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.

Minimum Size: 90x45x45 cm (36x18x18 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: Basking bulb or ceramic heat emitter. Use a thermostat to maintain temperature gradient.

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

Humidity & Water
Humidity: Moderate — keep around 40–60%.

Water: 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
✔️ 90x45x45 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