Yes, blue tongue skinks make great beginner pets! They are relatively hardy, relatively easy to care for, and can live up 10 to 20 years with proper care. Blue tongue skinks need a habitat that includes a basking area, UVB light, proper bedding, and properly enriched diet.
With the right setup, they can make great pet additions to any household. Blue tongue skinks are also generally quite docile and friendly with their owners. They are slow-moving reptiles, so they are not likely to dart around or be aggressive.
They can grow up to around 12 inches long and do best with plenty of room to move around and explore. Ultimately, blue tongue skinks can make great beginner pets for those willing to take the time to learn about their care requirements.
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What is a disadvantage of a blue tongue skink?
A blue tongue skink can make for a unique and interesting pet, as they are relatively low maintenance reptiles! However, there are a few disadvantages to consider. The most important is that their diet is quite specific and varied, and it can be difficult to know exactly what to feed them and how often.
Blue tongue skinks in captivity must be fed a variety of animal-based proteins, vegetables, and fruit. Neglecting their dietary needs can lead to a number of health issues. Additionally, they have a sensitive respiratory system and are prone to respiratory problems, especially when exposed to temperatures that are too cold.
Finally, they need a large enough enclosure with plenty of places to hide and climb, as they are active animals, so if you don’t have the space to provide a suitable environment, then a blue tongue skink may not be the right pet for you.
Do blue tongue skink bites hurt?
No, blue tongue skink bites do not typically hurt. While blue tongue skinks can bite, the bites are not typically severe or painful. Generally, the bite will cause a mild pinch or sting, but it is not typically a deep or strong bite.
You may be able to feel the bite, but it should not cause any lasting pain or serious discomfort. Blue tongue skink bites are also not toxic, and no medical attention is needed. If your blue tongue skink does bite you, it is important to remain calm.
Even though the bite may be more of a startled reaction than aggression, fast movements or loud noises can cause skinks to become stressed and more likely to bite.
What happens if a skink bites you?
If a skink bites you, it is unlikely to be dangerous or cause any lasting harm. However, it is still important to take the bite seriously and be aware of the potential risks.
First, the bite may be painful and/or cause minor bleeding. If you experience either of these, clean the wound with soap and water and apply an antiseptic. This will help prevent infection.
In addition, it is important to monitor for signs of infection for a few days after the bite has occurred. Typically, the signs of an infection from a skink bite are redness, swelling, tenderness, or any other abnormal symptoms.
If you experience any of these, seek medical attention.
Finally, if the skink was carrying parasites or a disease, you may develop symptoms of the condition days or weeks later. In this case, you should also seek medical attention and reporting the incident to a doctor.
Overall, skink bites are not typically dangerous but it is important to take the proper precautions and monitor for signs of a more serious reaction.
Do blue tongue lizards like being handled?
Blue tongue lizards are quite docile and can be handled if you are gentle and respectful while doing so. While they may not be as docile as other pet reptiles such as leopard geckos, they are generally relaxed when handled.
Young lizards may be more resistant to being handled due to the lack of trust and untamed nature. To ensure your blue tongue lizard feels comfortable and safe, you should take your time. Start by just petting and gently rubbing its back before attempting to pick it up.
When holding your lizard, support its body and legs with your hands and avoid pinching or gripping too tightly. Be slow and gentle and always be mindful of your lizard’s body language so you can tell if it is feeling uncomfortable.
If it does feel uncomfortable, give it time to calm down before attempting to handle it again.
Can you pick up a skink?
Yes, you can pick up a skink. It is important to properly prepare before picking up a skink in order to do it safely. First, make sure to wash your hands before and after handling the skink as they are sensitive to bacteria and can easily become ill.
Before picking up the skink, make sure that you pet it gently and use some type of support underneath it in case it decides to jump. This will help to make the skink feel more secure. When you are ready to pick up the skink, be sure to use two hands, gently scooping the skink up from underneath without squeezing it.
Make sure to support its head and body to help it feel safe and secure. When you are done handling the skink, be sure to release it gently back onto its substrate.
What happens if you touch a blue tongue lizard?
If you touch a blue tongue lizard you should always be very cautious. Although their bite won’t cause any serious harm, it can still be painful and cause minor damage. As with all animals, the blue tongue lizard should be handled with care and respect.
A blue tongue lizard may hiss at you, curl its tail and bite when it is scared or feeling threatened. To avoid any possible harm, use a pair of tongs or gloves when handling the animal to remove it safely from its environment.
If you feel the lizard is in danger, gently take a scoop or container and scoop up the lizard, with care not to press down on its back. After handling, wash your hands and make sure to provide the lizard with a secure habitat to live in.
Why is my blue tongue skink hissing?
Your blue tongue skink may be hissing for a variety of reasons. Generally, hissing is a sign of distress or aggression and indicates that the skink is feeling stressed or threatened. It may be responding to a perceived threat in its environment, such as a sudden movement or loud noise.
It could also be feeling threatened by a person or another animal in the vicinity. More generally, it could be feeling overwhelmed or anxious due to its environment, such as too much noise or activity, or not enough space to explore.
Additionally, the skink could be territorial, so if another pet is nearby or it views another being as a rival, it may start hissing. In any case, it is wise to take a step back and understand why your skink is feeling stressed or threatened in order to make any necessary changes to the environment or other factors.
How old was the oldest blue tongue skink?
The oldest known blue tongue skink was almost 33 years old. He was kept in captivity by a family in Queensland, Australia, and was named “Dixon”. He was originally purchased from a pet store in 1979 when he was estimated to be around 3 years old.
He was cared for by his owners and fed a diet consisting of commercial food, various insects, fruits, and vegetables. His diet was supplemented with calcium, vitamin, and mineral supplements. He went on to become an ambassador for his species and an icon in the Australian reptile community, passing away in 2012 at the ripe old age of 33.
Is it cruel to keep a blue tongue lizard?
Whether it is cruel or not to keep a blue-tongued lizard as a pet depends largely on how you care for them and the environment you provide. With proper care, a blue-tongued lizard can make a great pet as long as you are prepared to give them the right environment and care they need.
Blue-tongued lizards are well-known for their gentle behavior and friendly nature, but should still be handled gently and provided with an environment that meets their specific needs. Blue-tongued lizards need plenty of room to explore and should be provided with a large, secure enclosure to make sure they don’t escape.
They also need branches, stones, and places to hide in order to feel safe, and should be provided with a varied diet of leafy greens, vegetables, and insects. It is also important to ensure that the cage’s temperature and humidity stay consistent for their well-being.
If you can provide these things, then your blue-tongued lizard can be an incredibly rewarding pet.
As with any animal, blue-tongued lizards should never be treated cruelly or neglected. If you do not have the time, resources, or interest in providing a blue-tongued lizard with the right care and environment, then it is not cruel to keep them as pets.
