Captive Care for Northern Blue Tongue Skinks - Ep. 66

A brief discussion on Northern Blue Tongue Skink (Tiliqua scincoides intermedia) care in captivity. #skink #bluetongueskink #careguide
Acquisition 1:48
Enclosures 3:13
Substrate 5:11
Cage Furniture 5:28
Heating 6:06
Lighting 8:03
Feeding 11:31
Humidity 17:04
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LINK to SOLARMETER - www.solarmeter.com/model65r.html
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Care Sheets
www.reptilemountain.com/north...
www.reptilemountain.com/ijcare
www.bluetongueskinks.org/forum...
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To purchase items I use or seen in this video click here:
SUPPLIES & FOODs - kit.co/ReptileMountainTV
SKINK Apparel - etsy.com/shop/ReptileMountain
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My AMAZON WISH LIST - a.co/4iBsvnI
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Also, check out:
Web: reptilemountain.com
Mobile: m.reptilemountain.com
Email: [e-mail]
Facebook: @reptilemountain
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ReptileMountain.TV KZbin Channel:
TC Houston, former professional zookeeper, SKINKAHOLIC, and reptile fanatic, shares his experiences and passion for keeping and breeding Blue Tongue Skinks and other reptile species for the educational and overall betterment of the hobby. Subscribe to stay updated on more evidence-based, current, professional information about the reptile hobby and Blue-Tongue Skink care. Enjoy! Watch! Like! Share! Woot woot!

[@ReptileMountainTV]

*****CAUTION***** STOP USING ExoTerra Compact Florescent UVB bulbs unless you are personally testing them monthly with the Solarmeter 6.5!!! I have tested 14 now that produce UNSAFE levels of UV radiation! I have changed to ZooMed ReptiSun Mini 13w 5.0 bulbs that are producing 1.8-2.5 UVI at 7” which is safe and adequate 😁

[@Shannon.RebelReis]

What do you think of the Zilla brand?

[@jazzyplaysx6193]

What Australian brands would you suggest then?

[@dylanwhite1212]

Can you get them in Australia or get them sent?

[@_peepee_]

how do you feel about the long skinny uvb lights such as the reptisun t5 HO? also how about mercury vapor bulbs?

[@adventureswithreptiles1659]

Another great video! I love the fact that you distinguish between evidence based information, anecdotal evidence and opinion.

[@js92css]

Keep em' coming TC, these are perfect timing for some of us waiting for northern babies!

[@12342087]

Did not know that the uvb light was not always accurate...good advice..thanks for that

[@karenmccall3722]

Another great video TC. That Kit page will be really helpful for a new keeper.

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Thanks Karen!!!

[@htlbeatz912]

I’m getting My true northern on Friday, I’m so excited. He’s gonna love it here in FL☺️

[@dylanwhite1212]

Hey man I'm from Australia and just found your channel so much info on all your videos and love all your reptiles blue tongues are so interactive and suck a cool pet 👍

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Thanks for watching 👍🏼👍🏼

[@jenin427]

I really enjoy your videos TC! Very educational and I wish more bluey keepers and future keepers would watch your videos! I like that you always back up your information. That seems to be lacking nowadays with the reptile hobby. I’m hoping to get my own Northern in the summer! I’m very excited. ☺️

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Thank you so much. I hope you will enjoy your new Northern when you get it! I love em all!

[@mattgenco1283]

Quality information-thank you! Also thanks for providing the links for the info. I have a Halmahera right now but hopefully getting a northern in the spring; figures crossed from you if I’m lucky...

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Thanks so much 😉😉🤞🏼

[@somethingstupid1920]

I love your videos!I have been watching your channel for about 8 months and the amount of information you have is wonderful, the resources you give are wonderful, I am so excited to get a skink! I wont be able to get one until after we move to Texas (about a year?) but I am patiently waiting so I can give the blue I get the best life

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Awesomeness!!!!

[@curtharvilla958]

Hi! Love your videos and all the great information you share! What do you know about Schneider’s Skinks? I just got 2 of them but can’t find much info on them! Keep the info coming!

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Snakes’N’Adders just did a good video on them.

[@coriandermcgreevy8941]

I love your videos so much and I feel like your a trustworthy source of info. Could you do some more videos on Indonesian Bluies. I have about a 6 month old baby Meruake Blue tongue skink. Maybe like the tank setups and stuff like that. I feel like most online websites are either conversations that I can't trust ir they are short summaries on how to care for Northerns. Thanks!

