for captive-bred individuals. If you find one at a pet store, it’s likely that the skink is wild-caught, which is something to consider when looking for a reputable source.

Availability can vary by region, but overall, if you’re set on owning a Blue-Tongued Skink, be prepared to search for a while and be patient in finding the right one.

Initial Cost: 3/5

When it comes to costs, the Blue-Tongued Skink can be a little pricey. The cost of the skink itself is often the biggest expense. Due to their high demand and limited availability, they typically cost several hundred dollars, especially for rarer or captive-bred varieties. While this may seem steep, it’s important to consider the long-term benefits of owning such a hardy and unique reptile.

However, the setup for a Blue-Tongued Skink is relatively affordable compared to other large reptiles. Their enclosure doesn’t need to be enormous, and their basic heating and lighting requirements are simple and inexpensive to maintain. The cost of substrates, hides, and a UVB bulb is also fairly reasonable. In total, the setup should cost less than that of a larger reptile like a tegu or a monitor lizard, making it a more affordable option in terms of long-term care.

Final Thoughts: 3.8/5

The Blue-Tongued Skink is a fantastic choice for reptile enthusiasts who are looking for a social, hardy, and relatively low-maintenance lizard. Their striking appearance and unique behavior make them stand out in the world of pet reptiles. While their availability and upfront costs can be a hurdle, the ease of care and handling make them a rewarding companion.

If you’re willing to invest some time and money in finding and setting up the right habitat, the Blue-Tongued Skink will offer years of enjoyment. Their curious nature, manageable size, and beautiful blue tongue are just a few of the things that make them so special.

Have you ever owned a Blue-Tongued Skink? Share your experiences and pet care tips in the comments below—we’d love to hear your thoughts and stories! Don’t forget to explore more of our pet reviews and expert tips on reptile care! 🦎