"Tribbies"

I have been toying around with the idea of getting myself a lizard. I don't like them, and I hope to get over my fear of them through this animal. I've been doing a LOT of research, searching to make sure I get an animal well suited to my needs.

Originally, I wanted a chameleon. They are slow (so they won't startle me) they are cute as babies, and I am familiar with them. But after much reading, I've decided they are more work than I am comfortable with.

I spent a great deal of time at a reputable reptile store today, and came across a lizard that I was immediately attracted to. I did a lot of research on them tonight, and I think tomorrow I may go back and purchase one. I am hoping that they will allow me to house it there temporarily while I get the set-up going. I have most everything I need, I just want to get it situated properly before introducing the animal.

Anyway, I haven't been able to find any information on these lizards on the forums here, so I thought you all might be interested.

They are affectionately called "tribbies", but are most commonly known as "Crocodile skinks". The scientific name is "Triblonotus gracilis" for anyone who's curious.

Apparently, they are considered the missing link between dinosaurs and today's lizards. They are found exclusively in New Guinea and Indonesia. They are very fond of the water, and prefer 90-100% humidity. They are very shy and secretive, and when held will usually hold completely still or even play dead (Exactly what I need in a lizard. No jumping around all over the place while I'm trying to learn how to be calm around them. -lol-)
They are capable of vocalizing, and are very "loving" parents. They really are very much like a crocodile.

I don't personally own any of these photos, so the links are to other sites. I hope that's alright. (I know "hot-linking" is not allowed, but I don't know what that means. :oops:)

Some good photos:
http://www.wecdsb.on.ca/232/LivingLa...ibolinotos.jpg

http://www.izzysworldofherps.info/im...eskinkjpg!.jpg

I have a LOT more information on them if anyone is interested. I just gave the simplest of the basics. -lol-

that is the most bizzare thing I have ever seen.


:scurries to reserach!:

I think they're really interesting. It'd be like having a little alligator. ('scuse me, ... *crocodile*) -lol- I can't wait to go back and learn more.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mindibun

I have been toying around with the idea of getting myself a lizard. I don't like them, and I hope to get over my fear of them through this animal. I've been doing a LOT of research, searching to make sure I get an animal well suited to my needs.

Originally, I wanted a chameleon. They are slow (so they won't startle me) they are cute as babies, and I am familiar with them. But after much reading, I've decided they are more work than I am comfortable with.

I spent a great deal of time at a reputable reptile store today, and came across a lizard that I was immediately attracted to. I did a lot of research on them tonight, and I think tomorrow I may go back and purchase one. I am hoping that they will allow me to house it there temporarily while I get the set-up going. I have most everything I need, I just want to get it situated properly before introducing the animal.

Anyway, I haven't been able to find any information on these lizards on the forums here, so I thought you all might be interested.

They are affectionately called "tribbies", but are most commonly known as "Crocodile skinks". The scientific name is "Triblonotus gracilis" for anyone who's curious.

Apparently, they are considered the missing link between dinosaurs and today's lizards. They are found exclusively in New Guinea and Indonesia. They are very fond of the water, and prefer 90-100% humidity. They are very shy and secretive, and when held will usually hold completely still or even play dead (Exactly what I need in a lizard. No jumping around all over the place while I'm trying to learn how to be calm around them. -lol-)
They are capable of vocalizing, and are very "loving" parents. They really are very much like a crocodile.

I don't personally own any of these photos, so the links are to other sites. I hope that's alright. (I know "hot-linking" is not allowed, but I don't know what that means. :oops:)

Some good photos:
http://www.wecdsb.on.ca/232/LivingLa...ibolinotos.jpg

http://www.izzysworldofherps.info/im...eskinkjpg!.jpg

I have a LOT more information on them if anyone is interested. I just gave the simplest of the basics. -lol-

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Ya they are interesting little buggers....you see WC specimen on Kingsnake a lot. It's tough to find cb specimen. And from what I understand, they arent THAT difficult to breed...just not many people are working with them...:salute:
http://market.kingsnake.com/detail.php?cat=34&de=588010


...now if you want a REAL cool lizard...another croc...a bit pricey... but ultra rare...you need to work with these crocs http://market.kingsnake.com/detail.php?cat=34&de=602279 They require a 'basking' spot of like 80 degrees....ya its crazy...talk about cold blooded :)

Those are some ugly looking lizards to me, though. They look too much like the common house ones we get around here - the kind I'm afraid of most. They just dont catch my eye like the others do. And I'd rather not pay $1,000 for a lizard for me to "play" with.