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Thank you! I will do a Merauke video in the future for sure. I still have more research and conversations to have with the More experienced merauke breeders and keepers before i make the video.

[@edmundtiao7469]

YESSSSSSSSSSSSS NEW VIDEO

[@lillieharlicker9827]

Hey Tc I’m really loving your videos there very informational! Anyway I’m getting a blue tongue skink and I will be keeping him in a 75 gallon tank and I was wondering what wattage should I have my heat bulb at?

[@ReptileMountainTV]

I would try a 100w halogen flood light and see how that goes. Test wit a temp gun and you will get an idea on if that works.

[@lillieharlicker9827]

ReptileMountain.TV thanks so much!!

[@baronarian]

thanks for this care guide! very helpful! im planing to get myself a northern, and as i never had reptiles before, im a little unsure when it comes to the lighting part. in want to install a t5 pro 12%uvb and 30% uva arcadia lamp to provide the needed uv values. in addition i want to install two infrared ceramic heating bulbs without any light, to get sure i have the right measurements on both cool and warm side. maybe a uv providing basking lamp would be better on the warm side? i dont know. as im new to this topic im afraid to provide not enough light or to forget something. i would love to hear your experienced opinion, thanks!!

[@jv122798]

how do I get my basking spot to be 100-102 degrees? do you have to have a thermostat or just leave a heat lamp on for x amount of hours? thanks for your help and love the channel.

[@compunerd01rok]

I just bought a 100W Reptisun bulb and I’m wondering if I should also purchase a heating mat and a thermostat to regulate temperature. I currently have a 40 breeder and don’t have the skink just yet but I’m getting all of my supplies before hand. And I just noticed your comment and am wondering if the bulb I bought is safe enough.

[@Connor-uq1tt]

I am actually writing a college paper on reptile breeding and I was hoping I could email some questions to the reptile mountain email to get some opinions from an actual breeder. I was just wanting to know if this would be okay with you. Either way it doesn’t change the fact that this was a great video!😃

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Please send questions 😊

[@cdrachancleta]

Great video. Can you please specify exactly what ages a baby, juvenile, subadult and adults are? Thanks.

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Thanks 😊 Check out my care sheet, its in there 👍🏼

[@Bunparade]

Great video as usual! How long to baby skinks stay with their mother? Do skinks from the same litter recognize each other in the wild?

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Thanks Mone! Killer questions! I have to go look those up cuz I don’t know honestly. I know mothers are defensive just after birth and seem to be protective in captivity. I will look into what they do in the wild. Let me get back with you on that! Say hi to Delta for me! She’s about to be an auntie soon. 😁

[@Bunparade]

ReptileMountain.TV Thank you! GASP, she is?! Yay!! The huffy potato says hello!

[@TwoPlusTwoEqualsFive32]

I have adopted an adult BTS a Eastern which I suspect was wild caught by children from a friend of a family member who could no longer care for it. He was taken care of physically, fed well, and kept in a good enclosure but was not handled for over a year and has reverted to being quite aggressive, not just defensive he will actively approach you and attempt to bite, it does not display or show much fear or run away. Maybe because they hand fed it? He was taken to the vet shortly after they handed him over and had no issues besides nails that needed to trimmed. When he was first moved I gave him a quiet space and he was left to settle for 3 months before I tried handling or doing anything other then cleaning his enclosure. I have done my best to handle him as much as much as possible, but i am really struggling with calming him down. I have tried everything, giving him lots of hides, moving him to a quite room, moving him to a busier room. My list of ideas is running out, despite being bitten almost daily i have a fondness for this guy, and I don't want to relegate him to a "look but don't touch" pet. Is there anything that I could be doing to help him?

[@ReptileMountainTV]

What about offering small amounts of cat food on a spoon. Try that day after day and then hold the spoon closer each time so he gets used to your hand being there. It may take several months....

[@theaussiewildlife370]

Is reptile bark good to use

[@nicodreyer3417]

Could you do a video about the western blue tongue skink?

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Well I’d need to have experience with them or do a road show with a keeper who had had them. Its a good idea I may do in the future.

