EXPERIENCE ROXY'S PET SHOP CARE SHEETS

About Blue Tongue Skinks

Scientific Name: Tiliqua spp.

Lifespan: 15–20 years

Adult Size: 45–60 cm (18–24 inches)

Temperament: Calm and curious; generally tolerant of handling with regular interaction.

Housing

Enclosure Type: Glass or PVC terrarium with secure, ventilated top. These can often be found at bird shops in Birmingham.

Minimum Size: 120x45x45 cm (48x18x18 inches) for an adult.

Substrate: Aspen, cypress mulch, or a soil/sand mix — avoid cedar or pine. Depth of 5–10 cm for burrowing.

Décor: Multiple hides, cork logs, rocks, fake plants, and low branches for enrichment.

Heating & Lighting

Temperature:

Basking Area: 32–38°C (90–100°F)

Cool Side: 21–27°C (70–80°F)

Heating: Use a basking bulb or ceramic heat emitter. A thermostat is essential to maintain the temperature gradient.

Lighting: Full-spectrum UVB lighting is required (12 hours/day) for proper calcium metabolism and overall health.

Humidity & Water

Humidity: Moderate — keep around 40–60%.

Water: Provide a shallow water dish with fresh, clean water available at all times.

Misting: Light misting if needed, but avoid overly wet substrate.

Feeding

Diet: Omnivorous — a mix of protein (e.g. lean meat, insects, boiled egg), vegetables (squash, greens), and fruits (berries, banana, mango).

Feeding Frequency:

Juveniles: Daily

Adults: Every 2–3 days

Dust food with calcium and vitamin D3 supplement 2–3 times per week.

Handling

Handle gently and support the entire body. Skinks usually tolerate handling well but may stress if grabbed or restrained suddenly.

Limit sessions to 10–15 minutes at first, increasing as trust builds.

Cleaning

Spot Clean: Remove waste and leftover food daily.

Full Clean: Every 3–4 weeks; replace substrate and disinfect the enclosure.

🛒 Essential Shopping List

✔️ 120x45x45 cm Glass / PVC Enclosure / Vivarium

✔️ Suitable Substrate (Aspen, Cypress Mulch, or Soil Mix)

✔️ Basking Bulb or Ceramic Heat Emitter with Thermostat 75W to 100W

✔️ Full-Spectrum UVB Light (Reptile-Specific) 10–12% UVB

✔️ Digital Thermometer & Hygrometer

✔️ Shallow Water Dish

✔️ Multiple Hides and Logs

✔️ Fake Plants or Low Climbing Decor

✔️ Calcium & Vitamin D3 Supplements

✔️ Live Insects and Fresh Produce

✔️ Reptile-Safe Disinfectant