Frank - The Blue Tongue Skink

[dakski]

That is a lot of great info! I've been doing some off and on research for the past year. Nothing really serious because I know that will only make me want to get one sooner. Space is the biggest factor for me, so I would not purchase one knowing I couldn't provide a proper enclosure.
The reason I asked if he is a normal is because his colors look awesome. For what ever reason, I envisioned the colors looking a lot more washed out and brown but these pictures have changed my mind! BHB is probably my number one contender as far a breeders go for these guys if/when the time comes. I watch Brian's videos fairly frequently and, while I understand some of the criticism he receives, I think he does a lot of good for this hobby, especially when it comes to "casuals" like me.

Thank you. I am 90% sure he is normal. However. Very red and healthy, which helps coloraration.

I will double check.

Kudos to you for waiting until you have space. He really uses his whole tank!

[RickyNY]

I like Frank! More pics please!!

[dakski]

As requested, and with the help of a) my new macro lens and b) frank staying still, here's a good shot of Frank and tongue!

He's a little faded as he looks like he will shed soon. However, his tongue is bright as ever! Sorry there was a shadow blocking part of it! I'll try harder next time .

[dakski]

As suspected, Frank shed over the past two days. He seems to shed every 2 1/2 to 3 months now. Not sure what "normal" is since he's my first BTS, and he just got full grown about two sheds ago, but I'll keep everyone in the loop.

He had a little stuck on his back today, but a quick soak got it right off.

Shedding must have been exhausting, because about a minute after putting his favorite food in, most of it was gone! I am not sure if he got more on his face or in his stomach .

I will post pictures soon, but want to let him chill the rest of today.

He sure looks handsome though!

[dakski]

As promised, here are pictures of Frank fresh off shed. No special lenses this time, just Frank being in the spotlight.

He weighed in at 650G today, after waste, but ate a lot yesterday. My new, better scale, had him at 620G after brumating, so I am open to the idea he has gained a little weight. I think he looks good, and am feeding evert 2-3 days so he actually eats his food instead of picking at it. I'll keep up on that, but am not concerned.



And the evil eye! Awesome. He's harmless, but has a lot of attitude.

[Cheesenugget]

I have a Merauke blue tongue for over a year now. When they get around this age, shedding slows down from a few times a month as a baby to once every other month. Mine started to shed every other month since December.

You don't really need a scale like you do with snakes to confirm if they are overweight or not. Really easy to tell for BTSis if they look more rectangular in the body, it is time to cut back the feedings. A good weight will show acute oval shape, from neck to tail. It is hard to get them to lose the weight so starting the diet early helps.

I would suggest at this age to cut back feeding its meal once a week. You can give it veggie treats if it will take it without meat throughout the week or snails if you have them. Mostly veggies to meat ratio like bearded dragons. Your BTS will always act like it is hungry, don't worry, it won't starve itself. In fact, they can go without food for weeks or even months. The meal portion should be no bigger than the size of its head, but since veggies have no calories, feel free to give as much as he will take.

[dakski]

I've been spreading out Frank's feedings a little more than before - more like every 4-5 days now instead of every 3-4.

I weighed him today after eating 3 days ago and two big poops. He was 630G, down from 650G. It could have been when I weighed last time, he had eaten recently, just drank, or needed to go. That was a big jump from 620G previous weight.

I am going to keep on eye on it. If he starts losing weight, I will up food, if he's stable, I will stay on this schedule. He seems happy and healthy as can be and looks the same.

[Jus1More]

As promised, here are pictures of Frank fresh off shed. No special lenses this time, just Frank being in the spotlight.

He weighed in at 650G today, after waste, but ate a lot yesterday. My new, better scale, had him at 620G after brumating, so I am open to the idea he has gained a little weight. I think he looks good, and am feeding evert 2-3 days so he actually eats his food instead of picking at it. I'll keep up on that, but am not concerned.



And the evil eye! Awesome. He's harmless, but has a lot of attitude.

FRANK....I adore you! So jealous ...

[dakski]

FRANK....I adore you! So jealous ...

Thank you!

He's awesome. However, he really needs a BIG tank and big temp gradients with UVB. He uses every inch of his 6X2 foot enclosure.

He's got awesome personality and is a lot of fun. If you have the space, BTS have the attitude to match!

[dakski]

Frank got measured today and is about 20 inches from snout to tip of tail.

He's doing well and posed for some pictures after getting a drink. He's a cutie.