I'm getting a blue tongue and I have been up all night and all day just on websites blogs RUclips videos and much more. I want to give my blue tongue the best setup and diet. I'm in love with these animals they just always interest me. I'm really thankful for these video along with the setup and the diet.
I'm glad you liked the videos. I hope you enjoy your blue tongue too! They are great animals, really fun to watch, hold, and interact with. Let me know if I can help in any way. Best, TC PS Thanks for watching.
He may be talking about issues that are talked about a lot. But they need to always be talked about because it is a big issue about care and the rescue of not cared for animals. There are a lot of stupid people out there (cough cough the guy I got my skink Gerald from) who got it because of a status hey Im cool I got a big lizard! Didnt do any research so he was in a small tank with no hiding places or a basking spot and the totaly wrong substrate! I took a long time to research skinks before getting one..And I do think there is always something new to learn and if you stop learning you are doing a disservice to your animal, no matter what they are. We get them to insure they are happy and healthy and in turn they show us how amazing they are! I love this video and sent it to so rescues I know in my city!
I really do like the research you mention it is true. When I first started getting into reptiles I look up what was the best beginner lizard, leopard gecko was on the top of that list. I bought one from a pet shop he claim all their animals are healthy and I believe them. In a month she died, turn out she was a lot sicker than I realize. My second gecko I got from a breeder and I had her for 3 years and she is a very active healthy girl. Even now I still do research on the species.Now another story that had a different ending was that of my Columbian Tegu which I did rescue, now I had no experience on them, but I was the only available option because her previous owner couldn't handle her aggression and was thinking about releasing her in her non native habitat. I had to step in. She was rescue I took her to the vet he was underweight, dehydrated, and had giardia. She got medication and the next month she was eating on her own :) It took 6 months for her to trust me. She bit me all the time. Now had her for 2 years and she is not as aggressive as she was before. I was happy to have her, even with my little knowledge. I still read up on gold tegus still.
Thank you so, so much for your channel. My grandson wanted a blue tongue skink (18 years old) and guess what? Grandma got it! Your channel has really assisted me in getting used to my blue tongue. Six months ago I never thought I would ever, ever, ever get near or touch a reptile. I really like my blue tongue. You are my expert I go to. Thank you so much!!!!
I resonate so much with do number 1. Heck, I originally wanted a pink tongue skink and had been researching those while ALSO researching both Australian and Indonesian blue tongues, as they share similar enough requirements in the form of diet and environment (specifically to Indonesian ones on environment). However, one cat toy video got my wife wanting a blue tongue over the pink tongue and that's what I ended up getting. Still extremely happy, and super glad that I included blue tongues in my research on pink tongues. Edit: and I'd also like to add on, don't just research the reptile, but also research anything related to the reptile (specifically, in my current case, plants for a bioactive setup)
+Haylee Martin Ive never had an aggressive skink. I have a relatively defensive Tanimbar but it has not tried to bite yet. Most skinks are huffy but some will lunge as if to bit but its all bluff then some very very fee will take the next step and actually bite. Most captive bred skinks are pretty friendly or at least tolerant of handling.
I've litetally been researching for years for my bts, now finally tommorrow I get to go pick my first northern blue tongue and I could not be more excited!
I rescued my blue tongue skink and all I had was 2 corn snakes. I did my main research first (food, house, heat) and then when i noticed more things with my newly rescued skink i researched more and got the things he needs. I got him from a woman who didn't look after him well and i noticed he had over grown nails and a whistle when breathing, I did endless research, took him to the vets and they told me you seem to know what your doing he should be fine in a couple of weeks. Now hes just got a new uva and uvb light put in, clipped nails, better bedding and a better diet. You can rescue an animal you've never had before because thats how you learn. And now my boy is doing fine and eating well. Just make sure you have the important research and you can happily rescue a new pet into your reptile collection.
In all fairness though I bought him not knowing he was ill. The previous owners didn't treat him well at all. When i cleaned out his tank there was poo all underneath the bedding and it hadn't been cleaned in a while. He also wasn't handle a lot.
shantelle thorpe thats so great to hear you made life better for your bluey! You did it the right way in learning first, too many folks rescue an animal without having a clue and then sadly the rescued animal needs a second rescuing :-( not long after... Please keep up the great work! And thanks for watching :-)
Could not agree more with putting the brakes on this 'rescue' trend among new Reptile keepers. Every second reptile video I watch these days seems to feature some species or another being improperly cared for while the narrator announces "so uh, these are my rescues", meanwhile I'm thinking - "if that is considered a rescue, it must have come from a truly horrendous situation".
Yeah, I love that people want to be kind to animals and believe they are doing a "good" thing but one must actually be making life better for the animal not just a different form of bad with good intentions. Intentions don't heal wounds, pay vet bills, and provide quality husbandry. Those things can certainly be learned but they don't come intrinsically with good intentions.
Indeed, I just wanted to also say. I watched a lot of your content over the last few hours since wachting the Omni-Gold review this past week and must compliment you on the quality of the information you are presenting and the manner in which you deliver it. No fluff, no guesswork or reaching, no conjecture. It is good quality content and it will be immediately apparent to those familiar with such works that a lot of your information is grounded in some of the more recent studies, so again, my compliments. Keep up the good work, and I for one will watch it all from now on.
Thanks Shane I really appreciate that feedback! I hope my channel actually impacts keepers in a positive way. Even if it's just to start them thinking outside the box.
Hey Bob, both are great pets and great choices. I would say a blue tongue is better because they are just as rewarding with fewer specific requirements. They are also more forgiving as far as care goes.
