BLUE TONGUE SKINK (Tiliqua intermedia)

FAMILY      Scincidae

DISTRIBUTION       The Blue Tongue Skink is found throughout Australia and because of this there some slightly different species, (Tiliqua scincoides) from the eastern side of Australia and (Tiliqua multifasciata) from the central regions of Australia.

SIZE       The adult size of the Blue Tongue is approximately 12-15 ins in length.

LIFESPAN      The average lifespan of a Blue Tongue in captivity can be 20 years or more.

INTRODUCTION       There are at least 1000 species of Skink worldwide but the Blue Tongue has become one of the most popular amongst reptile keepers, they are one of the easier species to get hold off from a captive bred source and can be tamed down easily.

HOUSING       A small baby Blue Tongue can be kept in a 10 gallon terrarium but once they reach adulthood the best size vivarium should measure at least 36ins long x 18ins high x 18ins deep. There should be plenty of hiding areas and a medium sized water dish. The decor of the vivarium should consist of different plants and logs.

SUBSTRATE      Paper towels are the best substrate to use for baby Blue Tongues as it is very easy to clean and cheap to buy, but when they are fully grown you can use a variety of substrates from paper towels, coconut bark, and cypress bed to substrates such as desert snow, jungle chips or sani chips.

HEAT & LIGHT       The temperatures in your vivarium should be in the region of at least 25°c (78°f) with the hot spot end reaching temperatures of about 32°c (90°f). The temperature can be allowed to drop to between 18 - 21°c (64 - 70°f) at night. A heat mat can be used to provide the heat but it must be connected to a thermostat to prevent it over heating and causing burns.

Blue Tongue Skinks require a full spectrum uvb fluorescent tube with a minimum uvb output of 5.0%. This should be left on for a period of at least 8 hours with the maximum exposure being 12-13 hours.

FEEDING       Blue Tongue Skinks are omnivorous and will eat a variety of foods including crickets, locusts, waxworms, mealworms, fruits, blossoms, and some other vegetation. All the food must be dusted with a vitamin supplement at least twice a week before feeding and they should be fed every 2-3 days with the exception of babies, who should be fed daily.

POTENTIAL PROBLEMS      The main problem with Blue Tongues is that if they don't get enough exposure to uvb rays and calcium in their diet it can lead to metabolic bone disease, it is therefore extremely important to dust the food regularly and to replace the uvb tube every 6-12 months depending on the manufacturers instructions.