Blue tongue skinks are popular reptiles known for their docile nature and distinctive blue tongues, making them excellent pets for reptile enthusiasts. Proper care involves understanding their specific needs, including their diet and nutrition. This article provides essential information on creating a balanced diet for your blue tongue skink, ensuring a healthy and fulfilling life.
Understanding Blue Tongue Skinks
The term "blue tongue skink" encompasses various species, with Northern blue tongue skinks being the most commonly sought-after in the pet trade. Indonesian varieties, such as Meraukes, Halmaheras, and classic Indonesians, have different care requirements than their Australian counterparts. Identifying the specific subspecies is crucial for tailoring their care. Australian species, besides the Northern blue tongue skink, are rare in the pet trade due to export restrictions.
Creating the Ideal Habitat
A comfortable and stimulating environment is crucial for your blue tongue skink’s well-being. A spacious enclosure, at least 4 feet long for an adult, is recommended. The habitat should have a temperature gradient, ranging from 75°F on the cooler side to 95°F under the basking light, allowing your pet to regulate its body temperature.
Substrate and Humidity
Choosing the right substrate is essential for maintaining humidity and providing comfort. Cypress mulch or coconut fiber-based substrates help retain moisture, creating a humid environment that mimics their natural habitat. The humidity should be kept between 25-40% for Australian species and 70-80% for Indonesian species. Insufficient humidity can lead to stuck shed, potentially causing toe constriction and respiratory infections.
Enrichment
Enrichment items like logs, rocks, and plants (real or artificial) keep your skink engaged. These provide hiding places and physical challenges, making the enclosure look more natural.
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Nutritional Needs of Blue Tongue Skinks
Blue tongue skinks are omnivores, requiring a varied diet of vegetables, fruits, and proteins. The key to success is feeding them a wide variety of foods to ensure they receive the right nutrition. Their nutritional needs change as they grow, so it's important to adjust their diet accordingly.
Diet Composition
- Young Skinks (under 12 months): 70-80% protein
- Adult Skinks: 50-60% protein
Protein Sources
- Insects: Crickets, wood roaches, mealworms, hornworms, silkworms, earthworms.
- Lean Meats: Cooked chicken heart, chicken liver, turkey heart, turkey liver.
- Other: Boiled egg whites, snails, Reptilinks products (rabbit and insect links, omnivore blend).
Vegetables and Greens
Vegetables and greens should make up approximately 50% of the adult diet and 40% of the juvenile diet.
Suitable Vegetables:
- Arugula (Rocket)
- Basil (occasional treat)
- Asparagus
- Beets
- Bell Peppers (green, red, yellow)
- Borage
- Broccoli (in moderation due to goitrogens)
- Brussels Sprouts (in moderation due to goitrogens)
- Cactus Pad/Leaf
- Cactus Pear (Prickly Pear)
- Carrots
- Cauliflower
- Celery
- Corn (occasional)
- Cucumber
- Green Beans
- Green Peas (in moderation)
- Green Peas (snap pea and pod) (in moderation)
- Mushrooms (white) (in moderation due to high phosphorus)
- Okra
Vegetables to Avoid:
- Onion (toxic)
Fruits
Fruit should be a treat and not comprise more than 10% of the diet.
Suitable Fruits:
- Apple (occasional treat)
- Apricot (occasional treat)
- Banana (occasional treat)
- Pear (occasional treat)
- Melon (occasional treat)
- Strawberry
Fruits to Avoid:
- Avocado (toxic)
- Citrus
Foods to Generally Avoid
- Rhubarb
- Eggplant
- Tomato greens
- Seeds
Prepared Diets
Several commercially available prepared diets can be used in rotation:
- Repashy’s Bluey Buffet (use sparingly with Indonesian blue tongues)
- Arcadia Omnigold
- Repashy Grub Pie, Meat Pie, Veggie Burger
- Lugarti’s Premium Blue Tongue Skink Food (use with caution)
Water
Clean water must be available at all times. A shallow water dish that the lizard can easily exit should be provided. The water should be checked twice daily and replaced once per day.
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Feeding Schedule and Tips
- Juvenile Lizards: Feed every day.
- Adult Lizards: Feed 3 times per week.
- Remove any uneaten food or insects from the enclosure daily.
- Clean food dishes with detergent after every use.
- Gutload feeder insects for 2-3 days before feeding.
- Thaw frozen whole prey items in the refrigerator overnight and warm them in warm water before feeding.
- Offer food in a low, flat bowl.
Supplementation
Supplementation is essential to ensure your blue tongue skink receives all the necessary vitamins and minerals.
Calcium and Multivitamins
- Supplement the diet with calcium and multivitamins.
- Use calcium powder with D3 for skinks without UVB lighting.
- Use calcium powder without D3 for skinks with UVB lighting.
- Dust insects with calcium powder before feeding.
- Add calcium to dog/cat food.
- Bee pollen powder is a beneficial addition, especially for shingleback skinks.
Important Considerations
- Powdered and ready-made reptile diets already have the correct calcium to phosphorus ratio, so additional calcium powder is unnecessary.
- Avoid over-supplementing, as it can be harmful.
Health Considerations
Regular health checks are essential to catch and address potential issues early.
Common Health Problems
- Respiratory infections
- Skin problems
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Stomatitis
Preventative Care Measures
- Regular cleaning of the habitat
- Proper diet
- UVA and UVB light exposure
- Maintaining appropriate temperatures and humidity
Signs of Good Health
- Clear eyes
- Responsive demeanor
- Healthy appetite
Potential Health Issues and Solutions
- Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD): Common in baby skinks raised on diets deficient in calcium and without UVB exposure. Treatment involves correcting the diet and ensuring adequate UVB exposure.
- Dysecdysis (Abnormal Shedding): Soaking in warm shallow baths can help loosen the skin for gentle removal.
- Stomatitis: Ensure a diet with lots of crunchy and leafy vegetables to clean the teeth.
- Respiratory Infections: Caused by inappropriately low temperatures. Maintain proper temperatures and consider prescription antibiotics.
- Parasites: Wild-caught blue tongue skinks often suffer from parasites. Consult a veterinarian for treatment.
Handling and Temperament
Blue tongue skinks are generally docile and can be handled regularly. Allow your skink to acclimate to your presence gradually, starting with short handling sessions and increasing the time. Consistency is key to building a trusting relationship with your skink.
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