Best Pet Blue Tongue?? | Which skink is best? - Ep. 103

[@daniellek.2456]

I recently got a baby Eastern a few weeks ago as my first bluey, I can definitely say the skink was worth the price! I let the animal settle in for a couple of weeks, allowing them to regularly eat before I started handling. The first time I went to grab the animal, I got the full on mouth display. No bite. I handle daily right now, and while they're huffy, I only got that mouth display once. Once I have them out, they literally just chill on my legs or arms. Such a relaxed little one

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Excellent 👏👏👏

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Excellent 👏👏

[@christinaserrone7023]

So great to see you back with your videos. I have several species, subspecies and all of my Northerns are handable. My Indonesians, specifically, my Tanimbar and Kei Island, not so much. But I love them, they are so primitive and as they were farm bred I can understand that. My Tanimbar, I'm glad to say, at least don't run and hide any longer. Two are the most friendly of the 5 I have. My Merauke are very friendly and when I ope their front facing doors, they climb right out onto my hand and arm, they are great and very friendly and never run to hide. My Kei Island was practically dead when it arrived and she was such a changellege. I had to hide her food under the foilage so she felt secure when coming out to eat.

[@dylanparker6402]

Here in Australia one of the best substrate in my opinion is euchy mulch (eucalyptus) it holds humidity perfect for any blue tongue and you can mix it with other substrate with no problems (most of the time)

[@ReptileMountainTV]

I totally agree. I looked into trying to get it outside of Australia and it’s not as simple as I wish it was :-)

[@Lampropeltis]

ReptileMountain.TV I did too. It appears they were growing it down in Florida because unlike Cypress, it’s easily renewable so it would be nicer conscience wise than cypress but it’s been hard to find anyone presently still working with it. ☹️

[@chrisdoe8187]

100% northerns are more fiesty, you do get some grumpy easterns but northerns seem to take the cake The most fiesty blueys I’ve ever seen and still own are my western x Kimberly northerns Those guys I’m determined want the whole human race exterminated 😂

[@begrateful8934]

Love my Northern BTS. Hes a bit hissy at first but its all a front once hes out of his enclosure hes real easy going.

[@ReptileMountainTV]

They are such great skinks! They are a great choice. Way better than some of the others for sure.

[@ellsiemackey8290]

where did you get him from? im looking to get my own but im not sure where to even look. i dont know which sites are dependable and which arent

[@YeZebster]

Where did you get a nothern ?

[@NullVoidNA]

I own a captive born Halmahera named Borris. He's never hissed, and never bitten me, or shown any aggression of any kind. The only bites I ever got were from when he was young and I was handfeeding dog food. Since then you can see the deliberate care he puts into to avoiding overextending past the food and onto my fingers. It's sort of like he just plucks it from my fingers instead of trying to swallow my hand along with the food. He has been quite timid, however. He runs and hides at the smallest disturbance. A year in, and he'll stick around even when I enter if the room is calm and I don't move too quick or do anything unusual. He's chill once you pick him up, and is fully cooperative for anywhere between 5-10 minutes depending on his current temp vs mine. He's more likely to cooperate if my skin is a source of warmth. The opposite occurs, he'll immediately roll and flail if I have cold hands and pull him from the heat lamp. He generally hates being touched or having his space violated and will slowly creep off to hide for the rest of the day. He's less likely to do this if I actually pick him up for a few minutes and give him time to realize he's not in danger. It's been frustrating having a timid skink that wants nothing to do with me, but I remain hopeful that I can continue to make progress since he's still young.

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Sounds like you've made some great progress. Time does wonders as well. Nice work.

[@timothygrulke1308]

Maybe its just his personality, but every time I see an eastern being handled on youtube they are so chill, but my little guy loves to squiggle and move around and hates being still for more than a few moments.

[@ReptileMountainTV]

I have a few wigglers as well. Still gentle just wiggly.

[@firdauszulkifly9641]

YAYYYYY. I have an Eastern!!!!! He’s 9months old and a ball of fun. Love him and love your channel TC❤️❤️❤️

[@ReptileMountainTV]

👏👏👏👏👏😁

[@ryanboscoe9670]

18 months now! Mine is 19 months 😁

[@bluedragon7720]

i have an eastern blue tongue skink who's a rescue. when we got him, he was insanely malnourished - all his bones were sticking out and he didn't have enough energy to lift his head. he'd never had lighting, heating, or live food. he''s doing so well now. he's still very underweight and the pickiest eater - he won't even eat silkworms. but he's doing so much better. oh, also, my eastern is kind of very much a biter.