I would say I depends on your situation I have 2 baby bearded dragons at my mom's house and am thinking about getting A BTS at my dad's house both seem like begginer pets. when I want a animal I write papers on them, RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH always research
I was sad at the number two don'ts because of thinking my baby BTS is going to be big and outgrew its home so Im almost thinking of giving it away when it reached its teen days but luckily I saw your channel seeing you sir using TUBS!!!So I instantly went to get a tub and now no worries on giving it away no more.Thank you for your video!!!😁😁😁
"Keeping children" 😂😂😂😂 I so nearly took a pair of bts but when i noticed something strange with its legs in the pictures. I asked if it could walk properly? They said it dosnt use its back legs completely! They werent even gunna tell me. I had to ask! Definitely research and ask a heck lot of questions! Also these videos are the best! So helpful
Hey guys I need help with my skink He's a merauke skink (tiliqua gigas Evanescens) and he's been living the 2 first years of his life with another person, I just got him 5 months ago and he was pretty ok with being handled,but he got sick with parasites and I had to give him medicine orally and now he hates me. He even jumps at me, hissing, flashing his tongue all those things he never did before ..what can I do so that he doesn't hate me anymore or will it go away? I'm really sad that he hates me what can I do for him to like me again....he doesn't respond to food because he's not as food fixated
My first reptile was a rescue turtle, had shell rot and all, was living on the worst diet possible, I did a lot of things right with her but I also did a lot wrong, I had her back to full health, she was happy, I was building her an outdoor enclosure and one day I let her try it out before it was complete, I got distracted and she found a way out and I never saw her again :( we were basically in her natural habitat half a km from the Brisbane river so I hope she found her way there
Awesome video! seriously considering one of these little guys. Throughout my research I've noticed a difference in heating methods. In your professional opinion, would you recommend a UV/heat bulb or a heating pad with UV exposure? or both?
Thanks for the compliment! They are definitely awesome critters and well worth the money, time and effort which isn't much considering how amazing they are. I've kept blue tongues with belly heat and with overhead heat. I think either works its truly what can you provide with the most ease and stability. I have some on thermostat controlled heat tape and some on lamps with dimmers. As far as UV its up to you because they can benefit from it and also thrive without it as long as they are supplemented with D3 in their diet. They're D3 needs are far less than a bearded dragon or desert species mid-day basking type lizard. I hope that helps.
0:32 yup. I keep fish and i know all about research because there are so many factors in what they need to eat, calcium/magnesium levels in the water, nitrogen tolerance, compatibility with other fish (weather it be food, pH, kH, gH, hardness, aggression) crazy need of research.
Cool, so these are working well for your animals (I've read it's the minimum size requirement)? How are they heated? With a heat pad under the tank? And are they stackable, or did you build a custom rack to hold them?
They are working pretty well. They are the minimum size but they work good. I have an under tank heater on one end set to about 80-82F and then a halogen mini lamp on another spot for the higher temps at 95-101F. There s also a spot for a cooler zone at about 75F. Check out Episode 2 it has a full detail. They are stackable but not with light. I build the shelf they are on. All the materials for the shelf not including the tanks was 100 USD!
Should I get a blue tongue skink can they move from cage to cage at least once a week. Dont ask why because I have a very god reason I go back and forth from my moms house and my dads house and nether of them will care for my future blue tongue skink, so I need to have two setups and take them back and forth.
I use to go back and forth from my mom and dads too (Every 3.5 days for 13 years). How long is the trip? I would say that IF the cages are IDENTICAL in setup AND you keep both cages in a low traffic area AND the transfer each week isn't too stressful it could work. I would not try it with a baby though as they could stress much easier and not do well. But a juvenile/sub adult or even adult might be okay.
I just bought my first BTS and I put my hand in the tank to put moss and it hissed at me. Is there any reason for that or could it just be because of the move from the pet store to my house?
I’m finding everyone has a different opinion of how too keep, feed and specially bedding ect. My blue tongue lizard has recently changed to a new terrarium and has stopped eating for a week. She normally has crickets but hasn’t eaten a thing since being in her new enclosure. She also has dry biscuits and greens but won’t even eat that. How can you tell if your lizard is going into breeding?
z keifer Thanks for watching!!! Yes. I have a genetics video lined up for mid April and a breeding video coming as well. Also a skink morph (visual traits) video in the mix also. :-)
Hi there! I just wanted to say that your videos are probably the most helpful that I have found, and I've been doing research on BTS for a few weeks, and am interested in getting one. I have a question about the tank situation that I have... So I already have a Ball Python who is about 4 months old and I am planning on getting a Blue Tongue Skink. I have two other tanks (besides the one the python is in), one is a 10 gallon (20 x 11 x 13) with a lid and another tank that is about 40 gallons (36 x 13 x 20) with no lid. I was planning on getting a baby Blue Tongue Skink, and keeping it in the 10g tank for a few months until it grows out of it. After it grows out, I was thinking of switching it to the 40g tank, but it is more of a fish tank rather than a reptile tank, meaning that it is taller than wider... So I was thinking that I could possibly just flip the tank on its horizontal side and get a lid that only opens on one of the sides (length ways). But I'm not quite sure how to do that, and if that will even work for housing a Blue Tongue Skink? I'd rather not have to buy a new tank and just utilize the ones I already have. Thanks
Hi Sunny Dayz! Thanks for the feedback I am very glad to hear that my videos are helpful! I don't see why you couldn't use an under tank heater for belly heat and construct or buy a lid/door for the tank you have. As long as the skink doesn't get his/her snout messed up from nose rub on the lid that would be on its level it could work (not all skinks will get nose rub injuries). There are so many options for enclosures out there as well. I fully understand not wanting to go out and purchase something if what you have will work. I'm sure you could make do. However, I worry it would bother you more than the skink. I would guess that you would be better off getting an animal that is better fitted for the that tank or get a more skink ready tank. Just a thought. I'd love to know what you decide.
I really appreciate the reply, it was very helpful! I forgot to mention that I am saving up for a proper sized tank, although I don't really know how long that will take. But it would happen eventually, I want my Blue Tongue to be as happy and comfortable as possible.
@@ReptileMountainTV thank you. I've asked our local vets and none of them Specialise In Reptiles. So no one knows. I don't use any sprays or incense as I don't want to cause him harm. Thank you for your fast replies.
also i have been pretty confused on what water they can drink. I know they cant drink tap water but is regular drinking water ok? such as it still has the minerals and etc.
