"Tribbies"

[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. )

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-

[Patrick Long]

that is the most bizzare thing I have ever seen.


:scurries to reserach!:

[Mindibun]

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.

[Jerhart]

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. )

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-

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...
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

[Mindibun]

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.

[Mindibun]

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.

[kjhowland]

If you haven't found it on your own:

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

[tideguyinva]

look like they was in a fire

[Mindibun]

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

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.

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.

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?

[kjhowland]

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.