[@bluedragon7720]

his name's wybie and he's a complete sweetheart, and so much stronger now.

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Well done!

[@1980mnelson]

I have a halmahera, I don’t mind the humidity, he is extremely kind and adorable!

[@kats1978]

Boy, this channel is like encyclopedia of skinks in captivity. Very informative plus easy to understand. Can’t thank you enough for running the channel. Anyway, I personally hope the price point of blue tongues remain expensive. It’s my subjective opinion, that higher cost will avoid non committed owners to purchase them and treat them bad.

[@christinaserrone7023]

Sorry for going on, I am really enjoying the different habits, etc., I could go on with the different things I have experienced with them. Now my Kei takes insects from me with the ting and looks for me early every morning. It was so scarry when I first got her, as i was sure she was going to die, but now she has weight and you cannot see her spine any longer and she I s my "Sweetie Pie". Again, look forward to seeing and learning from you. Thank you.

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Keis can be awesome for sure! So glad yours has a great home with you.

[@mightymouse1111]

We got our young northern 8 months ago and she promptly went into brumation for 4-5 months! But the last 3 months since she rejoined the world has been a joy for our family. Honestly we dont do a ton of handling but she is very tolerant when we do get her out. I have no experience with easterns but if they tend to be chiller than the northerns I wouldnt hesitate to take either if you have availability issues. Our northern has been a wonderful pet.

[@gz1423]

I just started watching your videos and I love them! They are very informative! I can’t wait until I get a blue tongue skink

[@washywashie]

Honestly, I find that I'm short for money often being a recent college grad, but the joy that I get from caring for my reptiles is worth every penny. I think that anyone under any income bracket can afford even a high end skink if they save for even six months for the upfront cost. Once you get the enclosure, gear and startup stuff, managing them is a couple bucks a month! And if you go bioactive, you might even only have to buy substrate once or twice a year.

[@katherinearft7665]

My northern started off pretty defensive but never bit. He would always run and hide when I came in the room. Over the past year that I have had him I have slowly built a very positive relationship with him. Now he begs for food like a puppy dog and climbs onto my extended arm when he wants to go explore. He isn’t cuddly but maybe we will get there some day

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Excellent work this far. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@-cMc-]

I feel like this guy should have a book. Honestly he's so knowledgeable. Ppl who take up space and breath air write books. Thus guy has so much more value.

[@ashlyntyrie234]

My eastern enclosure broke and I unfortunately literally lost my skink over a year ago however I have upgraded enclosure and getting another skink and I'm re watching all of your videos to make sure I really remember haha

[@AndreiAnastasescu]

Just started with a blue tongue skink. I've watched over 100 videos on youtube, yours are the most detailed! nice job/hobby!

[@ReptileMountainTV]

🙏🙏🙏

[@r0ttnn]

YOU ARE SO AMAZING AND HELPFUL! You make so much videos that I need to research and prepare for my blue tongue skink! I am thankful that you are here

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Thank you! 😊

[@nataliesreptiles]

I was needing a video like this. I've wanted a BTS for a while, but never knew which was better. I do love the colors and size of the Indos, but do I want to deal with the humidity? So maybe a Northern? Would be cool to have a part 2, with the other species and sub-species of BTS's to see which is best that require more humidity. Also, I LOVE that you made sure to put in that discrepancy that if money is the main factor for choice of BTS, then maybe getting an animal should wait until it isn't. The investment over the life time of the animal is totally worth it, and the upfront cost is soon long forgotten.

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Thanks. I would say a Northern or Eastern is a great choice. I will plan to dig into the higher humidity species in a future video for sure. Yes sadly some folks think that the blue tongue species are all the same or they underestimate the humidity issue and think saving a couple hundred bucks is worth the effort only to realize they really should have saved up for a Northern or Eastern.

[@briancarnahan6421]

Awesome video! I have had my northern almost a month and he is getting a lot better with handling. He does get hissy and nippy with me but once I pick him up he is calm. And I can open his door and he doesn’t freak out like he use to if he caught me looking at him threw a door crack.

