top of page
Blue Tongue Skink Care Guide

Blue Tongue Skink Care Guide

Owning a blue tongue skink (Tiliqua spp.) can be an incredibly rewarding experience for reptile enthusiasts of all levels. These fascinating lizards are beloved for their striking blue tongues, calm temperaments, and interactive personalities. Blue tongue skinks are hardy, adaptable, and relatively low-maintenance compared to many other reptiles, making them ideal for beginners and a joy for seasoned keepers. Their inquisitive nature, ease of handling, and charming behaviors offer endless opportunities for bonding. With proper care, a blue tongue skink can live 15–20 years, becoming a long-term companion and a standout addition to any reptile collection.

 

Enclosure Setup

Size & Space

Start with a minimum 40-gallon breeder tank (36"x18"x16"), though larger is better—especially for adult skinks. A 4'x2'x2' (120-gallon equivalent) enclosure is ideal for adults, offering the horizontal floor space these terrestrial lizards need. They grow quickly, reaching 18–24 inches within their first year.

 

Lighting & Heating

  • UVB Lighting: Use a 10.0–12.0 UVB fluorescent bulb or a mercury vapor bulb to provide essential UVB exposure for bone and metabolic health. Replace bulbs every 6–12 months depending on the brand.

  • Basking Light: Install a 75w–100w basking bulb on one side of the tank to create a basking area of 95°F–105°F.

  • Cool Side: Maintain a cool zone around 75°F–80°F.

  • Night Temps: Avoid dropping below 70°F at night. Supplemental ceramic heat emitters can be used if needed.

  • Thermometers: Place digital thermometers on both ends of the tank, and consider using a temp gun to check basking surface temps.

 

Humidity

  • Keep humidity between 40%–60%, depending on the species. Northern species prefer the lower end; Indonesian varieties benefit from slightly higher humidity.

  • Add a humid hide with sphagnum moss on the cool side to support healthy shedding.

  • Mist the enclosure as needed, but avoid making it overly damp.

 

Substrate

Choose a burrow-friendly and moisture-retaining substrate such as:

  • Coco fiber

  • Cypress mulch

  • Organic topsoil (chemical-free)

Mixing these substrates provides good texture and moisture retention. Provide a 2–4 inch layer to allow digging and natural behaviors.

 

Enrichment

  • Include hides on both warm and cool sides

  • Offer natural decor, such as cork bark, branches, and fake or safe live plants (like pothos or ferns)

  • Place a shallow water bowl on the cool side, cleaned and refilled daily

Note: Before they are about to shed they will have a dull coloration—this process typically lasts a few days. Ensure adequate humidity and provide rough surfaces to help them shed properly.

 

Feeding Guide

Feeding Frequency

  • 0–4 months: Feed daily, morning is best

  • 4–6 months: Feed every other day

  • 6–12 months: Continue feeding every other day

  • 1 year and older: Feed 2–3 times per week

Diet Overview

Blue tongue skinks are omnivores and need a balanced mix of protein, vegetables, and fruit.

Staples

  • Grain-free wet dog food (e.g., Purina Beyond chicken/turkey flavor)

  • Repashy Bluey Buffet (offered occasionally as a supplement)

Vegetables (40–50%)

  • Mustard greens

  • Collard greens

  • Squash

  • Carrots

  • Dandelion greens

Fruits (10%)

  • Blueberries

  • Papaya

  • Mango

  • Apple (no seeds)

  • Strawberries

Tip: Keep fruit to a minimum to avoid high sugar intake.

Protein Sources

  • Insects (roaches, hornworms, mealworms, superworms) offered 1–2x per week

  • Boiled egg or lean cooked meats (small amounts)

  • Avoid fatty meats, insects with hard shells, or wild-caught bugs

Supplements

  • Lightly dust food with calcium without D3 once a week

  • Use calcium with D3 and a multivitamin 1–2x per month (depending on UVB strength)

 

Handling & Socialization

Regular handling helps your skink become more social and stress-free. Start slowly and increase the duration as trust builds.

Handling Tips

  • Wash your hands before handling

  • Always approach them from the side or underneath when handling. Avoid grabbing from above or near the head, as they have a third eye called the parietal eye. This eye senses changes in light and shadow, helping them detect potential threats—like a predator overhead. Reaching from above can trigger a defensive response, causing them to open their mouth or even try to bite.

  • Handle 5–10 minutes daily after feeding

  • Support front and back legs with both hands

  • Expect bluffing (huffing, puffing) – rarely results in biting. Once taken out of their enclosure they feel safe in your hands

  • Remain calm to avoid reinforcing defensive behavior

​

​Acclimating a New Skink

  • Keep lights dimmed initially

  • Cover sides/back of glass enclosures to reduce stress

  • Ensure plenty of secure hides

  • Place food near hides to encourage exploration

  • Maintain ambient temps of 85°F–90°F and ensure basking heat is consistent for 8–12 hours daily

 

Additional Tips

  • Spot-clean the enclosure daily and do full substrate changes every 1–3 months

  • Monitor weight and appetite regularly—any sudden changes should be checked by a reptile vet

  • Schedule annual checkups, especially to check for parasites or impaction risks

 

For further questions, support, or to inquire about available skinks, don’t hesitate to contact us:

📧 sales@evolverreptiles.com

bottom of page