Yes. And if you use ReptiSafe for the tap water it is usually okay as well. All the reptiles at the zoo I worked at drank tap water... but that was years ago :)
I have a bluey and I just discovered him biting his own tail today when I had him out of his cage. Are you familiar with this behavior? I uploaded a video as well. Thanks!
+stephizzle55 I watched the video and the egg video looks like he had some skin from shed still there... is there some possibly on his tail? Maybe it was bothering him?? Ive seen them bite feet but that was because of an infected toe. Did he keep doing in the cage after you put him back?
ReptileMountain.TV Thanks for the fast response! Pretty much all of his shed is gone and I looked at his tail for any irritation and didn't see anything at all abnormal. He's acting totally normal now that he's back in his cage. I'm wondering if it was a stress or territorial thing?
Well it depends on the zipcode actually. You can check yourself if you'd like. Go to ReptilesExpress.com and use their quick quote calculator. My zipcode is 80235 and the box would be 9x9x9 and 1lb. :)
Hey! i was hoping to buy a blue tongue from your website, the new babies you just had. i follow you on insta and i was wondering when you will be selling them/shipping them?
I know this is a weird question but is the tiliqua freaks shirt part of like an organization do you need to be a part of something to wear it? Because I don't want to wear something and not know if it's part of something! XD
Nope its the Blue Tongue Skink breeder Colin Shoemark’s logo. He’s is the camera guy for Critter Cam on youtube and an Aussie BTS nut with an awesome logo!
I really want a blue tongue skink I've done some research and absolutely am doing more i just had one question I haven't really found in tank tutorials.. is eco earth good for them??!?! As a substrate is it good for them or no?
EcoEarth (Coco fiber) is a good choice. I dont use it unless mixed with cypress mulch (ZooMed Forest Floor) because it's so light weight it end up in the water bowl all the time.
I have a question. I'm in the uk I'm planning on getting a bts in september but the biggest thing that is clashing with me is basking heat or heat mat. I've seen both and been told both are ok but I'm hoping there are bts keepers/pros here that can inform me what is better. Thanks
If you have access to facebook there is a group called Blue Tongue Skink Enthusiasts and another called Blue Tongue Skink Keepers both of these groups has a file in the files section that lists reputable breeders. You can also to online to some of the reptile classifies as well as the Facebook Blue Tongue Skink Classifieds USA group (If you are in the US). I will hopefully have babies available this summer for sale also.
Hi... I totally didn’t watch this video before rescuing my blue tongue skink from petco 😅 this is my second reptile.. first being a bearded dragon.. which is a desert lizard and this is a lot different my skink had parasites but the petco got rid of them, I brought up the humidity with the pet store and they didn’t seem to care so I bought him... now what..? He’s just a baby
I researched before I bought him, but I want more education, that’s why I’m here 🥰 I would love to hold him but he’s very scared ( I added more hides in his habitat and that seemed to help a lot but still he’s so shy
Hi Kerryanne Kara! Yes, I recommend buying from an experienced breeder. You can join the Blue Tongue Skink Keepers facebook group or look in the Blue Tongue Skinks Classifieds USA on facebook as well. I hope to have a few babies available this June/July if my females who I beleive are gravid have good litters. You can check my website for more info or follow me of facebook for up to date info. ReptileMountain.com or Facebook.com/reptilemountain
GrantGoings Vlogs Thanks for watching. If you are in the US I recommend checking the Facebook Blue Tongue Skink Classifieds USA group as well as the Facebook Blue Tongue Skink Keepers and Enthusiasts groups. They have animals posted there as well as a list of reputable breeders. I am hoping to have two litters this June as well.
I don't agree with don't number one. My first reptile full stop was a crestie with bad mbd. I took her from an owner. I'd done (normal healthy crestie) research but nothing prepared me for MBD and and all her issues... she now has uvb over head heating, a propper vivarium. She has the right diet with the right vitamins and minerals. She had none of that before me. She couldn't stick, climb or even shed when she came to me. To say she's a different animal is an understatement. She climbs, sheds, eats and has amazing energy and movement. Some people in my life have said shed maybe be gone without me...
Not all rescue animals are in bad condition or suffer behavior issues. If you rescue a skink from a "Rescue" not from another person who neglected it, or from a pet shop, you probably will be ok. There should really be a caveat that rescuing from some reputable source, isn't a bad idea.
S G thanks for the reply. The idea is that rescuing is not bad. The idea that I'm trying to get across is that a person shouldn't attempt to rescue an animal without actually understanding and knowing how to keep the animal first. Rescuing itself isn't a bad thing at all. In fact it's wonderful.but if someone doesn't know how to take care of a skink they are the last candidate that should be performing skink rescue.
Hi Thanks for watching. Approximately 18 months to 2 years to be fully grown. However some animals are nearly adult size in as little as 8 months. I have several 2016 animals that are sexually mature and nearing adult size and under a year old.
Hi, thanks for watching. Doing research and weekly or bi-weekly body checks should start from day one (ideally research would start before acquisition). The don'ts of not rescuing an animal before knowing how to keep it should remain until the person knows how to keep the species. And the last don't "never compromise care" is and always. I hope that helps. :)
i've always wanted a blue tongue skink! i don't think my parents would let me have one just yet though because i do have a leopard gecko (or should i say my dad has one but it's kept in my room) i would love a bts so much, is there anyway i could try and bribe my parents into getting me one so my dad has a leopard gecko and i have a bts 😂👍🏻
Help! What dementions for a tank to keep a blue tongue lizard do you recommend. (Metric ples) I'm 14 and have kept fish for a year and I want to expand my horizons
Ive heard of some keepers giving them large enough water dishes to soak and they say they do sometimes but I don’t soak my skinks. Even with shed issues I don’t soak as they aren’t well conditioned for water and deep water can stress them very quickly.
Ummm, well some will chill with their keepers on their lap while watching TV. Others want to roam around and explore and won’t stay still. So... yes and no..
I purchased most of mine from the breeders themselves. There are a few facebook groups which keep lists of the breeders. Try Blue Tongue Skink Keepers or Blue Tongue Skink Enthusiasts Facebook groups for more.