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Your Northern will be a puppy dog in no time sounds like 👍🏼

[@briancarnahan6421]

ReptileMountain.TV thank you yeah when I hold him he doesn’t move at all is that normal? He once went backwards and then nipped my finger ha.

[@GogeeReptileCuddles]

I love the lizard bank - Francisco just hissed at you lol - easterns are adorable - she was tired and cranky and there was TC’s hat - I love huffy - woo hoo yay Eastern💙🦎💙

[@skinksinthecity]

Nice one T.C....another good one mate

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Thanks 👍

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Thanks for the email as well!!! I appreciate it. :-)

[@kiiwhee7688]

Hi I've been looking EVERYWHERE and I finally found you!!! I went to your site I want to buy a skink this year (northern) so excited

[@azorastarr3749]

Hello! I had a question on blue tongue skinks, I have never owned a lizard before but I have done tons of research and have an exotic pet vet on hand for the future that I trust after 7 years of having a rescue guinea pig prone to chronic URI flare ups. Anyway my cage set up (it’s a custom clear acrylic sheet aquarium) that is a 60 inch by 36 inch, I’ve done research I have the substrate, water bowl, food bowl, hiding place etc it’s set up except for heat and humidity. I know every skink kind has different heat/humidity requirements. My two choices from a local breeder are Halmahera blue tongue skink and High colored northern blue tongue. I know they have different humidity needs the Halmahera 60-80% and the Northern 40-60%. The issue is this week I watched the empty set up cage for the humidity readings. I have a lot of house plants so on a dry day my house and the cage by itself (without the humidifier) is typically around 57% humidity. But during an afternoon rain and until the heat of the next day (which is almost every afternoon in the rainy season) the humidity is averaging on 64%. What skink would you recommend? Also have you had Halmahera blue tongue skink experience? If so what’s it’s temperament when compared to a Northern blue tongue skink, I get mixed answers with this question.

[@nogames8982]

I recently got a peters banded skink. Adorable little thing. I'm not usually a fan of wild caught animals but I took a chance on this one.

[@ggittins4097]

My easterns are absolute dolls, not one sign of aggression apart from huffing when they're displeased. They don't get aggressive with me, strangers, or even each other

[@almacsutka3935]

This was actually useful for me for the opposite reason. I live in Ireland and the humidity in our house is about 70 (and up), so now i know which ones to get and why every second source is disagreeing on substrate haha

[@lyzzidc]

In Australia, I would say the best skink is a Shingleback, with the second being an Eastern. I have Shinglebacks and Easterns, they're both great, but the Shinglebacks are the best

[@nogames8982]

Hello TC! I saw your message that you are very busy at work with this wonderful pandemic we have going on right now. Hang in there. You are doing very important work. Can't wait for one of your new videos. Thank you for everything you do. Have a great Christmas.

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Thank you so much. You too! 👍🏼

[@LloydWallaby]

12:47 agree 100% As a Eastern owner they just don’t do it

[@indacoma]

I highly recommend the reptile kages enclosure espically if u have a halamahera it makes spraying the enclosure once a day a easy and feasible task. That cage type and right substrat combo really locks the humidity in for almost up to 48 hours with a good spraying.

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Absolutely! This ^^

[@christinabrown7308]

You eliminated my skink first! Irian jaya. One of my favorite things about him is how cute he looks in his humid hide.

[@crepooscul]

I have an Irian Jaya. Needs a bit more humidity, but I actually don't mind. In my 1 year experience with the skink, she was an extremely easy pet to keep overall, and this is about the only "challenge" there is. Caring for a (cool) pet is the main reason I'm doing this after all.

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Thats great! I wish more keepers were like you and up for a challenge 👍🏼

[@spinkscapes775]

I have Shinglebacks and they are wonderful and unique. Thinking about getting some blotched alpine as I think that they are the prettiest of the blue tongue species available. However, I appreciate that none of these can be procured from outside Australia (or they are extremely rare to find). But Shinglebacks, man are they gorgeous in both look and temperament.

[@ReptileMountainTV]

I wholeheartedly agree! Blotched and Shingles would be listed above an Eastern here if they weren’t $3k to $6k 😬

[@Lucrei.]

