Blue tongue lizards, with their striking blue tongues and docile nature, are becoming increasingly popular pets. However, providing proper care for these fascinating reptiles requires understanding their specific needs. This comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge to ensure your blue tongue lizard thrives.
What are the Different Types of Blue Tongue Lizards?
There are several species of blue tongue lizards, each with slightly different care requirements. The most common in captivity are the Eastern Blue Tongue Skink (Tiliqua scincoides scincoides), the Northern Blue Tongue Skink (Tiliqua scincoides intermedia), and the Western Blue Tongue Skink (Tiliqua occipitalis). Understanding the specific needs of your lizard's subspecies is crucial for optimal health. For example, dietary preferences can vary slightly between species. Always research the specific needs of your lizard's exact species before bringing it home.
What Size Enclosure Do Blue Tongue Lizards Need?
The size of the enclosure is crucial. A juvenile blue tongue lizard will do well in a 40-gallon breeder tank, but adult lizards require significantly more space. A minimum of a 75-gallon tank is recommended for an adult, and a larger enclosure (even a custom-built enclosure) is always preferable, particularly for multiple lizards. The more space, the better! Remember to provide ample hiding places, climbing structures, and substrate appropriate for burrowing.
What Kind of Substrate Should I Use for My Blue Tongue Lizard?
Substrate choice is important for hygiene and your lizard's well-being. Avoid cedar and pine shavings as they can be harmful. Good options include reptile carpet, paper towels (easy to clean), or a mix of topsoil and cypress mulch, ensuring it is kept moist but not soggy to allow for burrowing behavior.
What Temperature and Humidity Should I Maintain?
Blue tongue lizards are ectothermic, meaning they rely on external sources for heat. A basking spot of 90-95°F (32-35°C) should be provided using a heat lamp or ceramic heat emitter. The ambient temperature should be maintained between 75-85°F (24-29°C). Humidity should be moderate, around 40-60%. You can monitor temperature and humidity using a reliable thermometer and hygrometer.
What Do Blue Tongue Lizards Eat?
Blue tongue lizards are omnivores with a diet that consists primarily of insects, but also includes fruits, vegetables, and occasionally meat. Their diet should be varied and include items like crickets, mealworms, roaches, fruits (berries, melons), vegetables (leafy greens, squash), and commercially available reptile food. Always ensure food is appropriately sized for your lizard. Supplement their diet with calcium and vitamin D3 to prevent metabolic bone disease (MBD).
What Fruits and Vegetables Can Blue Tongue Lizards Eat?
A wide variety of fruits and vegetables are suitable, but moderation is key. Offer a mix of options, such as berries (strawberries, blueberries), melons (cantaloupe, watermelon), leafy greens (collard greens, dandelion greens), and various squashes. Avoid citrus fruits and foods high in oxalates.
How Often Should I Feed My Blue Tongue Lizard?
Feeding frequency depends on the age and size of the lizard. Juveniles require more frequent feeding (daily or every other day), while adults can be fed every 2-3 days. Always remove any uneaten food to maintain a clean enclosure.
How Often Should I Clean My Blue Tongue Lizard's Enclosure?
Regular cleaning is essential for maintaining a healthy environment. Spot clean daily, removing feces and uneaten food. A complete enclosure cleaning should be performed weekly or bi-weekly, depending on the size of the enclosure and the number of lizards. This involves removing all substrate, scrubbing the enclosure, and replacing the substrate with fresh, clean material.
Do Blue Tongue Lizards Need UVB Lighting?
Yes, UVB lighting is crucial for proper calcium absorption and overall health. Provide a UVB bulb appropriate for reptiles, ensuring it's positioned correctly and replaced regularly according to the manufacturer's instructions. UVB bulbs lose their effectiveness over time.
How Do I Handle My Blue Tongue Lizard?
Handling should be done gently and with respect. Avoid startling the lizard and wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling to prevent the spread of bacteria or parasites. Young lizards should be handled minimally to reduce stress.
How Long Do Blue Tongue Lizards Live?
With proper care, blue tongue lizards can live for 20 years or more. This commitment should be considered before acquiring one.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of blue tongue lizard care. Remember to always conduct further research specific to your lizard’s subspecies to ensure you provide the most appropriate care. Consulting with a reptile veterinarian is highly recommended for any concerns about your lizard's health.
