Are Indos commonly wild caught?

Everything Blue Tongues! Have a question? Just got a BTS and want to introduce yourself? This is the place!
Forum rules
In this forum all are welcome to ask blue tongue skink-related questions, share information, ideas, tips, experiences, and pictures with fellow BTS enthusiasts.
If you are wondering if your BTS is acting normally or might be sick, this is where you can get help with that.
This is also where you can have some FUN while sharing the enjoyment you get from your blueys!
User avatar
Siroos
Bluey Beginner
Bluey Beginner
Posts: 1
Joined: Mon Apr 07, 2025 8:59 am
Country: US
Location: Texas

Are Indos commonly wild caught?

Postby Siroos » Mon Apr 07, 2025 9:19 am

Hello! About a year ago I received a Indonesian BTS from an unfortunate situation. A friend's sister was getting rid of all of her reptiles because she wanted cats instead (pretty heartless if you ask me, but I digress) so I offered to take her BTS. He was pretty rough, small enclosure, unbalanced diet, no supplements, missing some toes, a crinkly tail due to MBD, etc. Got him set up with 80+ humidity, grain free dog food with greens and veggies, UVB and supplements, a bigger enclosure, the works. He's doing much better healthwise now, but despite my best efforts he really dislikes handling. He's never tried to bite me, but when I'm misting or cleaning the enclosure he's very huffy and he loves to squirm and poop when I'm moving him to the bathtub for a soak. Unfortunately the original owner didn't remember (or care I suppose) where he was sourced from, all I know is she got him online. My main question is if there's a chance he's wild caught and will never end up becoming less adverse to handling. I don't mind at all if he's a hands-off pet, I just like to see him happy and healthy, but I'm also curious if I'm wasting my efforts on something he probably won't ever tolerate.
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
User avatar
splashy07
ADMIN
ADMIN
Posts: 3191
Joined: Wed Aug 27, 2014 11:24 am
Country: USA
Location: Farmingdale,LI,NY

Re: Are Indos commonly wild caught?

Postby splashy07 » Wed May 14, 2025 6:04 am

Indos are about 90 percent imports, but that shouldn't deter you from trying to interact. If previous owner neglected the animal chances are he'll need some time to adjust to human interaction and daily care. I have been keeping reptiles before the term "captive bred" was even heard of and have seen many imported/wc animals tame down just as well as cbb. Patience is often rewarded, and even if he (or she) doesn't respond well, bless you for taking him in! Good luck, and God bless!
User avatar
Janella
ADMIN
ADMIN
Posts: 1854
Joined: Fri Mar 18, 2016 5:52 am
Your Facebook name: Janella Poch
Country:
Location: Petersburg, Mi

Re: Are Indos commonly wild caught?

Postby Janella » Mon Jul 14, 2025 8:52 am

I definitely agree with splashy on this one. It takes time and thr skink needs to learn to trust you. Thank you so much for rescuing it. I would try using treats to interact, speak slowly, and let it get used to you. Good luck!

Return to “General Discussion and FAQ”

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 52 guests