​​@@ReptileMountainTV is there a specific reason why the blotched would be listed higher? I live in Australia so all three (blotched, eastern and northern) are readily accessible to me I'd love to get a Shingle but advice says to get them in pairs as they are social, but l don't think l can handle or adequately house two animals

[@kahldris1228]

I had a chameleon for a long time (rest in peace...) and so I went for a northern bts just because not having to worry about humidity as much as some of the other types sounded great!

[@landonnorman]

Hey TC, I’m curious about your opinion on inbreeding blue tongues. Polygenic lines do tend to have some inbreeding-is there a point of inbreeding that you would stop at?

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Absolutely! Great question. I think two generations is the max I would support. I recommend outcrossing at each generation but it takes way way longer. I know the genetic science behind it but I also don’t work with line bred stuff or line breed myself. When I was a zookeeper I was training to be a STUDBOOK manager which is all about genetic diversity of wild-types so Im rather bias against the practice for the most part. (Not hateful just not a super fan).

[@sansonkrylow1997]

I am from Switzerland and getting a 3 year old BTS and its SO hard to find them here you pay A LOT. But I am so happy that after 3 years I found one omg

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Congratulations 🎊🍾🎈

[@rog9144]

Love your content! I have a bts and I know some of the basic body language (hissing etc) but can't really find much information other than that so I'm not certain if my skink is stressed. She crawled in a calm mannie and seems to tolerate attention. She burrows alot too. I was wondering if you'd ever consider a video on body language?

[@rog9144]

Crawls in a calm manner*

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Yes I have it on my list to make someday...

[@stephengoodfield2530]

Great video TC 👏

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Thanks mate! Hope you are doing well!

[@tom1735]

I live in NJ and I don’t know where to get a northern blue tongue any suggestions?

[@ReptileMountainTV]

I would look up Blue Tongue Skink Enthusiasts Facebook page. They have a recommended breeders list. I would start there.

[@octavors]

hey tc, great video, my 2 blue tongues are both rather different sizes, my eastern is small ,and my other is larger, a few weeks back, ( they arent in the same enclosure, just put them in there to feed ) the small one fell on the large one, and the large one hissed and bit and locked onto the small one, i was scared because i thought they were actually fighting howver im not sure if they were trying to breed, please respond ( i also do not know the genders of my blue toungues )< please respond asap, thanks robbie.

[@Manduley]

Hello! Excellent channel and information. Do you know anyone in Spain or Europe who breed Northerns? Thanks!

[@ReptileMountainTV]

I know a couple folks in France and the UK. Email me and I can share their info.

[@LanceKirkman]

My Northern bit me, but that was my fault, she lunged for the roach and got my thumb with it instead of just the roach. No stress at all

[@ReptileMountainTV]

A food bite oops. Ive done that to myself actually 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@LanceKirkman]

@@ReptileMountainTV Happens to the best of us!

[@CriscOnSmootH]

first 3 mins, although very informative could have been a lil shorter but still, Thank You very much for all your knowledge and detailed videos. Im just impatient don't mind me. Love your content!

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Thanks for the feedback. I do like to explain a bunch. I will work on that

[@evalucia9192]

I can’t wait to be an adult because I want to be able to spoil a blue tongue skink. Your videos have been helping me get an idea of exactly what I want. Thank you for sharing your knowledge !

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Thank you for your kind words! I can’t wait to grow up as well 🙃

[@1980mnelson]

You should make a reptile room tour, or maybe a how to enclosure build!

[@kahldris1228]

I've entered had a problem with my northerners with handling he does get hissy easily. However I touch him alot (without picking him up) so he's used to my touch.

[@kiradavis8553]

TC - I need your help. Recently my bluey got out of his enclosure - I forgot to put his tank clips on and he's good at getting out. I'm a horrible owner, I know. But the day he got out, the door to our garage and the garage door was open for several hours (before I ever realized he got out). I've searched up and down, behind appliances, inside furniture, everywhere. Nothing so far. I'm scared to death he got outside. What should I do next? Is there any chance heat or food would attract him, even if he got outside? Should I set traps? I'm lost.

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Use flour to track for movement. Put it along doorways and areas that he might move along. You can try to draw him in with some nice smelly foods.

[@spedhead9267]

Thanks so much i just got a eastern bts its awesome

[@budzee313]

How's the skink doing? I'd love to hear an update!

