Blue Tongue Skinks are heavy-bodied lizards with small, stubby legs and large triangular heads with strong jaw muscles. These fascinating reptiles grow from 12 to 16 inches in length, depending on the species, with some reaching up to 24-27 inches. Blue Tongue Skinks are omnivorous and make excellent pets, with the Northern Blue Tongue Skink subspecies generally making for the best choice if you want a handleable pet due to their gentler demeanor. With proper care, they can live up to 10+ years.
In this comprehensive care guide, we've compiled everything you need to know about caring for a Blue Tongue Skink, including enclosure setup, heating, lighting, feeding, substrate, and all essential supplies. We've evaluated each product based on quality, safety, appropriateness for blue tongue skinks, ease of use, and value. All products reviewed here include direct Amazon purchase links with our affiliate tag.
Quick Answer: Essential Blue Tongue Skink Supplies
If you're in a hurry, here are the must-have items for a Blue Tongue Skink:
- Enclosure: 40-55 Gallon Terrarium - For adult skinks, secure, appropriate sizing
- Heating: Heating System - Basking area 90-95°F, gradient 75-85°F
- Lighting: Full Spectrum UVB Lighting - Essential for diurnal species
- Substrate: Cypress Mulch or Peat Moss Mix - Safe, avoid cedar/pine
- Water Dish: Water Dish - Fresh water daily, appropriate size
About Blue Tongue Skinks
Scientific Name: Tiliqua Species
Native to: Australia and Indonesia/New Guinea
Maximum Length: 12-16 inches (some species up to 24-27 inches)
Life Span: Up to 10+ years with proper care
Species Overview
All Blue Tongue Skinks are heavy-bodied with small, stubby legs and large triangular heads with strong jaw muscles. There are several species and subspecies:
T. gigas – New Guinea Blue Tongue Skink: This species is generally gray or gray-brown with narrow dark bands of irregular shape across the back. T. gigas is one of the largest species of blue-tongue skink and can reach lengths of 24 inches. They can be found in Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Jobi, Admiralty Islands, New Britain and the Bismarck Archipelago. This species is omnivorous and will feed on wild flowers, fruit, small animals and insects.
T. scincoides scincoides – Common or Eastern Blue-Tongue Skink: Can often be found in semi-desert to agricultural areas of most of eastern Australia and the upper third of the Northern Territory, far northern Western Australia, and southeastern South Australia. They can reach sizes of up to 24 inches in length but generally reach lengths of only 18 inches. This species is also omnivorous feeding on small animals, insects and plant material. This is one of the hardier and popular species found in the pet trade.
T. s. intermedia – Northern Blue Tongue Skink: This subspecies prefers tropical or savannah woodlands of Northern Australia. Often considered the largest of the blue-tongue skinks, it can reach lengths of 24 to 27 inches. It generally has uniform vertical bands which are usually chestnut colored, with orange shaded off-centered markings on the sides. Because of their gentler demeanor, this subspecies generally makes for the best choice if you want a handleable pet.
Essential Supplies for Blue Tongue Skinks
1. Enclosure
Most babies can be kept in a 10-gallon aquarium. Full-sized adult blue-tongue skinks should be kept in 40 to 55-gallon aquariums or similar enclosures. The enclosure should be secure, well-ventilated, and provide adequate space for movement and natural behaviors.
Larger enclosures are always better for adult skinks, as they provide more room for thermoregulation and natural behaviors. The enclosure should be long enough to create a proper temperature gradient, with a warm basking area and a cooler area.
Front-opening enclosures are recommended for easier access and maintenance. The enclosure should be made from safe, durable materials that can withstand regular cleaning and high temperatures.
Key Features: 40-55 gallons for adults, secure closures, proper ventilation, appropriate sizing, durable construction
2. Substrate
Cypress mulch (avoid cedar or pine as these may cause long-term health issues), a peat moss and sand mixture, and indoor/outdoor carpeting can all be used as substrates for Blue Tongue Skinks. The substrate should be safe if accidentally ingested and should be easy to clean and maintain.
Cypress mulch and peat moss mixtures help maintain appropriate humidity levels while providing a natural-looking environment. Indoor/outdoor carpeting is easier to clean but doesn't provide the same natural appearance. Choose a substrate that works best for your setup and maintenance preferences.
Never use cedar or pine substrates, as these can cause serious long-term health issues. The substrate should be deep enough to allow for natural behaviors but not so deep that it becomes difficult to maintain.
Key Features: Safe materials, avoid cedar/pine, easy to clean, appropriate depth, natural appearance
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3. Heating System
A temperature gradient of 75°-85°F should be established with a basking area of 90°-95°F during the day. Temperatures should not fall below 70°F at night. Temperatures can be maintained with basking bulbs, infrared heat bulbs, and ceramic emitters or under-tank heaters and panels.