I've never seen or heard of those before though. I'll have to read up on them.

btw - If I'm going to be working with them anyway, then would it be a good idea to just get a pair and see what comes of it? I've read up on breeding them also, and I'd imagine that if it's difficult to find a cb specimen, that it wouldn't be the worst thing in the world if they bred.

From what I've read, you're right that they aren't THAT difficult.

Though, I DONT know about shipping requirements and things like that if I should decide to sell any possible babies. That's something I'd have to read up on.

If you haven't found it on your own:

http://www.vmsherp.com/CarePages/CareTribs.htm

look like they was in a fire

kjhowland thanks for that link. I had found it before, but it's one of the better ones out there. :gj:

Just an update on the situation: I went back in to the store today and put a deposit on an adult female. I decided I'd get one to start with and make sure she thrives, and then will probably introduce a male. I wanted the female to be able to establish her territory first, rather than purchasing a male and allowing him to "own" the territory. It all sounded logical at the time. :oops:

I'm going to be doing some ordering and whatnot for supplies, and going in every few days to check up on her and hold/touch her. I want to be at least a little used to her before she comes home. I touched her tail today, and petted her spine. The next time I go back I'll probably hold her. Baby steps - this is a fear I've had since childhood. I want to get over it. :please:

While I was there, they had a red tegu out and about. He came over to me and walked between my legs and stepped on my feet. Even licked me. Surprisingly, I am not afraid of large lizards like that. It's the quick little ones that get to me. *shudders*

I'll post pictures of her set-up once I get it going. I have most of it planned out already; it'll be a very natural-looking set-up which very closely resembles a rainforest.

Oh, and one more thing - I found out that these are WC, which I expected. When I look her over, are there any specific "issues" I should be looking for. Mites are one that I know of, but are there any others?

If she's wc, then I think you'll want to have a vet do a fecal check on her for parasites. Good luck with her.

It amazes me the different types of phobias we humans have.

That's a good idea. I'll make sure to do that.

I have BIG news (well, for me anyway). I actually HELD the lizard today. I was very nervous at first, and shaking a little bit, but as I stood there and held her and she just looked at me and then turned away and sat there, I calmed down. I was able to stroke her and pick her up and move her to my other hand. That's a BIG - strike that, HUGE step for me. When I'd stopped shaking I told the employee that I'd like to put her back, so she let me do it myself. I set her down on the ground gently and she was fine - just sat there for a moment. But then she took off like a rocket and made me jump and start shaking again. I laughed about it though. I'm making progress.

The employee there is always very nice and helpful and she's become somewhat of a friend. She understands my fear and has been taking a lot of time out to help me get over it. She said I was doing great, and that even she was proud of me. -lol-

I bought most everything for her habitat today so I'll probably have some pictures later on tonight. :gj:

Yet another update (and probably the final one before I actually bring the lizard home and have pictures for everyone!)

I have been diligently researching and networking, trying to gather as much info as possible. I have been in contact with Dr. Wolfgang Wuster, a noted herpetoculturist known for his work with venomous snakes. He spent a great deal of time on the island these lizards are native to, and took several amazing photographs of the animals in their natural habitat. He has written an interesting article for The Herpetological Journal which is put out by the British Herpetological Society. It gave some information on the finding of the crocodile skink. I've also been corresponding with Mark O'Shea - a famous herpetoculturist in the UK. He is the author of "Boas and Pythons of the World" along with Dave and Tracy Barker. He also has been to the island of Papua New Guinea to study the lizards, and is known for his work with venomous snakes. He has access to a group of 10 tribolonotus and the facility has recently hatched out one baby trib. It's wonderful to be able to speak with such knowledgeable people, and they've both been very kind.

If anyone here is interested in this species, I'd be more than happy to share my findings with you. I've taken a serious interest in the species and want to get the word out. :D

Hi,

So did you get a copy of his article or pictures?