[@Leo-vd3gd]

What type of healthy herp should I get for my 4 month old northern.

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Either the adult dragon mix/ box turtle mix/ or veggie mix. 👍🏼

[@Leo-vd3gd]

Thank you.

[@annie2366]

I wonder if i could have a northern BTS on my lanai porch in orlando,fl. I wonder if its too much humidity.

[@ReptileMountainTV]

They’d do great in FL.

[@Sarah-ll2ko]

Shoot, I initially thought I’d get a Northern as my first BTS, but now you‘ve got me eyeballing Easterns! 👀

[@jsreptiles4781]

I love your videos

[@germanshepherd9578]

Do you watch Clints Reptiles? This video reminded me of his! You guys are awesome!

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Ive seen a few of his videos. They are fun! 😁

[@chadha421]

i just got a Northern about 4 months old and she only puffed up once on me tho she is in the living room so there is lots of movement i put up some walls for less contact while she gets comfortable. will she warm up to all the activity over time or should i relocate the cage for less overall stress any input would be appreciated

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Let her adjust there. It will likely work best

[@tanys9339]

Please for goodness sake, save up and buy a Northern. I am running out of time and room for rehabs and rescues from Indonesia. Humidity is a constant battle, as were the pinworms, the excrutiating falling off toes, the eye infections, respiratory infections etc.

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Truth 👍🏼

[@JC-ip5vv]

You just answered my question on which one to pick. I have been into exotic reptiles for about 30 years now. I always wanted a blue tongue slink. Would you say that the Merauke blue tongue slink is just as friendly as the rest of the eastern skinks?

[@JC-ip5vv]

I would love to see your collection in person! Do you accept visitors?

[@Plummchild]

got a little question. I came into possession of a Hal. BTS with the very tip of its tail necrotic (like not even an inch) and while transporting it home, it fell off (which I think is good). It bled a bit so I dabbed it with a paper towel until it clotted and have been spraying Vetricine on it at least 3 times a day. I do not have access to any kind of exotic vet in my area, and the tail is so small (6 months old) that I can't think of a way to cover the wound. Should I just keep applying Vetricen till healed? Or are there any other steps I should take?

[@tinaleighton6390]

Well, I’m still going to vote for the northern :-) but the eastern‘s are great also, maybe someday.

[@ReptileMountainTV]

There's no mistaking the reality that the Northern is truly awesome :-)

[@tyliful]

nice vid. i have nbt skinket, it is crazy, always want to charge at me.

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Hopefully he will chill over time. Some are ornery for sure.

[@haha-zs2qx]

quick question, what's the dimensions of your skink enclosures in the background? thank you!

[@ReptileMountainTV]

3x2

[@cassiamacart8271]

My northern blue tongue just got a new six-foot talk and she's loving it! I also noticed a visual difference when I added bright colorful fake plants( like the ones for fish) and she seems more interested and likes them a lot! I do have a question though, is it normal for northern blue tongues to get a bit slower and not move around as much as the seasons change? I live in Canada and I've just noticed that as we're moving into winter, she's not exploring as much as she was in the spring and summer. would love some advice! :)

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Absolutely normal. Check out my video on brumation. I think you will find it comforting 😃

[@cassiamacart8271]

@@ReptileMountainTV okay thank you!:)

[@leilaparis5599]

first aye

[@rileychester2061]

I need your help with my skinks? How can I contact you possibly?

[@p1qnt416]

Im getting a blue tongue soon and im so excited >.

[@ReptileMountainTV]

👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼 congratulations

[@wowpowmasterfujew1956]

bro you are subbed to ssoyoung the literal animal abuser don't get a blue tongue skink and seek help immediately.

[@joeyrayburn283]

Hey TC hows it going! Want to say thank you for all the great info you have provided with blue tongue skinks! Your videos have inspired my son and I to get our first blue tongue here soon in the near future! One question we have is concerning food. After checking our local stores for cat food for baby blue tongues we noticed a very slim selection on high quality grain free kinds and we want to give a nice variety. Would we be able to supplement high quality grain free puppy dog food food? I noticed while reading ingredients that it is much higher in protein as you recommend for baby just like the cat food. Once again thank you for all of your time and effort in providing people with your vast knowledge on these awesome animals!