Hot rocks should never be used due to the high risk of burns that can be inflicted on the blue-tongue skink from malfunctioning heat rocks. All heating elements should be controlled by thermostats to prevent overheating and ensure safe operation.
Place heating elements to create a basking area at one end of the enclosure, with the rest of the enclosure gradually cooling toward the opposite end. This allows your skink to thermoregulate by moving between warmer and cooler areas.
Key Features: Temperature control, thermostat regulation, basking area 90-95°F, gradient 75-85°F, safe operation
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4. Lighting System
As with most diurnal species, full spectrum light is required. This can be achieved by using special fluorescent bulbs or newer Active UV bulbs. Active UV bulbs also provide heat, which may allow you to not have to provide additional heat sources.
UVB lighting is essential for Blue Tongue Skinks, providing the UVB radiation needed for vitamin D3 synthesis and calcium metabolism. Without proper UVB lighting, skinks can develop serious health problems including metabolic bone disease.
Position UVB lighting to create a basking area where your skink can receive the necessary UVB radiation. Use timers to control the day/night cycle, ensuring consistent lighting schedules. Replace UVB bulbs regularly as they lose effectiveness over time.
Key Features: Full spectrum light, UVB radiation, proper spectrum, day/night cycle, reliable operation
5. Water Dish
Fresh water should be provided daily in an appropriately sized water dish. The dish should be large enough for your skink to drink from comfortably but not so large that it takes up too much space or creates excessive humidity.
The water dish should be stable and won't tip over easily. It should be easy to clean and maintain, as it will need regular cleaning to prevent bacterial growth. Some skinks may also soak in their water dish, so ensure it's large enough for this if needed.
Regular water changes are essential for maintaining hygiene. Clean the water dish daily and provide fresh, clean water. Monitor the water dish to ensure it doesn't become contaminated with substrate or waste.
Key Features: Appropriate sizing, stable placement, easy to clean, safe materials, fresh water daily
6. Hides and Enrichment
Provide hides and enrichment items to create a stimulating environment. Hides provide essential security and stress reduction, allowing your skink to retreat when needed. Place hides at both warm and cool ends of the enclosure.
Enrichment items like branches, rocks, and other decorations can enhance the enclosure's appearance and provide additional hiding spots. Ensure all items are safe, securely placed, and appropriately sized for your skink.
Key Features: Appropriate sizing, secure placement, multiple locations, safe materials, natural appearance
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7. Monitoring Equipment
Accurate monitoring of temperature is essential for Blue Tongue Skink care. Place digital thermometers at both the basking area (90-95°F) and the cool end (75-85°F) of the enclosure. Monitor temperatures regularly to ensure they stay within appropriate ranges.
Probe thermometers provide more accurate readings than stick-on thermometers. Regular monitoring helps you catch problems early and maintain optimal conditions. Night temperatures should not fall below 70°F.
Key Features: Accurate readings, multiple monitoring points, easy to read displays, reliable operation
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Product Comparison Table
| Product | Key Features | Best For | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terrarium Enclosure | 40-55 gallon, secure, appropriate sizing | Adult blue tongue skinks, proper space | $$$ |
| Heating System | 90-95°F basking, 75-85°F gradient | Thermoregulation, basking area | $$ |
| UVB Lighting | Full spectrum, UVB radiation, essential | Preventing MBD, vitamin D3 synthesis | $$ |
| Substrate | Cypress mulch, peat moss mix, safe | Natural environment, easy maintenance | $ |
Setting Up Your Blue Tongue Skink Enclosure
Step-by-Step Setup
1. Choose the Right Location: Place your terrarium in a location with stable room temperature, away from direct sunlight, drafts, and high-traffic areas. Ensure the location can support the weight of the fully set-up terrarium.
2. Install Substrate: Add cypress mulch, peat moss and sand mixture, or indoor/outdoor carpeting to the bottom of the enclosure. Avoid cedar or pine substrates. The substrate should be deep enough for natural behaviors but easy to maintain.
3. Set Up Heating: Install heating elements to create a basking area of 90-95°F and a temperature gradient of 75-85°F. Position basking bulbs, infrared heat bulbs, or ceramic emitters at one end. Connect all heating elements to thermostats for safety. Never use hot rocks.
4. Install UVB Lighting: Position full spectrum UVB bulbs to create a basking area where your skink can receive UVB radiation. Set up timers for consistent day/night cycles. Replace UVB bulbs regularly as they lose effectiveness over time.