Don't post them without permission obviously but I would love to see them if he was ok with sharing. And if he would let them be posted on the site that would be amazing. :O

With their low temp requirements I wonder what temp you would incubate at. :confused:


dr del

He has sent me some PDFs, but thus far I am unable to open them. I need to forward them to another computer, and that should do it.

A few of his photos are already published online for the general public. I'll link to them here, just *note to everyone: Don't re-post them without linking to the original source.* I believe that he does sell these photos, so I don't want to cause him to lose money in any way; especially when he's been so helpful. He's also pointed me in the direction of the Dallas Zoo. Apparently the curator there knows a significant amount about the species, and that facility has had more success breeding the animals than anywhere else that currently houses them. I've sent him an e-mail as well, but he's supposedly out on field research until today. I expect it'll be several days before I hear back from him.

As for incubation, I believe it's recommended to incubate at about 82F. I'd have to go back and double-check that number. But the females are great parents, and will actually move the egg (They only lay one at a time) around to regulate its temperature. Even the males will not harm the egg or the baby once it hatches. They're absolutely amazing.

Photos: (These photos were taken by Dr. Wolfgang Wuster, not Mark O'Shea, and they were taken in Papua New Guinea.)
http://calphotos.berkeley.edu/cgi/im...0000+1005+0165

http://calphotos.berkeley.edu/cgi/im...0000+1005+0167

http://calphotos.berkeley.edu/cgi/im...0000+1005+0168

http://calphotos.berkeley.edu/cgi/im...0000+1005+0169


This next photo was taken by Paddy Ryan, as the copyright suggests. I have sent an e-mail asking about the animal in the photo, but have not received a response. It's still my favorite photo, though. ;)
http://calphotos.berkeley.edu/cgi/im...0000+1206+0965

They are amazing pre-historic looking little guys! I don't expect that I'll want to own one anytime soon, but keep posting info, because I love to learn. I've been following this thread since you started it.

I also think it is wonderful that you are facing your fear head-on. Good job! :gj:

Is this the O'Shea who had/has a show on TV?

Yes, the very same.

Well, the little girl (adult, actually. She's of breeding age) is finally home. It must have taken me twenty minutes to work up the nerve to pick her up. I'd stick my hand in, pull it out. Hover over her, pull it out. I finally decided I might try slowly tipping her travel container and allowing her to walk into the new enclosure. That would have been great, except she didn't want to move. So no matter how slowly I tipped, her back end started going over her front end. She ended up with her face smooshed against the side, and her tail up over her head. Still she wouldn't move. So I tipped her back down, and finally said, "Ok, I can do this. I'm making her miserable. This is for her sake, and mine." :P She squirmed a little once I picked her up, but at that point I didn't want to drop and hurt her so even though so was squirming and making me REALLY nervous, I didn't let go. I gently set her down in her enclosure, snapped a final picture, and that was all she wrote. :D

The good news is, I don't have to handle her for another week now because she needs to settle in. I have her tank near my side of the bed so that I can watch her while I go to sleep. Hopefully, just being near her and watching her do whatever it is she likes to do will calm me down. It's so odd because once I have her in my hand, it's not a big deal. But looking down at her, and seeing that lizard outline just makes me start shaking. :(

I SHALL OVERCOME! :D

And now, the pictures:

In her travel carrier:
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c1...leskink014.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c1...leskink004.jpg

In the new enclosure:
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c1...leskink010.jpg

(Notice the shavings on her head from where I tried to tip her out. :oops:)

If anybody has words of encouragement, they'd be greatly appreciated at this point. :please::oops:

In case anyone is interested I found this.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=FWxps8_7lmY

Yes, I've seen that video before. His set-up is nice, but I'm surprised they have laid so many eggs.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mindibun

If anybody has words of encouragement, they'd be greatly appreciated at this point. :please::oops:

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Well the first thing I'd like to say is how incredibly impressed I am at your facing this fear head on like this and also in your drive to know everything you can about this species before you took on this female lizard. That's very good to see and you've already gone far beyond what most people would ever do to learn how to be a great keeper for this species. Good for you!