[@bryanmichael5313]

Hey TC, in your opinion, what’s the hottest a basking stone should get? There’s this one spot I used a temp gun on that said 106°F...it’s directly under my 45w par38 flood light. Do you think this is okay? I do not own a skink yet, I’m just getting the enclosure ready haha.

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Hey that's totally fine. Sometimes they can be on 120F out in the wild.

[@803084006]

Is it ok to buy the reptile and the terrarium in the same reptile expo? Or will I need to get it set up before I go just in case?

[@ReptileMountainTV]

I recommend setting it up before hand so that you can check all the temperatures are correct

[@joshuawyatt8858]

Question. I have a 3 year old northern, should she feel cold to the touch when I pull her out? She’s almost almost always buried and cold

[@bigbigumms2661]

Sometimes for some inrichment I’ll put some quail eggs around the tank and my Blue tongue loves them

[@riccockerham563]

I use the Zoo Med 5.0 ReptiSun. Have you found these to be good?

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Depends on how close to the animal. Check out my recent video on UVB. 👍🏼😁

[@blueeagle5440]

I got a Mercury Bulb 100 watt with The wire clamp lamp for 40 breeder for a northern is that ok

[@xman3319]

Great vid I love what you do! Edit: can I feed my bts wellness dog food?

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Thank you!!!

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Wellness is a good brand make sure to dig into the ingredients and see what it has.

[@xman3319]

ReptileMountain.TV okay thank you!

[@tinaleighton6390]

Do you have a link to that Ferguson scale?

[@ReptileMountainTV]

www.researchgate.net/publication/292983157_How_much_UV-B_does_my_reptile_need_The_UV-Tool_a_guide_to_the_selection_of_UV_lighting_for_reptiles_and_amphibians_in_captivity_Journal_of_Zoo_and_Aquarium_Research_41_42_-_63_httpwwwjzarorgjzararticl

[@taniahines1568]

Hey TC! I just got a Sudan plated lizard from petsmart (free since he was in bad shape, missing toes and half his tail ad bad stuck shed, but otherwise in good health) are they part of the skink family? And do you know anything about these guys? Info is hard to come by with these guys.

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Congrats on your rescue. Good for you for getting it free and not paying to save it! My guess is you have a Gerrhosaurus of some kind (probably G. major). They are in the Scincidae family and can be kept similar to a BTS as far as temps. I would be sure to provide quality UVB and an nice basking spot of 100F. I would start feeding bluey buffet and some cat food to see if it responds well. I would also provide a humid hide just in case it wishes to get some humidity for those sheds.

[@jadereed7853]

Do you have a website or where can we buy babies that you have bred? Interested in a baby Northern bts.

[@ReptileMountainTV]

I do www.reptilemountain.com/buying

[@cali4597]

TC! what brand of bulbs do you suggest?

[@ReptileMountainTV]

I know that Arcadia seems to have the most consistent positive results in the lab setting. Next would be Zoomed but it all depends on type of bulb.

[@ReptileMountainTV]

For example a T5 HO Acadia tube will be more effective than say an exo terra coil according to some research. But I do not guarantee ANYTHING about UVB. I recommend either digging into the research (see the references at the end of my video) or get a soloarmeter and see yourself. 👍🏼👍🏼😊😊😊

[@briancarnahan6421]

Are the care require ya the same for the Indonesian species and northern I know humidity is different but I mean is there any other differences?

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Not really no.

[@anniematney8095]

hey I was wondering, if I want my adult northern to gain weight, should i feed cat food or stick to dog food?

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Cat food every other feeding will do it

[@briellahill4260]

I am VERY stressed about preparing for getting my skink! I was planning on getting uvb but I already have calcium with vitamin D3 powder and UVB seems really stressful making sure that it is performing correctly. Should I just use calcium with vitamin D3? I know UVB isn’t essential but I just want to make sure I’m doing everything possible to prevent my skink from getting sick or not having a good life.

[@ReptileMountainTV]

That fact that you’re looking into this already means that your animal will have a great keeper. Don’t over think it too much. If you don’t have UVB your skink will be fine with calcium and vit D3 supplement. These animals are very hardy and if you just lightly dust the wet food every other feeding or even every 3rd feeding with calcium + d3 they will be fine. Dust the amount like powdered sugar on a funnel cake. (Google a pic if you haven’t seen it) 👍🏼😁

[@briellahill4260]

Thank you!

