BLUE TONGUE SKINKS

Hey guys, I'm a newbie here. I've taken care of adult skinks before, but this is my first baby. The first few days he was fine, was eating his food and when I handled him he was totally chill. But then all the sudden after about a week he became really agressive! Started hissing and trying to bite me whenever I went in the tank. I had my friend (who's really experiences with reptiles) and was surprised how agressive the baby was. we got him out of the tank and he was still hissy but we were able to hold him. I did it again yesterday, and noticed he was shedding. Both times he wasn't burrowed, but now he's burrowed and I know he'll be even more *ticked off if i dig him out just to hold/tame him. He's been eating fine. My friend recommended that the tank is too big for him now, he's protecting his territory so I should move him into the smaller tank I have (just a feeder tank type thing).

any more advice from you guys? what should I do, is it common for babies to be this scared? The guy I got it from told me not to handle the babies too much. but then I hear that you have to handle them so they're used to it when they're older.

ohh joy.

First up - the bigger the tank the better. Nothing wrong with the tank!

He's probably aggressive due to the shedding factor. All blueys get that way at one time or another.

it is a fish tank converted to a viv? if so - think of how you'd feel in the blueys position. A new home - some massive creature coming down from above to grab you - and all this when you're annoyed as heck over the fact you're trying to shed your old skin. Ontop of that - they do stress out a bit in new homes. I'd suggest you just interact with it, allow it to shed, feed it and let it see you from eye level before you pick him/her up.

BTW - show us some pics!

agree with blotch. doesn't sound like anything to worry about, and is prolly just new home stress mixed with shedding.

I agree...When I first got Mr. Booger, I had him in an old 55 gallon long fish tank with the only access being from topside and Booger hated when I put my hand in to grab him. He got much better when we built his new home that has a plexiglass door that opens from the front. They get really scared when something comes at them from above, just natural instinct I guess. Keep working with your little fella, and if possible convert to a front loading enclosure Good luck!

yep, Marley seems to be a little nervous when the sliding doors are moving, but he seemed much more afraid with me coming down at him from above.

I have both types - more 'Fish tanks' than front opening though.

I've found the ones in then fish tanks are ok now - 'cept for Micro.

But Mini (in the front opening tank) bogs everytime I open the doors. lately he's been going me too. little bugger!

But don't stress - things should be fine!

well i guess being "grabbed" from above is the samefeeling that a large bird or a large mammal will grab you from aboive and try to eat you..

maybe offering a hide box would help..
i guess shedding would be factor too thats why his hissing and all...

goodluck from a fellow newbie!

Some good advice given.

Welcome!

Hello and , What kind is he/she, some are naturally leary baskets, I reckon house and shed stress, is your set up covered on the back and sides, do you have a nosey cat/dog that could be annoying it ? You must post pictures as its the LAW as evreyone loves photos, in case you didn't know, the caresheet page has almost all you need to know on it.

My bluey is not a morning skinkie. Make sure your handling sessions are in the afternoon or later---when he is warm and awake.
Also, blueys tend to be gluttons. I feed live prey by hand or out of the cage. My bluey is happy to see me because he equates "huge mommy" with food.
I have never had a baby but hopefully these things will help. I agree that a front opening tank is preferable for him and you!
Best of luck!

I have open top tanks, and they are all on stands that I need a step ladder to reach into. So I not only stick my hand in, but most of the top of my body ends up in there too! They get used to anything!

He's probably a little grumpy from shedding and being territorial as well as he gets to know his home. I think provided you can adequately create a heat gradient that a large tank is fine for a baby. Like, more than one basking spot till he knows where everything is. A week or two old, you can start them out in something small, but after that they are fine in a big tank. They grow real fast as well so he won't look so small in there for long.

Ignore the huffs but, otherwise he'll know to do it to keep you away. It's just a natural defence mechanism. I think it's nice to know that even though we keep them as pets, they retain their natural instincts.