You got your for FREE??? I hate you.

I got my little guy off CL as well, but still paid $50. Hey, that's about 50% off, so I'm fine with it!

As for the chips... They should be alright, but be sure to keep an eye on your skink to make sure the chips aren't annoying them in any way (i.e. dust and pieces in the eyes and mouth). I get shaved aspen from Petsmart - the Kaytee brand or a new green label stuff (can't recall the name). Just make sure the pieces are more shaving shaped than long and slim and you're good to go.

As soon as I get my chameleon (SOON I hope...darn cage) I'll have more protein types in the house to offer the skink. I like the sound of that brittle, but you're right that I wouldn't want to spend that much and find he doesn't like it. I shall certainly send my address and be eternally grateful for the sending of a small sample.

I've only personally kept a BTS for about a month now... but I've cared for them before. When I worked at the zoo, we had a pair of Northerns in the education department that were practically considered mine. Those two were the greatest lizards EVER, and I instantly fell in love. I never had one of my own before, though, because A) they cost way too much to get full price. B) they need space that I didn't have. But I adored those two at the zoo. The female would never stay in my arms and preferred to ride up on the back of my neck as I walked around the trailer.