Awesome! I'm sold out of babies for this season but you are welcome to subscribe to my notification email list to be among the first to know when babies are up for sale next year. www.reptilemountain.com/available :-)
+milkhalo Good question! Taming can take time. I use a soft rubber spatula to block any bites from super grumpy skinks such as postpartum females. Its gentle in their mouths and on my fingers lol.
Keith Bridges thanks for watching. Let me give you a better background on what I believe you are referring too. I called the animal welfare folks on a pet STORE not a private owner because they were unwilling to make corrections about husbandry. I didnt call just because they disagreed. The results of not heeding my evidence based advice resulted in animals in dire unhealthy environments (not opinion but fact). It was because the animals were bona fide suffering. Not a disagreement on opinions. One example of unsuitable husbandry they refused to correct:they were keeping an Indonesian blue tongue (Tiliqua gigas gigas) on dry aspen with no humidity and had been for weeks. It is well known that they need humidity of 70% minimum. That particular animal nearly died as a result. I attempted to politely advise them and they told me they knew what they were doing. Which they clearly did not. The animal was confiscated because the pet shop was not providing correct care. Despite my attempt to help first their ego and willful ignorance WAS the issue. The animal and many others were not "arbitrarily confiscated," there was valid reason. I was trying to help them prevent more animal ailments and the eventual confiscation that occurred. What I did was the right thing to do (try to help politely and if that doesn't work elevate the issue to someone who has more control like the authorities). Had it been a simple matter of opinion why would the authorities confiscate the animals? They had cause. Side note: that store owner was charged with and convicted of multiple counts of animal cruelty and neglect as well as prohibited from selling any animals in the state for several years.
ReptileMountain.TV Woah, that's pretty messed up. This fool who was convicted of animal cruelty and neglect was allowed to run a pet shop? I'm glad you got him reported, it could've become much worse than incorrect humidity levels.
I'm getting a blue tongue and I have been up all night and all day just on websites blogs RUclips videos and much more. I want to give my blue tongue the best setup and diet. I'm in love with these animals they just always interest me. I'm really thankful for these video along with the setup and the diet.
I'm glad you liked the videos. I hope you enjoy your blue tongue too! They are great animals, really fun to watch, hold, and interact with. Let me know if I can help in any way. Best, TC PS Thanks for watching.
How's your blue tongue nowadays?
Omg same
He may be talking about issues that are talked about a lot. But they need to always be talked about because it is a big issue about care and the rescue of not cared for animals. There are a lot of stupid people out there (cough cough the guy I got my skink Gerald from) who got it because of a status hey Im cool I got a big lizard! Didnt do any research so he was in a small tank with no hiding places or a basking spot and the totaly wrong substrate! I took a long time to research skinks before getting one..And I do think there is always something new to learn and if you stop learning you are doing a disservice to your animal, no matter what they are. We get them to insure they are happy and healthy and in turn they show us how amazing they are! I love this video and sent it to so rescues I know in my city!
I really do like the research you mention it is true. When I first started getting into reptiles I look up what was the best beginner lizard, leopard gecko was on the top of that list. I bought one from a pet shop he claim all their animals are healthy and I believe them. In a month she died, turn out she was a lot sicker than I realize. My second gecko I got from a breeder and I had her for 3 years and she is a very active healthy girl. Even now I still do research on the species.Now another story that had a different ending was that of my Columbian Tegu which I did rescue, now I had no experience on them, but I was the only available option because her previous owner couldn't handle her aggression and was thinking about releasing her in her non native habitat. I had to step in. She was rescue I took her to the vet he was underweight, dehydrated, and had giardia. She got medication and the next month she was eating on her own :) It took 6 months for her to trust me. She bit me all the time. Now had her for 2 years and she is not as aggressive as she was before. I was happy to have her, even with my little knowledge. I still read up on gold tegus still.
+Wolfprincess90 Thats great she is doing better. You were willing to put in the work and that's what matters!!!
Thank you, I find there are exception if you put in the extra work. I do not regret having her.
Thank you so, so much for your channel. My grandson wanted a blue tongue skink (18 years old) and guess what? Grandma got it! Your channel has really assisted me in getting used to my blue tongue. Six months ago I never thought I would ever, ever, ever get near or touch a reptile. I really like my blue tongue. You are my expert I go to. Thank you so much!!!!
🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
I resonate so much with do number 1. Heck, I originally wanted a pink tongue skink and had been researching those while ALSO researching both Australian and Indonesian blue tongues, as they share similar enough requirements in the form of diet and environment (specifically to Indonesian ones on environment). However, one cat toy video got my wife wanting a blue tongue over the pink tongue and that's what I ended up getting. Still extremely happy, and super glad that I included blue tongues in my research on pink tongues.
Edit: and I'd also like to add on, don't just research the reptile, but also research anything related to the reptile (specifically, in my current case, plants for a bioactive setup)
Here in my garage researching my skinky!
you should do a reptile room tour
scott coming soon ;-)
You deserve way more views/subscribers. Keep up the good work!
Looking through your old vids....what makes this channel so great? YOU CAN FACT CHECK EVERYTHING!!!! keep up the great work!!!
Thank you!!!
I'm slowly watching all of your videos and I love them!
Sarah, I started there - now I have my own little bub on the way from TC right now! I am BEYOND excited, I don't think I will sleep tonight!!!!
Your armadillo is like, wathcu doin you piece of trash! Put me down peasant! XD
+Just another Goldfish lol 😂
I really want a skink they're beautiful and have awesome personalities
+Haylee Martin they are great!!!
ReptileMountain.TV have you ever had an aggressive skink and what are some signs to know if they are aggressive before getting a skink?
+Haylee Martin Ive never had an aggressive skink. I have a relatively defensive Tanimbar but it has not tried to bite yet. Most skinks are huffy but some will lunge as if to bit but its all bluff then some very very fee will take the next step and actually bite. Most captive bred skinks are pretty friendly or at least tolerant of handling.
