Sitemaps

Son wants blue tongued skink2007-11-24 2:03:06

Keeping a lizard as a pet requires a specialized habitat. The habitat would include a 55-gallon tank, specialized lighting and heating, and substrate (the stuff on the bottom of the tank). Blue-tongued skinks can get to be 32 inches long and they have to eat live crickets and some vegetables every day or two, depending on their size. They are said to have a good disposition; I've never had one. Read a book on their care, and talk to somebody who knows about their needs before you get one. They can live 15 years, so it is a commitment.

---

Blue tongued skinks are awesome! But you ask some serious questions, so here are some serious answers.

Yes, skinks, like many other reptiles carry salmonella. However, if you are faithful about washing your hands after handling you pet, this shouldnt be an issue. I have had many reptiles over the years, & never once have had a health issue with them. Plus, I work in a pet store & handle them all day long. I am kind of a hand sanitizer nut, though.

Your skink would be much less work than your 2 dogs. That doesnt mean that issues cannot crop up that are a pain to take care of. Please realize that a full-grown blue tongue can be over 3 feet long. That requires a large habitat! They also have big appetites. We feed ours (which is an adolescent at about 12 inches) fresh veggies & fruits daily along with several large crickets & even a pinkie or two now & then.

They do pretty well when handled regularly, but these are not the most active of reptiles. They enjoy sitting & basking more than scurrying around.