appropriate tank size?

[squidman]

is a 36 inch length, 15 inch width, and 17 inch height tank appropriate to use for a bts?

or should i consider a larger one?

[NomadOfTheHills]

I would consider something larger, but that isn't too bad, at least for the first year or so.

[Leigh]

The length and height are ok,I'd get something nearer 20-24 inches wide for an adult,the bigger the better to be honest.

Also WELCOME,enjoy your stay,read the caresheet for almost all the info you'll need on a BTS and it'll answer a lot of your questions before you've even asked them,AND we love photo's, so when you get your new family member post your socks off.

[squidman]

well, thank you, but i also dont know what a nice species would be.

also, how much to pay for it, where to find it, and how to tell if its healthy.

basically, i am just starting out and want to make a smart decision.

[Fatal_S]

For an adult BTS you'll want a tank width of at least 1.5 feet, length of at least 3 feet. Bigger is always better. 3'x2' is a good size and 4'x2' is a great size for even large adult BTS. A 15" depth might be too tight for a full grown BTS.

Great species for beginners: Northern, IJ, Eastern.
Bad for beginners (General attitudes): Tanimbar, Kei Island, any Wild Caught
Merauke is usually good, Indonesian can be feisty.

Keeping in mind this is for people in the US/Canada. In Aus, you have shingles, centrals, westerns and blotchies. Shingles are amazing pets, mellow and cute.

I'm going to assume you're in North America ^.^ Where I am.

When buying a Blue Tongue, I strongly recommend buying from a good, reputable breeder. We have several on this site. You can get a wonderful skinks for about $110 plus shipping. This is a great deal, for a great animal.

Pet store skinks are generally more unhealthy (mites and worms X(), much more likely to be Wild Caught, and probably aren't being kept or fed properly.

Right now in NA the adults are being cooled, and will wake up in a few months and breed. Expect babies around May/June from our breeders. You can take this time to research, get a wonderful setup, contact the breeders, decide on a species, and be 100% ready for your new baby. It's worth the wait, I promise.

To show how amazing breeders are, I got a Silver tanimbar from Andrew this year. Normally, these guys are known to be feisty, hissy and generally unsocial. My guy was obviously taught some manners young, as s/he is absolutely wonderful. A good breeder can give you a wonderful skink.

For now, read and reread the caresheet on this site. Then read it again, and again, maybe print it off, definitely print off the food charts (great to take when you're going skink shopping). If you still have questions, ask away! We live to answer. And pictures are the law once you get your skinker.

Welcome to the forum!!!

[squidman]

wow, that clears up all my questions.

thank you so much for all your help!

[KyleWeiss]

We live to answer.

...and sometimes torture...

...and tease...

...and laugh at the expense of others...



KW

[mom22wins]

Don't mind Kyle. He's really a sweetie. (Don't tell anyone)