ReptileMountain.TV ok I was worried about that but I'm definitely going to do so much research before getting one
I've litetally been researching for years for my bts, now finally tommorrow I get to go pick my first northern blue tongue and I could not be more excited!
Congratulations 🎊🍾
I rescued my blue tongue skink and all I had was 2 corn snakes. I did my main research first (food, house, heat) and then when i noticed more things with my newly rescued skink i researched more and got the things he needs. I got him from a woman who didn't look after him well and i noticed he had over grown nails and a whistle when breathing, I did endless research, took him to the vets and they told me you seem to know what your doing he should be fine in a couple of weeks. Now hes just got a new uva and uvb light put in, clipped nails, better bedding and a better diet. You can rescue an animal you've never had before because thats how you learn. And now my boy is doing fine and eating well. Just make sure you have the important research and you can happily rescue a new pet into your reptile collection.
In all fairness though I bought him not knowing he was ill. The previous owners didn't treat him well at all. When i cleaned out his tank there was poo all underneath the bedding and it hadn't been cleaned in a while. He also wasn't handle a lot.
shantelle thorpe thats so great to hear you made life better for your bluey! You did it the right way in learning first, too many folks rescue an animal without having a clue and then sadly the rescued animal needs a second rescuing :-( not long after... Please keep up the great work! And thanks for watching :-)
Thank you for being an amazingly good source for info for blue tongues!!!
🙏
Super video! Really interested in getting a BTS soon :)
Thanks! I'm excited to soon welcome you into the BTS family. :)
Thanks. I've been doing my research. You talk a lot of sense too :) check out my videos if you get a chance!
Good advice! You are an Olympic champion when it comes to taking care of BTS's.
Could not agree more with putting the brakes on this 'rescue' trend among new Reptile keepers.
Every second reptile video I watch these days seems to feature some species or another being improperly cared for while the narrator announces "so uh, these are my rescues", meanwhile I'm thinking - "if that is considered a rescue, it must have come from a truly horrendous situation".
Yeah, I love that people want to be kind to animals and believe they are doing a "good" thing but one must actually be making life better for the animal not just a different form of bad with good intentions. Intentions don't heal wounds, pay vet bills, and provide quality husbandry. Those things can certainly be learned but they don't come intrinsically with good intentions.
Indeed,
I just wanted to also say. I watched a lot of your content over the last few hours since wachting the Omni-Gold review this past week and must compliment you on the quality of the information you are presenting and the manner in which you deliver it.
No fluff, no guesswork or reaching, no conjecture. It is good quality content and it will be immediately apparent to those familiar with such works that a lot of your information is grounded in some of the more recent studies, so again, my compliments.
Keep up the good work, and I for one will watch it all from now on.
Thanks Shane I really appreciate that feedback! I hope my channel actually impacts keepers in a positive way. Even if it's just to start them thinking outside the box.
I am confident that it will, I am not quickly endeared to anybodies channel, but a subscription here is an easy choice to make in my view.
+Shane :-)
as a beginner, your advice I mean a lot ....thanks
Vladimir, I'm super glad my videos are helping. I wish you the best as you keep your animals. Let me know if you need anything.
witch do you think is a better animal Im a 14 year old and I dont know weather I should get a BTS or a bearded drangon please help
Hey Bob, both are great pets and great choices. I would say a blue tongue is better because they are just as rewarding with fewer specific requirements. They are also more forgiving as far as care goes.
thanks that will defiantly influence my disunion
BLUE TONGUE SKINK!!!!!!!!!!!!
bob jones I would get the cheaper one. I have a bearded dragon and they're really fun.
I would say I depends on your situation I have 2 baby bearded dragons at my mom's house and am thinking about getting A BTS at my dad's house both seem like begginer pets. when I want a animal I write papers on them, RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH always research
I was sad at the number two don'ts because of thinking my baby BTS is going to be big and outgrew its home so Im almost thinking of giving it away when it reached its teen days but luckily I saw your channel seeing you sir using TUBS!!!So I instantly went to get a tub and now no worries on giving it away no more.Thank you for your video!!!😁😁😁
"Keeping children" 😂😂😂😂 I so nearly took a pair of bts but when i noticed something strange with its legs in the pictures. I asked if it could walk properly? They said it dosnt use its back legs completely! They werent even gunna tell me. I had to ask!
Definitely research and ask a heck lot of questions! Also these videos are the best! So helpful
Hey guys I need help with my skink
He's a merauke skink (tiliqua gigas Evanescens) and he's been living the 2 first years of his life with another person, I just got him 5 months ago and he was pretty ok with being handled,but he got sick with parasites and I had to give him medicine orally and now he hates me. He even jumps at me, hissing, flashing his tongue all those things he never did before ..what can I do so that he doesn't hate me anymore or will it go away? I'm really sad that he hates me what can I do for him to like me again....he doesn't respond to food because he's not as food fixated
Just found your channel and your content is fantastic, I've been doing a lot of research on care but I've still learned new things from your videos.
Thank so much for the feedback! I love hearing that!
My first reptile was a rescue turtle, had shell rot and all, was living on the worst diet possible, I did a lot of things right with her but I also did a lot wrong, I had her back to full health, she was happy, I was building her an outdoor enclosure and one day I let her try it out before it was complete, I got distracted and she found a way out and I never saw her again :( we were basically in her natural habitat half a km from the Brisbane river so I hope she found her way there
Good work!
Awesome video! seriously considering one of these little guys. Throughout my research I've noticed a difference in heating methods. In your professional opinion, would you recommend a UV/heat bulb or a heating pad with UV exposure? or both?
Thanks for the compliment! They are definitely awesome critters and well worth the money, time and effort which isn't much considering how amazing they are. I've kept blue tongues with belly heat and with overhead heat. I think either works its truly what can you provide with the most ease and stability. I have some on thermostat controlled heat tape and some on lamps with dimmers. As far as UV its up to you because they can benefit from it and also thrive without it as long as they are supplemented with D3 in their diet. They're D3 needs are far less than a bearded dragon or desert species mid-day basking type lizard. I hope that helps.