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Yes you can certainly provide wet puppy/dog food. The key is higher protein and a good Ca:P ratio as well as minimal additives and starches.

[@joeyrayburn283]

Awesome thank you so much for the response! My son and I are making sure we can provide everything we can before getting our new reptile!

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Awesome! Enjoy your skink and shared time together with it.

[@Janeway1269]

"Until money can NOT be your first focus..." applies to the 1%

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Lol.

[@mattcamara6103]

I have a 4x2x2 Kages enclosure, my humidity is stable between 50% on the warm end and 70% on the cool end during the day and jumps to 65% to 80% at night time, what would be the best BTS for those humidity ranges

[@ReptileMountainTV]

A Northern, IJ, or Merauke would love that.

[@mattcamara6103]

@@ReptileMountainTV thank you!! Will be picking up my first BTS, a northern in the up coming weeks!!

[@RoseProseFroze]

You: I did have an Eastern Blue Tongue bite my hat once... Me: HEY CERA! HE'S TALKING ABOUT YOUR MUM! The skink I got from you is doing great so far by the way. the running away and hiding decreased dramatically after I incorporated regular handling sessions. I really like watching them do their thing in the enclosure. I've been learning a lot more about their care as well and I hope to learn more and get my husbandry to new heights!

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Hahaha yup! 🤣🤣🤣

[@davidswenk2483]

Are you selling any BTS? Can’t find them anywhere

[@ellsiemackey8290]

@@davidswenk2483 i know me either. if you have found someone who is selling that is reliable please let me know!

[@davidswenk2483]

@@ellsiemackey8290 still haven’t. I honestly gave up looking

[@Xaharah09]

Me turning to my problem child merauke: "you lost immediately congrats."

[@ReptileMountainTV]

🤣🤣🤣 they are still awesome 👏

[@natalier865]

What is your opinion on reptilinks for bts? I saw them and was thinking abt getting them for my northern

[@ReptileMountainTV]

I haven't used them in my own diets yet but they can certainly be a good addition to a varied diet. I would be hesitant to say they could be the staple or main food item.

[@natalier865]

@@ReptileMountainTV okay thx! I was planning on making them one of the foods i rotate with!

[@ryanboscoe9670]

RIP! Your channel will be missed! I will continue to re-watch videos in the hopes that you come back 😭😭

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Im just taking a break 🙂

[@ryanboscoe9670]

@@ReptileMountainTV this has made my day!!! Make the most of your break and make it long! We can wait as long as need be :) you will be missed like crazy in the meantime though!!!

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Thank you 🙏 🙂🙂🙂🙂

[@lucienmaddex2941]

Was wondering if you could help me out. Just got a Indonesian (Halmahera) and have been struggling to keep my temps and humidity up. Was recommended a 75 Watt bulb but temps wouldnt get above 70 Degrees with that. Went and got a 100 Watt bulb and the temperature has only gone up a few degrees. Could my thermometer just be reading the temp incorrectly? Thank you.

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Are you using a temp gun?

[@lucienmaddex2941]

@@ReptileMountainTV Yes, Temp gun says my basking spot is 105+ But thermometer is reading my air temp in the low 80s usually, I also have a mix of sphagnum moss and Cyprus mulch and even when misting every 3 hours its still saying the humidity is extremely low. Ive pretty much done everything i can think of. Thanks so much.

[@chuckmontgomery7571]

The only time my Eastern has bitten me was entirely forgivable. I was hand feeding snail bits and Bex enthusiastically lost track of what was snail and what was fingers. It didn't hurt, but i use tongs now. I also know that isn't the biting you were talking about.

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Yummy time is totally forgivable

[@aronoiiel]

This video makes me so sad! Not legit sad but a bit sad. I had originally had my heart set on an Irian Jaya but given what I have learned so fsr it may not be the best beginnef skink for me. To be honest humidity worries me alot. More for it getting to high between my apt (inlive in washington so we live in humidity lol) and just the things that can geow in it. Add to that i am deeply scared of getting a wild caught. Ehich seems higher with an irian jaya than an eastern or northern. This has given me sadly alot of pause on my irian jaya desire. But truth be told it also has shifted my ideas of northerns. I keep seeing breeders say they are thr tamest and never bite and such (ehich wenall know anything with teeth csn and will bite) Thank you alot for this its an incredible bit of information. Givrn my beardie is my first reptile its alot of work researching skinks and I dont see me getting one before a year from now. Just so much to learn. Appreciate all you do!

