Blue Tongue Skinks: A Beginner's Guide to Keeping and Caring for Your New Pet

By Reptile Fanatics

"Blue Tongue Skinks: A Beginner's Guide to Keeping and Caring for Your New Pet" is an ebook that provides comprehensive information and guidance for those who are new to keeping Blue Tongue Skinks. This guide covers a wide range of topics, from choosing the right enclosure and substrate to feeding and handling your skink.

The ebook starts with an introduction to Blue Tongue Skinks, including their natural habitat and characteristics. It then goes on to discuss the various factors to consider when setting up an enclosure, including size, temperature, lighting, and substrate options. The guide also covers the importance of providing decor and hiding places for your skink.

The ebook then delves into the important topic of diet requirements, including information on feeding schedules, appropriate feeder options, and supplements. It also provides advice on how to maintain cleanliness in the enclosure and prevent illness in your skink.

In addition, the ebook offers tips on how to handle your Blue Tongue Skink and build trust with it, as well as how to socialize and provide preventative care for your pet. The guide also covers the topic of breeding Blue Tongue Skinks for those who are interested in this aspect of reptile keeping.

Overall, "Blue Tongue Skinks: A Beginner's Guide to Keeping and Caring for Your New Pet" is an informative and practical resource for anyone who is new to keeping Blue Tongue Skinks or is considering getting one as a pet. It provides valuable information and tips for ensuring the health and happiness of your pet skink.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Reptile Fanatics
• Release date: Mar 24, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215806050

Book preview

Introduction

What is a Blue Tongue Skink?

A blue tongue skink is a type of lizard that is native to Australia and parts of Indonesia. They are called blue tongue skinks because they have a bright blue tongue, which they use as a defense mechanism to startle predators. They are popular pets because of their docile nature, ease of care, and interesting behavior. Blue tongue skinks are relatively large, typically growing to around 18-24 inches in length, and they have a lifespan of 15-20 years in captivity with proper care. There are several different species and subspecies of blue tongue skinks, each with their own unique characteristics and requirements.

Blue tongue skinks are part of the Tiliqua genus, which includes several species and subspecies. Some of the most common species kept as pets are the Northern Blue Tongue Skink (Tiliqua scincoides intermedia) and the Eastern Blue Tongue Skink (Tiliqua scincoides scincoides).

In terms of appearance, blue tongue skinks have a large, sturdy body with short legs and a short tail. Their skin is covered in small, smooth scales and can range in color from gray, brown, or black to orange, red, or yellow, depending on the species and individual. As their name suggests, they have a bright blue tongue that they use to scare off predators.

Blue tongue skinks are omnivores, meaning they eat a mix of animal and plant-based foods. In the wild, they eat a variety of insects, snails, fruits, and vegetables. In captivity, they can be fed a diet of commercial diets, such as canned dog food, as well as fresh vegetables and fruits, and live or frozen insects.

As pets, blue tongue skinks are known for their docile nature and relative ease of care. They require a large enclosure with a heat source and UV lighting, as well as a substrate for digging and hiding. They also need a variety of hiding places, basking spots, and water sources to stay healthy and happy. With proper care, blue tongue skinks can live for many years and make fascinating and rewarding pets.

Why keep a Blue Tongue as a Pet?

There are several reasons why people choose to keep blue tongue skinks as pets:

Docile nature: Blue