GREAT video! I absolutely love my blue tongue
Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed! Blueys are awesome I totally agree.
0:32 yup. I keep fish and i know all about research because there are so many factors in what they need to eat, calcium/magnesium levels in the water, nitrogen tolerance, compatibility with other fish (weather it be food, pH, kH, gH, hardness, aggression) crazy need of research.
+Aiden Meredith awesomeness! Learning never stops ;-)
Me being a kid who wants a skink and him talking as if kids are pets😂
🐸🐊🐍🐭 have 4 lizards now 16 months . always research. food. enclosure ect . we all happy. Keith Australia
Great videos man! What kind of cages are those in the background? Are those your bts cages?
Thanks so much! A few of them. My younger skinks are in those. They are Exo-Terra 36in x 18in x 12in (L x w x H).
Cool, so these are working well for your animals (I've read it's the minimum size requirement)? How are they heated? With a heat pad under the tank? And are they stackable, or did you build a custom rack to hold them?
They are working pretty well. They are the minimum size but they work good. I have an under tank heater on one end set to about 80-82F and then a halogen mini lamp on another spot for the higher temps at 95-101F. There s also a spot for a cooler zone at about 75F. Check out Episode 2 it has a full detail. They are stackable but not with light. I build the shelf they are on. All the materials for the shelf not including the tanks was 100 USD!
ReptileMountain.TV Thanks! I have one more question: What do you house your adults in?
Check this out. I keep them in these. They work great! ruclips.net/video/YDm_OxNuaXI/видео.html
facebook.com/reptilemountain/posts/1741963296133960
Just discovered your channel, thank you so much for so many useful information on BTS! This helps a lot in my research :)
Thank you for watching!!
🐸🐊🐍🐭 good advice. always go over what you doing . updates for lizards. Keith Australia
Should I get a blue tongue skink can they move from cage to cage at least once a week. Dont ask why because I have a very god reason I go back and forth from my moms house and my dads house and nether of them will care for my future blue tongue skink, so I need to have two setups and take them back and forth.
Of course this will be in the next one two years I need to be fully confident I can care for the blue tongue skink
I use to go back and forth from my mom and dads too (Every 3.5 days for 13 years). How long is the trip? I would say that IF the cages are IDENTICAL in setup AND you keep both cages in a low traffic area AND the transfer each week isn't too stressful it could work. I would not try it with a baby though as they could stress much easier and not do well. But a juvenile/sub adult or even adult might be okay.
Great informative video, please continue your film craft.
I just bought my first BTS and I put my hand in the tank to put moss and it hissed at me. Is there any reason for that or could it just be because of the move from the pet store to my house?
Hissing is common. Check out my video on Skink's First Week it may help you out.
I’m finding everyone has a different opinion of how too keep, feed and specially bedding ect. My blue tongue lizard has recently changed to a new terrarium and has stopped eating for a week. She normally has crickets but hasn’t eaten a thing since being in her new enclosure. She also has dry biscuits and greens but won’t even eat that. How can you tell if your lizard is going into breeding?
Have you checked out my “skink won’t eat video?” It may help. 😁
1st time I've seen him without his hat on😁
Ha I think its the only video without my hat. I love hats lol
Can you do a video on breeding and genetics?? Great videos!!
z keifer Thanks for watching!!! Yes. I have a genetics video lined up for mid April and a breeding video coming as well. Also a skink morph (visual traits) video in the mix also. :-)
ReptileMountain.TV a
Awesome I can't wait to see it!! also do you have a website or social media Instagram?
What tank do you use I’m on a budget of $300 total for the whole setup I was just wondering what tank to get?
I have several kinds. Your least expensive bet is to but a 40 gallon breeder at one of those box stores when they have the $1 per gallon sales.
Hi there! I just wanted to say that your videos are probably the most helpful that I have found, and I've been doing research on BTS for a few weeks, and am interested in getting one. I have a question about the tank situation that I have...
So I already have a Ball Python who is about 4 months old and I am planning on getting a Blue Tongue Skink. I have two other tanks (besides the one the python is in), one is a 10 gallon (20 x 11 x 13) with a lid and another tank that is about 40 gallons (36 x 13 x 20) with no lid.
I was planning on getting a baby Blue Tongue Skink, and keeping it in the 10g tank for a few months until it grows out of it. After it grows out, I was thinking of switching it to the 40g tank, but it is more of a fish tank rather than a reptile tank, meaning that it is taller than wider... So I was thinking that I could possibly just flip the tank on its horizontal side and get a lid that only opens on one of the sides (length ways). But I'm not quite sure how to do that, and if that will even work for housing a Blue Tongue Skink? I'd rather not have to buy a new tank and just utilize the ones I already have.
Thanks
Hi Sunny Dayz! Thanks for the feedback I am very glad to hear that my videos are helpful! I don't see why you couldn't use an under tank heater for belly heat and construct or buy a lid/door for the tank you have. As long as the skink doesn't get his/her snout messed up from nose rub on the lid that would be on its level it could work (not all skinks will get nose rub injuries). There are so many options for enclosures out there as well. I fully understand not wanting to go out and purchase something if what you have will work. I'm sure you could make do. However, I worry it would bother you more than the skink. I would guess that you would be better off getting an animal that is better fitted for the that tank or get a more skink ready tank. Just a thought. I'd love to know what you decide.
I really appreciate the reply, it was very helpful!
I forgot to mention that I am saving up for a proper sized tank, although I don't really know how long that will take. But it would happen eventually, I want my Blue Tongue to be as happy and comfortable as possible.
When your going to bed do you turn off your skinks lights or not
Off
@@ReptileMountainTV How much hours should they be on/off ?
12/12
Can you spray fly spray or any bug sprays around bluetongue skink. I can't find any information around it.
If it has pesticides in it I would avoid it or at least be very cautious. Spraying poison that could affect the skink might not be best.