A large part of most fears is the unknown, the unfamilar, the uncertainty of it all and the feeling of loss of control or lack of knowledge of a situation. You're addressing the knowledge issues beautifully! The more you know, the more confident you will naturally be. Information helps calm a lot of our fears.

You've placed her in a spot where you normally relax. This will help you equate her with good things, calm things. This will help the lizard become used to your comings and goings in a fairly quiet part of your home. That's good for both of you. :)

Remember there's no set timeline here. There's no "you must handle this lizard by such and such date". There's no time you must handle her for. Go with your instincts, push yourself a bit but not more than you can handle. Better you have her in your hand for 2 good, calm seconds than 10 minutes of you shaking in fear is my thought on that. The next time it might be 10 calm seconds and then next time 2 minutes. Any handling where you and the animal in question are not overly stressed is good handling time I figure.

I think you're off to a very fine start and I'm looking forward to watching you develop as a keeper of this species.

Aww, shucks Jo! :oops:

Thank you so much, those were definitely encouraging words. :D

I have to admit, I'm very proud of myself too. My friends and family all think I'm nuts. I've even had someone say to me, "Why are you BUYING a lizard to get over your fear? That's so stupid. Just go outside with a cup and catch one of the little wild ones. Pick it up, hold it, and let it go." I tried to explain that it wasn't that simple. That I wanted to start with a pet lizard - a tame lizard, that would move slowly, and allow me to just get used to it BEING there. For some reason, this person still didn't understand. :(

I definitely understand there is no set time line. But I do still have to keep up with husbandry and cleanliness and all that. Which means removing the lizard from the enclosure. This is why I say I don't have to handle her for another week; I figure it'll be about that long before her cage needs cleaned.

I wish I had a better support system, though. My boyfriend is more afraid of them than I am, and since family and friends think it's stupid, I'm on my own. I have to overcome this life long fear all by my onesies. :oops: Will you BP.netters be my support group? -lol-

She didn't come out of hiding for two days but I caught her drinking water yesterday morning. :D I fed her 5 crix that night, and they're all gone now. Changed the water bowl (Big feat, that) and didn't see any floaters so I'm assuming she ate.

I'm guessing I should feed her every 2-3 days. That sound about right? So since I don't want to be running back and forth to the reptile store every day, how do you all keep your feeder crickets? My boyfriend is afraid of them, so it should be a subtle set-up if at all possible.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mindibun

She didn't come out of hiding for two days but I caught her drinking water yesterday morning. :D I fed her 5 crix that night, and they're all gone now. Changed the water bowl (Big feat, that) and didn't see any floaters so I'm assuming she ate.

I'm guessing I should feed her every 2-3 days. That sound about right? So since I don't want to be running back and forth to the reptile store every day, how do you all keep your feeder crickets? My boyfriend is afraid of them, so it should be a subtle set-up if at all possible.

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Cricket keepers!
If one gets out though.. it'll drive you crazy and you'll NEVER find it.

I really like these lizards.. I might have to look into them! :]

Aw. Your little cutie is home! And it sounds like you are doing good with her!

It stinks that you don't have a better support group, but you know you'll get lots of support here at bp.net!

Had a scary experience today that I wanted to share with you all. I checked on my girl this morning and she was soaking in her water bowl (where she ALWAYS is :rolleyes:) and everything was fine.
(See her black tail sticking out? ;))
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c1...0Skink/006.jpg

I came back about 20 minutes later, and she's floating on her back, upside down with her head hanging limp in the water. I, of course, panicked. I pulled the water bowl out to look at her, and I noticed her eyes were closed and her foot twitched. These guys are known to play dead so I stopped panicking and put the water bowl back down. I scooped her out of the water and put her on dry land where she immediately popped back to life and calmly walked to her shelter.

I have no idea what caused her to play dead like that; as far as I know, there was nothing to startle her. One minute she was fine, and the next she's belly-up. Which, by the way, is a terrible defense mechanism. Really. Did they ever stop to think about the logic behind that? "Hey guys, I got it! Instead of running away, when a predator comes, we'll just float belly-up. That way they'll think we're dead and just keep going!" Where was the smart little lizard going, "But, won't they just have easier access to our fleshy underside? And since we're not moving, won't we be an easy meal?" :confused: