Blue Tongue Skink Care Sheet

Overview

Blue-tongue skinks are hardy, ground-dwelling lizards known for their bright blue tongues, docile temperaments, and curious personalities. Native to Australia, New Guinea, and parts of Indonesia, these reptiles make excellent pets for intermediate keepers who can meet their space and dietary needs. They are omnivorous and require a varied diet, proper lighting, and consistent heat and humidity. While blue-tongue skinks tolerate handling well, they need time to adjust and should be handled gently and consistently. With proper care, they are engaging, long-lived companions with lots of personality.

Species averages:

Habitat Parameters

Housing recommendations

Housing recommendations Blue Tongue Skinks require spacious, secure enclosures with ample floor space for exploration and burrowing. Solid-walled enclosures help maintain proper humidity levels. A sturdy substrate such as cypress mulch, coconut coir, or reptile carpet is recommended to prevent ingestion of loose particles. Avoid sand or fine substrates that may cause impaction.

Provide a basking area with temperatures of 95-100°F and a cooler area at 75-80°F. UVB lighting is essential to prevent metabolic bone disease and should be provided for 10-12 hours daily. Include hides, climbing branches, and textured surfaces to encourage natural behaviors and provide mental stimulation.

Feeding Blue Tongue Skinks are omnivores and thrive on a varied diet consisting of protein, vegetables, and fruits. A typical diet should include 50% protein (lean meats, insects), 40% vegetables (collard greens, squash), and 10% fruits (berries, mango). Feed juveniles daily and adults 2-3 times per week

Feeding

Blue-tongue skinks are omnivores and need a varied diet of animal protein, vegetables, and fruit. Feed juveniles daily and adults every 2–3 days.

Supplementation

Blue Tongue Skinks generally do not require supplements if they are provided with a balanced diet. However, specific situations such as recovery, growth, or aging may require targeted supplementation.

Rotate calcium and vitamin supplements to avoid imbalances.

Special considerations

Handling

Blue-tongue skinks are generally tolerant of handling and may become quite tame. Begin slowly and handle frequently but gently to build trust. Always support their full body and avoid sudden movements. Avoid handling during shedding or illness.

Shedding

They shed in patches rather than full-body sloughs like snakes. Provide rough surfaces and slightly increase humidity to aid shedding. Soak or mist the skink if retained shed appears on toes or tail tip.

Brumation

Some individuals may undergo seasonal brumation (a mild, reptile “hibernation”). Appetite and activity may decrease during cooler months. Provide fresh water and maintain safe temperatures, but reduce feeding if metabolism slows.

Species-specific needs

Australian skinks prefer drier conditions. Indonesian types (Merauke, Irian Jaya) require higher humidity. Identify your skink’s species to adjust care accordingly.

Common Health Concerns in Blue-Tongue Skinks

Below are some of the most common health issues seen in blue-tongue skinks. Regular monitoring and prompt care can improve outcomes.

Respiratory Infection (RI)

Signs: Wheezing, open-mouth breathing, lethargy

Causes: Incorrect temps, excess humidity, poor airflow

Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD)

Signs: Limping, soft jaw, tremors, poor growth

Causes: Calcium/vitamin D3 deficiency or lack of UVB

Shedding Issues (Dysecdysis)

Signs: Retained skin on toes, tail, or face

Causes: Low humidity, dehydration

Obesity or Malnutrition

Signs: Fat pads over limbs, visible spine, inactivity

Causes: Overfeeding or unbalanced diet

Parasites (internal/external)

Signs: Weight loss, abnormal feces, lethargy

Causes: Contaminated food, substrate, or wild-caught specimens

These are all concerns we can help with via telemedicine. If you suspect your blue-tongue skink may be showing any of the signs above, book an appointment at swiftailvet.com for expert exotic pet care from the comfort of your home.

Disclaimer

At Swiftail Vet, we strive to provide accurate, up-to-date information based on current best practices in exotic pet care. However, husbandry standards can evolve quickly. If you notice any outdated or incorrect information on this care sheet, please let us know by emailing info@swiftailvet.com or using the contact form on our website at swiftailvet.com. Your feedback helps us ensure the highest quality resources for pet owners and their companions.

Written by: Wintergreen Vet Services

March, 18, 2025