Blue Tongued Skink Care

I think I decided that I may be getting a BTS in the near future, but I need to do my research first.

What breeders are out there that have these animals available?

What is the difference between the different regional blue tongues? I've seen northern, eastern, and western BTS. Which one is the most common, best tempered, easiest to care for; etc.?

What basic care should I worry about. I know UV lighting and temperatures for the most part, but feeding is something I'm a little more confused about. A lot of caresheets say 60% plant, 40% meat with meat items including canned meats or dog food and super worms.
What would be a good substrate for these guys? Can I use tiling or are they big burrowers and need more than that?

Thanks,
-JW

http://bluetongueskinks.net/

great site for care sheets very detailed!!! Canned cat food is really only if you are having problems. I feed mine every other day a mixture of greens, veggies, and cooked chicken and turkey. They also need a uva/uvb. Keep in mind if there is a small hole anywhere...they will get into it as well as if there is something on the floor....they will try to eat it. Crazy lil guys...but they are fun and curious.

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Originally Posted by BPelizabeth

http://bluetongueskinks.net/

great site for care sheets very detailed!!! Canned cat food is really only if you are having problems. I feed mine every other day a mixture of greens, veggies, and cooked chicken and turkey. They also need a uva/uvb. Keep in mind if there is a small hole anywhere...they will get into it as well as if there is something on the floor....they will try to eat it. Crazy lil guys...but they are fun and curious.

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Thanks a lot, that looks like a great site!

How fast can I expect the little guys to grow?

I agree, bluetongueskinks.net is a good site. In fact this is where we bought our guy a couple of years ago, pic posted a couple threads down under DMTWI.

actually I think they grow quite fast. Mine was a rescue so no growing for her however my friends probably tripled in size in 5 months. They are very cute and sociable creatures.

I sent them an e-mail, maybe I'll get one next season. :)