[@squidling1275]

What do halmahera blue tougueds require?

[@ReptileMountainTV]

80% humidity at least at night if not most of the day

[@squidling1275]

@@ReptileMountainTV how much misting would that require? Like 2 times a day or more?

[@brooklynfischetti3101]

Hello! I’m in desperate need of help I have an Indonesian bts and his eyes are becoming shut and he’s having shedding problems in his feet what’s going on

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Humidity is likely this issue. I have a couple videos in that topic. Check em out.

[@brooklynfischetti3101]

@@ReptileMountainTV ok thank u!!

[@JonarusDraconius]

I live in 'Central Victoria' and have a wild Eastern living under my driveway (I live in an apartment, so I have only a very small front "yard"). He's pretty much tame! A bit skittish, and bit huffy. But he's let me just walk up and pick him up twice now! Heh, who needs to spend money on a "pet" BTS, when the wild ones are almost tame enough to be psudo-pets as it is! :P

[@ReptileMountainTV]

That's super awesome. I'm jealous. :-)

[@JonarusDraconius]

@@ReptileMountainTV If I could attach pictures here I would... But I've posted them on my twitter: twitter.com/Jonarus_Drakus/status/1310059293601755136 They seem to like bacon bits, sausage chunks, and peach chunks... Not so much other fruit (including blueberries surprisingly) though... Who knew, even the wild ones can be 'picky' sometimes!

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Nice looking skink you share the world with!

[@JonarusDraconius]

@@ReptileMountainTV Yup! Hasn't lived up to the (imaginative) name I gave him (I think its a him anyway) even once yet: "Mr.Bitey" :P

[@anemicshoe]

Huh I did not expect that! For some reason when I was researching everyone said Northern's were the most chill. My lil dude bit me once and is a hissy huffer but I used to catch em wild in Aussie before I immigrated so no fear from me haha! My Canadian breeder sells Tiliqua occipitalis (western) where do they fall on this chart? Or are they not readily available in the states?

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Awesome! Westerns are $4500 here so they don’t fall on the reasonableness scale. However, the Westerns Ive handled were fully chill but wiggly.

[@fruityjuicey8111]

I HAVE A NORTHERN BTS and he is soooo sweet ♥️ Cooper

[@THEE.apples]

I love the kei island blue tongues

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Their colors are so cool.

[@Lyallart]

Quick question do you add veggies to the food you feed them?

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Yes. www.ReptileMountain.com/husbandry

[@Lyallart]

@@ReptileMountainTV what veggies to you recommend. My skink likes carrots should I mix the dog food and veggies and would you say pate style is easier to mix?

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Healthy Herp Veggie mix

[@Lampropeltis]

You put it as kindly and as respectfully as possible but somebody’s going to be upset by Easterns being labeled number #1. 😂 Nice video.🙂👍

[@ReptileMountainTV]

I lost a few subscribers already lol. It is what it is 🤣🤷‍♂️ Oops I may have got too excited and switched my numbers

[@Lampropeltis]

ReptileMountain.TV 😂

[@Lampropeltis]

ReptileMountain.TV ooops! You said the dimensions right! I misheard it doh! 🙄

[@felixconlan1919]

Hi TC are Monstera Deliciosa and Ferns safe for eastern blue tongue skinks?

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Monstera contains high levels of calcium oxalate crystals, which can damage the soft tissues of the mouth and throat. Ferns vary by species as well. I recommend going off thetortoisetable.org.uk to check by species if you can. They’ve done a great job vetting plants. I’m not a pro on plants at all sadly. We had a botanist on zoo staff to help us lol. I just would point and ask lol 😂

[@felixconlan1919]

@@ReptileMountainTV Thanks :)

[@zalantrauninger6563]

Hey Tc! You have helped me a lot before and I have one more question. I can provide my sk8nk her pretty good tap water or mineral water that they sell in shops or pi water. What should I use? Have a nice day!!

[@zalantrauninger6563]

EDIT: the tap water is pretty chlory

[@ReptileMountainTV]

I provide tap water however ours is not bad by any means. Tap water varies greatly from municipality to municipality so it would be difficult to say. If you are concerned you could provide mineral water for drinking. I would not worry about di or pi or reptisafe...

