Possible Future Owner

[Kioka]

I know how long these guys live, and what they need to eat. However I read on other forums that they should only have whole food only and should avoid puree and ground food. What is the community's stance on this?

How important is it to have insects in their diet as well?

How many people let their BTS have the roam of the room from time to time? I read some people let their BTS roam the room all day long, then they put them in a bin for the night time. I am assuming some of you don't agree with the method. I will not be doing it, but I am just wondering what the "water" of the community is like.

I probably will post some more questions that care sheets don't answer.

[Zach]

Welcome! There's nothing wrong with ground/puree food but you certainly wouldn't want to feed it all the time, or nothing but that. Soft mushy food can cause eventual gout and droopy lips. So, definitely switch it up and feed whole foods as well. In a nutshell, don't feed just one style of food -- feed a large variety of all different kinds and you'll be a-ok.

Insects can play a great protein role in the diet -- some are certainly better than others, and gutloading enhances nutrition with common feeders like crickets. If you want an excellent insect choice (well, pre-insect), go with silkworms.

Roaming is certainly ok as long as you've "skink-proofed" the roaming area. Small holes and little nooks where he could crawl into or get stuck can be disastrous. Just check, and double check any possibility. They always seem to do things you wouldn't think possible.

The only problem with letting them roam all day is where are they getting their heat? If there's no heat, they won't roam, they'll just burrow under a shirt and sleep all day long. If you had some sort of safe heat source rigged up, I can't see the problem....but a large fancy enclosure is excellent because you have their natural environment simulated.

Check our caresheet if you haven't, and welcome again.

http://bluetongueskinks.net/care.htm

[Kioka]

Thanks.

I have been reading that care sheet over and over again for the past year. I am determined to get one by next year or the year after that since I don't have room for a 4'x2'x2' yet, however a friend of mine who has BTS said there is no reason why I can't get it now since I could let it roam all day when I am home, and then put it in a "night tub" when I am not around.

The most obvious question to me is... how can you potty-train them? Seriously, I can't see how since they are not like Leopard Geckos.

I just want to offer the best care I can, so I hesitated on her suggestion. I am still on the "get enclosure first, and deal with electrical and aquatic systems" mode.

[kvega92]

I think it is great that you are putting so much research into getting a new pet. That is going to make you an awesome owner. Blueys are great pets and I love mine. WHen looking for enclosers check the sale places. Look online check the classifieds people are always looking to get rid of things.

[Kioka]

Thanks. I will see if I can either set up a closed off light, a basking light and a UV lamp coupled with the basking light. Although I think the temperature of the sun in my bedroom get to be around 110 F on the bed at its highest, and lowest at around 90 F, the last time I left one those min/max temperature probe running for 6 months. I was wondering why my bed is so hot when I come back from classes. :p

If not, I will still hang around the forum, leeching the knowledge of the ancient art of Bluey Fu from you guys, and focus on getting an area in my apartment cleaned up ready for use.

I got big plans for the enclosure, complete with an automatic water changer and a drip system for constant fresh water and clean bowl and many more.

[russman]

I got big plans for the enclosure, complete with an automatic water changer and a drip system for constant fresh water and clean bowl and many more.

What if they take a dump in their water dish?

[boonaen]

my little baby eats chunks of cat-food out of my hand. she comps them a couple times, then swallows them right down.