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Submitted by Jeffrey Stilwell
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| Latin name |
Tiliqua gigas |
Maximum length |
20 inches |
| Native to |
Indonesia |
Approximate life span |
Undocumented |
GENERAL INFORMATION
Although you might think all Blue-Tongue Skinks are exclusive to
Australia, this Blue-Tongued Skink (Tiliqua gigas) is native to
Indonesia. Blue-Tongues are a diurnal lizard, meaning they are active
during daylight hours. Once accustomed to your touch, Blue-Tongues are
very docile. But, until they get used to you they may become defensive
and try to bite. This is a normal survival instinct and should be no
cause for alarm. Just exercise common sense when handling new lizards.
Unless you plan to breed Blue-Tongues, it is not recommended you house
them together. They may fight and you could end up with a lizard with
missing toes.
ENCLOSURE
20 gallon or larger sized aquarium is adequate. It is always a good
idea to make your initial enclosure purchase with the adult size of
your animal in mind. T. gigas are the largest Blue-Tongue Skinks
growing up to 20 inches. Therefore an enclosure of 40+ gallons is
highly recommended.
SUBSTRATE
Aspen bedding, pine shavings, reptile sand, cage carpet or newspaper
are all acceptable substrates. Blue-Tongues are messy lizards, so keep
this in mind when choosing a substrate. You may want to opt for one
that is easier to clean over one that is more natural looking.
TEMPERATURE & HUMIDITY
Keep ½ of the floor heated
with a Zoo Med UNDER-TANK HEATER. Provide a hiding place on the
unheated side. They prefer a cooler hiding place. Daytime temperatures
should range from 80 - 85°f with a basking area up to 95°f. Nighttime
temperatures should drop to 75 - 80°f. The hiding place should be
slightly moist but not wet. You may also want to provide a constantly
damp area of sphagnum moss or damp sponge. Blue-Tongues tend to have
problems completely shedding their feet and toes. If left alone, this
skin will build up and cut-off circulation. Infections or toe-loss may
result. If dried skin is found on the toes, simply allow the lizards to
stand in room temperature water for 15 - 30 minutes to allow the skin
to soften up. If, after this period, the skin is still not soft enough
to easily remove, repeat the soaking process. Never try to force the
skin off as you may injure your skink.
HEATING
Use a Zoo Med REPTITHERM® UNDER TANK HEATER
(U.T.H.). Do not turn the tank heater off, leave it on 24 hours a day
and use it in conjunction with a Zoo Med RHEOSTAT™ for easy heat
control. You may also want to provide a Zoo Med REPTICARE® ROCK HEATER
positioned beneath a Zoo Med REPTI™ BASKING SPOT BULB to give your
lizard the high temperature basking area it needs.
LIGHTING
UVB lighting is required for Blue-Tongue Skinks. The Zoo Med REPTISUN
5.0™ with its high UVB and UVA output is an excellent choice. All
reptiles and amphibians need a photo period. A plug in timer (for your
lights only, do not use a timer for your heating devices) works well to
develop a regular photo period (light cycle) of 8 - 10 hours of light,
14 - 16 hours of darkness. Reptiles and amphibians cannot see the red
light spectrum, so a Zoo Med INFRARED HEAT LAMP is ideal for nighttime
viewing and heating of your skink.
FOOD & WATER
Blue-Tongue Skinks are omnivorous,
and will require a varied diet. The diet should consist of melons,
pears, apples, tomatoes, grated squash, cooked eggs, crickets,
mealworms, canned dog or cat food and occasionally pinkie mice. Their
favorite food is snails. If you offer snails, be sure they are
pesticide-free. Lightly dust the food with Zoo Med REPTIVITE®
every-other feeding. Your skink may only want to eat every-other day,
but provide it with food every day. Be sure not to feed your skink the
same food consistently. Provide it with a varied diet. The water bowl
should be large and shallow. Your skink should be able to easily get to
the water and with it's short legs this could be difficult if faced
with a tall bowl. Clean the water daily (or more often if necessary).
NOTES
Always wash your hands before and immediately after handling reptiles
and amphibians. Never leave live food long term with reptiles &
amphibians. They can inflict severe harm, even kill your pet. If your
animals take some time to eat or you feed them at night, leave a slice
of potato, carrot or dry dog food for the live food items to eat. Your
local pet shop is an ideal source for reptile and amphibian related
books and supplies. Please make sure you read and become familiar with
any instructions provided with reptile support products you may
purchase.
For further information on reptiles and amphibians we
recommend you read REPTILES MAGAZINE and THE VIVARIUM. California
Zoological Supply hopes you have enjoyed reading this reference sheet
on Blue-Tongue Skinks. We hope that our guidelines will assist you with
the care or possible purchase of your new pet.
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Reptiles 