[@benjaminrowley]

I have 2 baby northern blue tongues and I have a red bulb is that a good light source and it’s in a fish tank prob 5 foot with a hide and the tank is 2 feet tall and I feed them bananas is that good and we don’t feed them raw meat until we have a meat dinner like tacos or spaghetti

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Lol I find that they prefer ravioli over spaghetti and enchiladas over tacos...HA!

[@deaven99]

Hi I recently got a northern blue tongue skink. When I dig him out of his burrow in the morning, he does not like it but should I keep doing this to get him used to it it will it make it worse? Thanks

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Hi, what’s the purpose of digging him out?

[@deaven99]

To feed him/get him used to it but I’m not sure if this is ok or not lol

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Try just putting the food in and then leaving him alone. Does he eventually come out? Like hours later? Generally pulling them from their hide should be out of necessity only.

[@merooingelk7594]

Also, how would I measure humidity levels?

[@ReptileMountainTV]

I suggest a digital hygrometer. They sell on Amazon I believe 😁

[@soulmusic7901]

How can I tell if a juvenile Northern Blue Tongue Skink is a male or a female?

[@tobydiokno893]

Hi! My hatchlings have cheese like puss on their gums/teeth. What could be the cause and what should I do to treat them. Thanks

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Ive never seen that. Sounds like a vet visit is needed

[@tobydiokno893]

@@ReptileMountainTV thanks for your reply. Unfortunately we don't have a Veterinarian specialising in reptiles herein the Philippines. I did clean it up and placed iodine

[@branseed3479]

I saw in your care sheet that babies from 0 - 2 months are on average from 15g to 100g. Mine is 75g. It's a Halmahera that I bought it two weeks ago and it's not underweight (by appearance) at all. The seller said it's 5 months old though! Should I just not trust him at all? Based on your care sheet, it should be around 1and a half months old. Right?

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Northerns are bigger and grow faster. So I wouldn’t go off a Northerns growth model for a Halm.

[@branseed3479]

@@ReptileMountainTV I'm sorry. I posted that on the wrong video. I saw those numbers on the Eastern BTS care sheet actually. Not in the Northern.

[@SHREK2]

My skink keeps biting the metal leg of my chair anytime I let him out. I’m so confused

[@rachellebarranger4797]

That means he probally see's his reflextion on it and attacks it.

[@ratfoot6490]

Can you give UVB and calcium food.

[@ReptileMountainTV]

You can but you need to make sure you’re getting the levels right in the UV

[@kaleluk35]

Ok so I got my northern blue tongue skink. Second day in not sure what is best, you see, if I go near him it hisses and buffs at me all defensive, I understand being his second day but... He won't eat or let me feed him with tongues. He stays at the cool end behind hide even though temp is 102f in basking. So if he won't eat or let me near him to feed him, won't go to the bask area what do I do for the best of his health

[@ReptileMountainTV]

How old os your little one? I have several videos that will help. Try my “4 Hacks” video, “my skink won’t eat” video, and “skink’s first week video”

[@kaleluk35]

@@ReptileMountainTV I believe he's no more than 5 months old. I've had him 2 days now, put new food and water in even though he hasn't touched it. Today I saw it out towards the late end of the day. I attempted to feed him with tongues but he freaks out, not only hiss but heavy breathing and even jumping away like he's never been handled. I don't know how to make him not scared of me. And I want him to eat and drink I don't want him ill

[@ReptileMountainTV]

You've only had it 2 days. Tong feeding is for weeks if not months after they are used to their new place. Did you watch my other videos I suggested?

[@benjaminrowley]

kaleluk35 u need to hold him get him used to u handling him her then it will likely be puppy tamed

[@fraydefi6944]

if i don't use a uvb. How many times should I give calcium.

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Every feeding for adults and every other for Babies

[@fraydefi6944]

Thank you!

[@merooingelk7594]

What ages would you consider a juvenile, sub adult, and full adult?

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Its more about size than time but typically baby 0-3mo 10-200g / juvie 3-6mo 200-400g / subadult 6-12mo 400-500g / adult 1yr 500g+

[@steverobinson4995]

What’s your opinion on UVB by Pangea??? Well Arcadia

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Arcadia UV is premium quality

[@steverobinson4995]

ReptileMountain.TV Ah! I just got my skink today and was deciding on adding UVB or not lol.

[@dylanwhite1212]

Just wondering if you've ever tried canned tuna?

