BLUE TONGUE SKINKS

I feel stupid for asking this, since I know the care sheet on this site recommends them. I understand that UVB is essential to a lot of arboreal lizards and diurnal reptiles and a lot of the fossorial and nocturnal reptiles do not.

Some says that BTS do not need UVB, others says they do not. Is there a reason why they would need one or not? I am guessing it is probably along the same line why monitor lizards do not need UV lighting.

I can not give reasons as to why but I know that ever since I got one that my Skink is more active in the cage. I was told itis heallthier for them. I want to give every opportunity I can for my skink to be happy and healthy. Most people I spoke to who have blueys have a UVB blub. They have always given me good advice so I listen.

Krista.

Why do monitors not need UV

It's a mystery, but generally we advise people to use UV -- you can also bring them outside which is excellent!

I also attribute it that BTS are so darn tough compared to many other lizards...that could be a reason why some people "think" they don't need UV. Hey, if they don't get sick without it, they don't need it, right? That's not necessarily true.

There was a couple of zoology papers on the Varanus, and most of the specimen tested show no changes in their bloodworks. Some have slightly elevated white-blood cell count, but it is neglectible apparently. I will post them sometimes when I run across the papers again. Some of the monitor keepers I contacted believe monitors are more highly-evolved and are able to cope with them. Others believe that since they spend a lot of their time underground, they don't have a need for UVB. Some think that since they feed on carrion, they get their source of D3, however this argument make very little sense since even insectivore monitors have D3 in their blood. It might shine some light on the BTS, however because it is a completely different genus and evolutionary path, I doubt it would help much.

I know snakes don't need UV since they get the D3 they need from the liver of their prey. However they are evolved to live underground, which is a completely separate issue.

The only problem I have with the UV lights out on the market is that a lot of them produce harmful UVA at an unfavorable ratio, so I am just questioning is it is really that much better for the BTS with it or without considering the other added risks? I don't know the answer to this question, since there are two camps with both logical pros and cons. The only answer I am sure of is that I do know that almost every living thing that we know of need some exposure to UV, but not all of them require prolonged exposure to UV.

So I guess the real question would be is how much UV does a BTS need and how much is filtered indoor?

i just wanted to add, many zoologists think snakes evolved from monitors, also, i like using the natural U.V rays from the sun during the summer, its much cheaper.

As it stands, if you've got it he can choose to use it whether needed or not , if it aint there he's got no choice. I believe that an animal that spends so much time burrowed would probably not need it as much as say an iguana or beardy, but better safe than sorry.

Leigh wrote:As it stands, if you've got it he can choose to use it whether needed or not , if it aint there he's got no choice. I believe that an animal that spends so much time burrowed would probably not need it as much as say an iguana or beardy, but better safe than sorry.

Well-put.

KW