@@ReptileMountainTV what about citronella oil. IM not going to use anything until I know for certain
Im not 100% honestly. I use sticky paper outside the enclosure to trap flies. You may need to ask a vet about using scents and oils. 😕
@@ReptileMountainTV thank you. I've asked our local vets and none of them Specialise In Reptiles. So no one knows. I don't use any sprays or incense as I don't want to cause him harm. Thank you for your fast replies.
also i have been pretty confused on what water they can drink. I know they cant drink tap water but is regular drinking water ok? such as it still has the minerals and etc.
Yes. And if you use ReptiSafe for the tap water it is usually okay as well. All the reptiles at the zoo I worked at drank tap water... but that was years ago :)
I have a bluey and I just discovered him biting his own tail today when I had him out of his cage. Are you familiar with this behavior? I uploaded a video as well. Thanks!
+stephizzle55 I watched the video and the egg video looks like he had some skin from shed still there... is there some possibly on his tail? Maybe it was bothering him?? Ive seen them bite feet but that was because of an infected toe. Did he keep doing in the cage after you put him back?
ReptileMountain.TV Thanks for the fast response! Pretty much all of his shed is gone and I looked at his tail for any irritation and didn't see anything at all abnormal. He's acting totally normal now that he's back in his cage. I'm wondering if it was a stress or territorial thing?
+stephizzle55 Could've been anxiousness or something. Just keep an eye on it I guess???
hey sorry to bug you again but i live in California. how much would shipping cost because im worried i wont have enough money. just wondering thanks!
Well it depends on the zipcode actually. You can check yourself if you'd like. Go to ReptilesExpress.com and use their quick quote calculator. My zipcode is 80235 and the box would be 9x9x9 and 1lb. :)
Hey! i was hoping to buy a blue tongue from your website, the new babies you just had. i follow you on insta and i was wondering when you will be selling them/shipping them?
I have also been wanting some of these for a LONG TIME and i cant find nothern babies ANYWHERE been researching alot and this video is great help!
Hi! Awesome, babies will be ready for sale around the 4th of July. I want them to be close to 4 weeks old and eating well first.
I know this is a weird question but is the tiliqua freaks shirt part of like an organization do you need to be a part of something to wear it? Because I don't want to wear something and not know if it's part of something! XD
Nope its the Blue Tongue Skink breeder Colin Shoemark’s logo. He’s is the camera guy for Critter Cam on youtube and an Aussie BTS nut with an awesome logo!
Which should I get. Blue tongue skink or bearded dragon
Which ever one will make you the most passionate about keeping it and enjoying it. For me that is Blue Tongues by a million fold. But That's me....lol
ReptileMountain.TV thx so much for the quick reply
I think I’ll go with blue tongue skinks cuz theyre so much cuter
A very important set of do's and don'ts for just about any animal. Was a bit disappointed not to really learn anything about skinks though.
Fair feedback thank you. Check out my channel overall you can find tons on skinks.
I really want a blue tongue skink I've done some research and absolutely am doing more i just had one question I haven't really found in tank tutorials.. is eco earth good for them??!?! As a substrate is it good for them or no?
EcoEarth (Coco fiber) is a good choice. I dont use it unless mixed with cypress mulch (ZooMed Forest Floor) because it's so light weight it end up in the water bowl all the time.
I want a BTS I've been watching their videos and care guide since last week. I'm in love with them :')
+Erine KC Awesomeness! Keep up the research 👍🏼
What would you put in a home brew
bluetongueskinks.net/foodchart
'Don't rescue an animal' just out of context, im sorry but it made me laugh
Loved the video!
How would someone be able to contact you about purchasing one of your skinks for the future?
Boots Rivera Hi! Thanks for the interest. My facebook page @reptilemountain or email me at tc.houston@reptilemountain.com
Howm often do they shed, if they do at all?
+Lucymineplay 101 They do shed. Adults shed every 6-12 weeks depending on age. Babies shed every 2-4 weeks as they grow they shed less.
what size is your tank exo terra terrarium
+JF FILMS its 36in L x 18in W x 12in H (they call it a large low)
Great vid
your dog is so cute
I have a question. I'm in the uk I'm planning on getting a bts in september but the biggest thing that is clashing with me is basking heat or heat mat.
I've seen both and been told both are ok but I'm hoping there are bts keepers/pros here that can inform me what is better.
Thanks
+Joe Maher I use both with success. Benefit of belly heat is it can be on independent of light so it can keep them warm if needed at night.
thank you
What's a good place to buy my new baby blue tongue from?
If you have access to facebook there is a group called Blue Tongue Skink Enthusiasts and another called Blue Tongue Skink Keepers both of these groups has a file in the files section that lists reputable breeders. You can also to online to some of the reptile classifies as well as the Facebook Blue Tongue Skink Classifieds USA group (If you are in the US). I will hopefully have babies available this summer for sale also.
Hi... I totally didn’t watch this video before rescuing my blue tongue skink from petco 😅 this is my second reptile.. first being a bearded dragon.. which is a desert lizard and this is a lot different my skink had parasites but the petco got rid of them, I brought up the humidity with the pet store and they didn’t seem to care so I bought him... now what..? He’s just a baby
I researched before I bought him, but I want more education, that’s why I’m here 🥰 I would love to hold him but he’s very scared ( I added more hides in his habitat and that seemed to help a lot but still he’s so shy
Great that you care so much,pity you took so long explaining the simplest facts.Peace from down under. My Blue tongues currently roam free
Thanks for the feedback
do you know where to buy blue tongue skinks
Hi Kerryanne Kara! Yes, I recommend buying from an experienced breeder. You can join the Blue Tongue Skink Keepers facebook group or look in the Blue Tongue Skinks Classifieds USA on facebook as well. I hope to have a few babies available this June/July if my females who I beleive are gravid have good litters. You can check my website for more info or follow me of facebook for up to date info. ReptileMountain.com or Facebook.com/reptilemountain
Where can I get a blue tung skink
Tongue
GrantGoings Vlogs Thanks for watching. If you are in the US I recommend checking the Facebook Blue Tongue Skink Classifieds USA group as well as the Facebook Blue Tongue Skink Keepers and Enthusiasts groups. They have animals posted there as well as a list of reputable breeders. I am hoping to have two litters this June as well.