[@zalantrauninger6563]

@@ReptileMountainTV Thank you very much! This helped a lot!!!

[@blainepetsupplies5354]

Hey do you have any knowledge or experience with backwater reptiles? I ordered a northern Blue tongue skink from them and it is supposed to come Tuesday. After I ordered I seen a bunch of bad reviews on that company. Now I’m nervous

[@ReptileMountainTV]

I don’t have personal experience with them and don’t plan to work with them. I have seen the same poor reviews. I hope all works out for you.

[@carolinen2840]

Hey reptile mountain! My boyfriend and I have an Indonesian blue tongue and we think she may have a respiratory infection. Her neck is an orange pink color and it’s swollen. We took her to a reptile vet and they gave us antibiotics- but they don’t seem to be working. We watch a lot of your videos and follow them quite well. The vet was impressed with her diet and cage setup. Do you have any idea what might be causing her problem? I truly don’t know where to turn to because I can’t find much info online and the vet didn’t know how to help her. They are the only reptile vet in our area:( please please help if you can!

[@ReptileMountainTV]

I recommend that you ask your vet to reach out to their peers for consultation. Also, see if they can run a lab diagnostic culture on the bacteria to better target the infection. RIs usually don’t show visibly on the skin. That would be more of a skin infection. RIs typically show nasal discharge and labored breathing with watery eyes or similar. Ive not heard of an RI causing swelling. Your vet may need to ask their mentor for help. Im not a vet so I won’t be giving treatment advice on something I cannot examine under a license I don’t possess. I do wish you luck.

[@carolinen2840]

@@ReptileMountainTV Thank you! She does have a bit of discharge, a swollen red throat and she hasnt eaten. Have you ever seen this problem in any of your blue tongues? We are going to find another vet and hopefully they can help and run those tests. We are also suspicious that it may be the coconut husk in her cage since we just started using it and her issue started around the same time. Thanks again!

[@rubenarreola9993]

I just give my northern bts a humid hide so he can pick what he wants

[@jacobbass2056]

Do you sell skinks? If not can you please recommend a spot for me to buy one. I live in Nor Cal.

[@ReptileMountainTV]

I do :-) www.ReptileMountain.com

[@jacobbass2056]

@@ReptileMountainTV Thanks man, I'ma buy one as soon as I got my tank set up properly

[@theraven5850]

Is there a version of this animal that isn't completely terrible personality wise? Just curious. I bought one and it doesn't even have a fraction of the sociability of my beardies. I also understand now why breeders don't tend to use UVB with these animals even when it's recommended and tend to put them in large Tupperware containers. They've got terrible personalities so it's pretty much a waste to minutely improve their quality of life just so they can bite you and then hide.

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Yes you have had a bad experience with ONE. Your sample size is one. Thats not good science.

[@TitoTitoTitoTito]

Make more gilla videos please! I'm trying to get my permit

[@ellsiemackey8290]

hi everyone, im looking for anyone that can help. i am already experienced with reptiles but ive never had a blue tongue skink. i plan on getting one and i know a good amount and ive done my research. the only thing im struggling with is where to buy one? i live in the US. can anyone help me out with links or @ of breeders i can buy from?

[@MyName-bw1kz]

Is it just me or do the Merauke BTS have a "less blue" tongue? It seems that their tongue is only blue on the tip.

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Its not you. The Indonesian species in general have a less blue tongue than the Aussies

[@MyName-bw1kz]

@@ReptileMountainTV Even more reason to prefer the Australian species XD Why must everything have a fatal flaw haha

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Indeed! Lol.

[@dawnliebenguth9819]

Any more videos coming?

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Yes in less than a month!

[@flynnd888]

I have 3 blue tongue lizards. Can I wake them up from hibernation?

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Are you in the Northern or Southern hemisphere? If they should be brumating now let them.

[@tomdix4658]

Noooooo!!!!!! Indonesians are incredible!!!! Grwat video though, stay safe!!!!

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Cheers! I need to call you soon. 👍🏼

[@felixconlan1919]

Do Blue tongue skinks need vitamins?

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Yes

[@chloemisakiwisan7265]

I live in Indonesia, soooooooooooooo yeah.