[@ReptileMountainTV]

I like it for myself. I don’t recommend it for skinks. Very high in sodium and not certain about other levels of chemicals not best for skinks.

[@lillieharlicker9827]

Also how is a mega ray uvb bulb?

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Ive heard mega ray is pretty good when used at the correct distances. I have one and use it with a uvb solarmeter. I wouldn’t use one without having a solarmeter.

[@lillieharlicker9827]

ReptileMountain.TV I really appreciate your help!

[@fraydefi6944]

Hi Three questions. One is do you sell baby's or juevinels and also how much should I rotate between brands and for the animals that you sell are they the age for dog food and veggies?

[@ReptileMountainTV]

I do sell. I rotate every other feeding. And Sell babies and juveniles mostly so still on catfood. I suggest you check out my website www.reptilemountain.com

[@fraydefi6944]

Thanks! I'm waiting for the heads up email so excited

[@fraydefi6944]

So should I add multivitamin

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Yes monthly

[@fraydefi6944]

Thank youSo when it's time for multivitamin should I skip calcium that day and mix it in with the food? Btw thanks for the heart

[@lobetec314]

So will the whole terrarium have to be lit up with a UVB with something like a tube light? and what wattage do you recommend? also should I use a basking light or a heat mat to heat up half the terrarium? also how often should i keep the lights on? I might be asking a ton of questions but i want some accurate info on lighting as many different sources say different things so id like to know your opinion Also in the blue tongue skink food chart (that many enthusiasts recommend people to use) there is a ton of things i don't understand like the heading that says Ca:P. I cant find any data in the internet to what that means so it would be great if you can tell me the meaning of it. Also what are the numbers below it? This is the food chart i am using: bluetongueskinks.net/foodchart.html

[@ReptileMountainTV]

I recommend a 24” zoomed t5 10.0 bulb if you want to use uvb. The other items can be answered better in my caresheet the link in in the video description. Ca stands for Calcium and P is for Phosphorus. The numbers are a ratio such as 2 to 1 written 2:1 meaning there is 2 times the calcium as phosphorus in the food. 2:1 is the ideal reptile balance. Not enough calcium and or too much phosphorus cam cause serious illness and even death from complications. Thus knowing these ratios helps get it balanced correctly.

[@lobetec314]

ok ty for answering ^-^

[@lobetec314]

another question of you don't mind: how long should the lights and heating mat be on and off for?

[@ReptileMountainTV]

14 on 10 off

[@Savvyonu]

Question. can blueys eat fish?

[@tabathataylor1407]

Do you sale sinks?

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Skinks yes. www.reptilemountain.com

[@ratfoot6490]

Do males have more reddish eyes or is it random.

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Random

[@ratfoot6490]

k

[@cajunbayouvlogs5308]

Are Skinks good swimmers?

[@ReptileMountainTV]

They “can” swim however they do not “enjoy” it and it can be very stressful for them if we put them in water deeper than they and touch.

[@Military_Aviation101]

Nah in Australia we are not allowed to catch or keep reptile wild life

[@barbarabrown7108]

I hate exo terra lighting but there enclosures are beautiful

[@theaussiewildlife370]

No in Australia we have to go through a licensing system which tracks the animals life and past if you are caught with any reptile that is not on a license the police get involved and you could serve jail time or a massive fine

[@THEE.apples]

0:21 what type of blue tongue is that?

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Its Monkey Tailed aka Solomon Island Prehensile Tailed Skink (Corucia zebrata) 😉 not actually a Blue Tongue Skink but in the family Scincidae 👍🏼

[@PREDATOR14301]

ReptileMountain.TV and now I know! XD

[@patheticsteam1454]

Indonesians 101?

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Maybe... I only currently keep T.g.evanescens the Merauke BTS so in order to have a video about it with shots of indos I’d need indos lol. Maybe someday.

[@XwolfbaneXx]

Answer: Skinklet. Lol. Did I do it right? Did anyone else answer before me? :)

[@XwolfbaneXx]

Nevermind, I'm too slow. Skinklet gave me a good laugh though.

[@ReptileMountainTV]

You did it right but another beat you to it 😊👍🏼

[@biancap3943]

Skinklet

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Correct!!!!

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Congrats you win the magnet! Shoot me an email with your shipping address and I send it right over! [e-mail]