BLUE TONGUE SKINKS

I got my bluey when he was three weeks old, and he was born on May 4th this year. His name is Abi, he's a Northern, and he's captive bred. I've gotten him to a point where he doesn't care about me being right outside his enclosure, he's willing to eat while I'm holding him, and he's sometimes willing to come towards food I'm holding when he's still in his closure. He's also no longer afraid of my face, even if we go nose-to-nose. The issue I'm having is he's very scared of being picked up while in his enclosure, with plenty of huffing and puffing, and running away. Once he's in my hand, he doesn't mind my presence, and only huffs any more if I touch his back or something, but he minds that less and less throughout the duration of the handling sessions. I know it takes a few months to truly tame down a bluey, but if there's any advice for having them not run away scared as much, I'd really appreciate it!

Hi there and welcome to the forum. Just go slow and try to lift from the side instead of over the top if you can. Sounds like you are doing everything right. Just keep up the good work.

Janella wrote:Hi there and welcome to the forum. Just go slow and try to lift from the side instead of over the top if you can. Sounds like you are doing everything right. Just keep up the good work.

I always try to get him from the underside rather than grabbing him from above, but since I currently have half the enclosure sectioned off, that's a little bit difficult with where he's usually positioned. It's just funny, because from my human perspective, it almost seems there's a light switch in his brain that goes between "STAY BACK DEMON" and "I recognize you as my food source and I want my food now". XD

Our bluey's have the same birthday! She's also a captive bred northern. (maybe they're siblings?) Mine also has some huffiness in the enclosure but is fine once she's out. I just try to make it as fast as possible to limit the stress.

That is a 100% normal reaction from your bluey. They sometimes are fine with it and other times nervous. It all just takes time. If you keep doing what you have been doing things will get better.

I have some 11 and 13 year olds that will huff and hiss at times. A reptile is always that, and any intrusion to their domain can be perceived as a threat when they are comfortable where they are. They will tolerate us, but on their terms. Some become very tame and others prefer to be left alone. Just like people...