5. Add Hides and Enrichment: Place hides at both warm and cool ends of the enclosure. Add enrichment items like branches and rocks. Ensure all items are securely placed and appropriately sized.
6. Add Water Dish: Place an appropriately sized water dish in an accessible location. Ensure it's stable and easy to clean. Provide fresh water daily.
7. Add Monitoring Equipment: Place thermometers at both the basking area and cool end. Use probe thermometers for more accurate readings. Monitor temperatures regularly.
8. Test and Adjust: Before introducing your skink, test all equipment and monitor temperatures for at least 24 hours. Make adjustments as needed to achieve optimal conditions: 90-95°F basking, 75-85°F gradient, and no lower than 70°F at night.
Feeding Your Blue Tongue Skink
Diet Requirements
Blue Tongue Skinks are omnivorous (eating both plant and animal matter). Generally, a diet consisting of 60% plant and 40% animal will provide a healthy mix for your blue-tongue skink.
Recommended Diet
Feed your Blue Tongue Skink a varied diet that includes:
- Plant Matter (60%): Frozen mixed vegetables, various greens, fruits
- Animal Matter (40%): Small amounts of high-quality dog food, crickets, mealworms, thawed pre-killed frozen mice
Frozen mixed vegetables, various greens, small amounts of high-quality dog food, crickets, mealworms, and thawed pre-killed frozen mice can all be fed to your skink. Fresh water should be provided daily.
Feeding Schedule
Young skinks should be fed more frequently, while adults can be fed less frequently. Adjust feeding frequency based on your skink's age, size, and activity level. Monitor your skink's weight and adjust the diet as needed to prevent obesity.
Supplementation
Dust insects and prey items with a calcium supplement with vitamin D3, especially if UVB lighting is not optimal. Use a high-quality reptile multivitamin supplement according to manufacturer recommendations. Proper supplementation helps prevent nutritional deficiencies and metabolic bone disease.
Important Care Considerations
Temperature Management
Maintain a basking area of 90-95°F and a temperature gradient of 75-85°F during the day. Night temperatures should not fall below 70°F. Use thermostats to control all heating elements and monitor temperatures regularly.
Heating Safety
Hot rocks should never be used due to the high risk of burns that can be inflicted on blue-tongue skinks from malfunctioning heat rocks. Always use thermostats to control heating elements and ensure safe operation.
UVB Lighting
Full spectrum UVB lighting is essential for Blue Tongue Skinks. This is required for diurnal species and helps prevent metabolic bone disease. Replace UVB bulbs regularly, as they lose effectiveness over time.
Substrate Safety
Avoid cedar or pine substrates, as these may cause long-term health issues. Use safe substrates like cypress mulch, peat moss and sand mixtures, or indoor/outdoor carpeting.
Maintenance
The enclosure should be spot cleaned daily. A thorough cleaning should be performed on a regular basis, usually once a month. Replace substrate periodically to maintain hygiene and prevent bacterial growth.
Common Health Issues
With proper care, Blue Tongue Skinks can live up to 10+ years. Common health issues include:
- Metabolic Bone Disease: Caused by insufficient UVB lighting or calcium supplementation. Prevent with proper UVB lighting and calcium/vitamin supplements.
- Burns: Caused by malfunctioning heat rocks or unregulated heating elements. Prevent by never using heat rocks and always using thermostats.
- Respiratory Issues: Caused by improper substrate (cedar/pine) or poor ventilation. Prevent by using safe substrates and ensuring proper ventilation.
- Obesity: Caused by overfeeding or inappropriate diet. Prevent with proper feeding schedule and balanced diet (60% plant, 40% animal).
Final Verdict
Blue Tongue Skinks are fascinating, heavy-bodied lizards that make excellent pets when their care needs are met properly. With a 40-55 gallon enclosure, proper heating (90-95°F basking, 75-85°F gradient), full spectrum UVB lighting, safe substrate, and a balanced omnivorous diet (60% plant, 40% animal), your Blue Tongue Skink can thrive and live a long, healthy life of up to 10+ years.
Remember that the Northern Blue Tongue Skink subspecies generally makes for the best choice if you want a handleable pet due to their gentler demeanor. All Blue Tongue Skinks require proper heating, UVB lighting, and a balanced diet to stay healthy.
Quality equipment is an investment in your skink's long-term health and happiness. Choose products that are safe, appropriate for blue tongue skinks, and designed to last. Never use hot rocks or cedar/pine substrates, as these can cause serious health problems.
Use this care guide as a reference when setting up and maintaining your Blue Tongue Skink's enclosure, and don't hesitate to consult with experienced skink keepers or veterinarians if you have questions about your skink's specific needs.