Getting a northern blue tongue skink, questions!

[GpBp]

Hi! I am thinking of getting a northern blue tongue, but I still have a couple questions.

1. I have a 40 front opening enclosure for the little guy now, is that big enough? I have a skink in mind already, and she (or he) is a baby. I also have a red/blue bulb, UVB bulb, and some hides (I think I'll have to get new ones though, they seem too small). I don't need too much more I don't think. Is my setup ok?
2. I see a carmel northern I like from http://www.thunderbayherps.com/. Anyone know Ray? Is he reliable?

Thank you!

[artgecko]

1. It should work for now, but eventually, you'll probably need an enclosure with a footprint of 4'x2' or around that for an adult.
- I would go with a daylight basking bulb..I use an incandescent spot lamp bulb and make sure you have it hooked up to a dimmer / rheostat and can adjust it to get your basking temp correct.
- Have something below the skink can bask on.. I use cork bark, some use tile or rock. You don't want him to be able to touch the hot screen though.
-Provide a hide, preferably one on both the cooler and warmer ends of the terrarium
- Rocks, stick, cork bark and other things he can climb on will be used.
- Have your heat light on a timer...and if you use UV, then it as well.
-Also note, if you are using UV, how much you supplement calcium and D3 will vary depending on the wattage and type of UV you use. I would consult breeders and find out how much. I just supplement my skink with D3 and don't use UV.

2. Ray is a well-known breeder and is reliable. He prefers to talk to people on the phone though. Note that his website has not been updated in a long time, so the prices / availability may not be correct. I would post on one of the blue skink groups on FB or go to the blue tongue skink forum here and ask what the going rate for them is, etc. Ray is a member on that forum.

[GpBp]

Alright so, I called Ray and he said he's got no more cheap northern blue tongues, like they're all those crazy expensive morphs. And I really can't afford more than $150.. I saw Thunderbayherps and was ecstatic like, northerns for $100! But no haha. Any recommendations..? Thanks A blue tongue just might not be for me.

[GpBp]

Help

[BPGator]

Northern Blue tongues sell out fast. The Indonesian localities can be found, but those are typically wild-caught animals, which can come with a host of issues. A $150 Northern would be VERY hard to find. Minimum price is usually $250-$300. And to clarify, there are no Northern morphs in the US, there's just different variations from line breeding.

As for the setup, I agree with artgecko. Ditch the red/blue light - blue tongues are diurnal so you just give them regular light in the day. Basking spot is good for them at around 100°. I don't use UVB and neither do many breeders/keepers. The like to burrow so that's good to provide. 40 gallon is considered absolute minimum. You'll want something bigger, but it's ok for a baby; they do grow fast though.


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[GpBp]

Ok. Thanks, I guess a blue tongue just isn't for me

[BPGator]

Ok. Thanks, I guess a blue tongue just isn't for me

There are Facebook groups for blue tongues. That's a good place to learn about them and talk to breeders. Sometimes the babies are born with deformities and breeders would give them away as pets. Perhaps that can be an option for you.


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[Craiga 01453]

Ok. Thanks, I guess a blue tongue just isn't for me

I have an African Fire Skink, wicked cool animal. Cheaper and smaller than blue tongues, but also different demeanor. Might be worth researching for you.

[GpBp]

Awesome thank you are they as chill as blue tongues? I wanted a laid back lizard who doesn't mind handling...

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[Craiga 01453]

Awesome thank you are they as chill as blue tongues? I wanted a laid back lizard who doesn't mind handling...

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I don't have much hands on experience with blue tongues, just a few times at one of the reptile shops I visit. But no, Fire Skinks aren't quite as chill from what I understand. They handle well and will usually handle better the more you handle them and if their husbandry is right. But they aren't puppy dog tame like blue tongues can be. They're a lot quicker too. I don't handle mine as often as I handle my snakes, but he still handles well. He will usually just stay pretty chill on my hands/arms.