I don't agree with don't number one. My first reptile full stop was a crestie with bad mbd. I took her from an owner.
I'd done (normal healthy crestie) research but nothing prepared me for MBD and and all her issues... she now has uvb over head heating, a propper vivarium. She has the right diet with the right vitamins and minerals. She had none of that before me. She couldn't stick, climb or even shed when she came to me. To say she's a different animal is an understatement. She climbs, sheds, eats and has amazing energy and movement. Some people in my life have said shed maybe be gone without me...
Thank you
Not all rescue animals are in bad condition or suffer behavior issues. If you rescue a skink from a "Rescue" not from another person who neglected it, or from a pet shop, you probably will be ok. There should really be a caveat that rescuing from some reputable source, isn't a bad idea.
S G thanks for the reply. The idea is that rescuing is not bad. The idea that I'm trying to get across is that a person shouldn't attempt to rescue an animal without actually understanding and knowing how to keep the animal first. Rescuing itself isn't a bad thing at all. In fact it's wonderful.but if someone doesn't know how to take care of a skink they are the last candidate that should be performing skink rescue.
How long does it take for a baby to grow to full size?
Hi Thanks for watching. Approximately 18 months to 2 years to be fully grown. However some animals are nearly adult size in as little as 8 months. I have several 2016 animals that are sexually mature and nearing adult size and under a year old.
My mom says bts look like a snake with legs lol but they do look pretty cute and interesting
Are you in the US and do you breed I would love to get one from someone so knowledgeable
Thanks. Yes Im in Colorado. www.reptilemountain.com
the size of an enclosure?
+Altzercrast Minimum adult enclosure size should be no less than 36 x 18 in floor space (40 breeder size)
your so right m8
mine bit me today and then later i saw that i was wearing Pink gloves XD
when do the dos and donts start?
Hi, thanks for watching. Doing research and weekly or bi-weekly body checks should start from day one (ideally research would start before acquisition). The don'ts of not rescuing an animal before knowing how to keep it should remain until the person knows how to keep the species. And the last don't "never compromise care" is and always. I hope that helps. :)
that's what I do
i've always wanted a blue tongue skink! i don't think my parents would let me have one just yet though because i do have a leopard gecko (or should i say my dad has one but it's kept in my room) i would love a bts so much, is there anyway i could try and bribe my parents into getting me one so my dad has a leopard gecko and i have a bts 😂👍🏻
I hope your folks will let you get one. They are so worth it.
Mine used to run away until I gave it meat
Help! What dementions for a tank to keep a blue tongue lizard do you recommend. (Metric ples) I'm 14 and have kept fish for a year and I want to expand my horizons
minimum 90x45x30cm :-)
ReptileMountain.TV thanks man :D
Do blue tongue skinks enjoy soaks every now and again? :)
Ive heard of some keepers giving them large enough water dishes to soak and they say they do sometimes but I don’t soak my skinks. Even with shed issues I don’t soak as they aren’t well conditioned for water and deep water can stress them very quickly.
Are these reptiles a lap reptile
Ummm, well some will chill with their keepers on their lap while watching TV. Others want to roam around and explore and won’t stay still. So... yes and no..
We're do you get your BTS
I purchased most of mine from the breeders themselves. There are a few facebook groups which keep lists of the breeders. Try Blue Tongue Skink Keepers or Blue Tongue Skink Enthusiasts Facebook groups for more.
i would love to get a skink from you!
Awesome! I'm sold out of babies for this season but you are welcome to subscribe to my notification email list to be among the first to know when babies are up for sale next year. www.reptilemountain.com/available :-)
Okay, what about biting?
+milkhalo Good question! Taming can take time. I use a soft rubber spatula to block any bites from super grumpy skinks such as postpartum females. Its gentle in their mouths and on my fingers lol.
my bluey shed the day after i got him
Same
I noticed you said "the tiliqua species". Tiliqua is a genus and not a species
+iParaShane Thanks I am aware lol. I was referring to species within the genus. Thats how most refer to it. ;-)
Look at you dressed up all snazzy 😉
Thanks some days I look better than others :-)
👍
Can I have one
im scared that they r going 2 get banned in the USA
you shouldn't be such a hand-talker while holding it. Gonna make it dizzy!
😱 Where's your Hat!!!
Hahhaa I know 🤣🤣🤣🤷♂️
okay your beating a dead horse
Hmmmmmmm you claim the pet owners had big egos but you told on them because they disagreed with you????? That is backwards at best.
Keith Bridges thanks for watching. Let me give you a better background on what I believe you are referring too. I called the animal welfare folks on a pet STORE not a private owner because they were unwilling to make corrections about husbandry. I didnt call just because they disagreed. The results of not heeding my evidence based advice resulted in animals in dire unhealthy environments (not opinion but fact). It was because the animals were bona fide suffering. Not a disagreement on opinions. One example of unsuitable husbandry they refused to correct:they were keeping an Indonesian blue tongue (Tiliqua gigas gigas) on dry aspen with no humidity and had been for weeks. It is well known that they need humidity of 70% minimum. That particular animal nearly died as a result. I attempted to politely advise them and they told me they knew what they were doing. Which they clearly did not. The animal was confiscated because the pet shop was not providing correct care. Despite my attempt to help first their ego and willful ignorance WAS the issue. The animal and many others were not "arbitrarily confiscated," there was valid reason. I was trying to help them prevent more animal ailments and the eventual confiscation that occurred. What I did was the right thing to do (try to help politely and if that doesn't work elevate the issue to someone who has more control like the authorities). Had it been a simple matter of opinion why would the authorities confiscate the animals? They had cause. Side note: that store owner was charged with and convicted of multiple counts of animal cruelty and neglect as well as prohibited from selling any animals in the state for several years.
ReptileMountain.TV Woah, that's pretty messed up. This fool who was convicted of animal cruelty and neglect was allowed to run a pet shop? I'm glad you got him reported, it could've become much worse than incorrect humidity levels.
The Death Reaper Official yeah it wasn't good. He view animals as commodities not animals to treat with some sort of care.