Stupid me -- my mistakes, and aggression

[mitchfaw]

My skink Indigo is about 3 months old (I'm guessing; I've had him/her for 2 months). Up until recently, s/he has been very docile. A little skittish, but gentle.

Last week I did something stupid. A friend asked if s/he had any teeth and I said I wasn't sure; maybe skinks just have ridges on their jaws. So.........you can probably guess what I did I put my finger in his/her mouth and CHOMP!!! wft It hurt! It was a quick bite --- clamp down, clamp off.

Then 2 days ago I checked him/her out in the new 4' x 2' x 2' digs we got 3 weeks ago and I couldn't see Indigo at all. S/he was burrowed happily in the substrate. So I dug around to find Indigo. Found Indigo, with his/her mouth open. My first impulse was to prove that hey, I'm not here to hurt you. Let me pick you up and show you how gentle I'm going to be. CHOMP!!!! This one was a little more vigorous.

Now I'm afraid of my skinky. Have I ruined our loving relationship forever? Any advice on getting back into Indigo's good graces? Or is this aggression just something that happens as they get a little older? With all this pain, I'm thinking Indigo is a HE!!!! (just kidding, to all you guys out there).

[Fatal_S]

Hiya! Don't worry too much, Indigo is probably just nervous from the move, and was likely sleeping. My northern, Pryce, has bitten my hand twice, and my glove many times, but we still get along great.
Tips:
-The best time to bother them is when they're already out and about. If the skink is buried, gentle move the substrate around and talk so they know your coming. Then just pet them a bit before picking them up
-Feeding out of the tank is great IMO, as the skinks learn that leaving home is great for food, and they also like explore time. When I got Pryce from the pet store and he didn't like being poked or coming out at first, but with food and explore time, he know tries to come out anytime I'm around.
-When taking them out, a treat of their favorite berry or a snail or shuch will make them think outings are the greatest thing ever!
-If he keeps being upset and bitey at first, try wearing gloves to pick him up, then go back to your hands. This shows him that biting is uselss without hurting you.

Don't stop playing with them, and don't let your fear keep you away. I've only had Pryce for a few weeks but I can now give him kisses and play with his head and everything without worrying about biting. Pryce still huffs up when I wake him, but I pet him a bit, then take him out, and he's wonderful. Don't give up, you'll soon have an even stronger bond.

By the way, do you know what type of skinker you have? Different types have different personalities. Was he got from a pet store or a breeder? Oh, and posting pictures of your bluey is pretty much a law here ^.^ Pictures also help us determine what type you have if you don't know. Welcome to the addiction!

[Hijinks]

No, no, no. Don't even worry.
I gave my baby INJECTIONS in his little arms and he still forgave me. You have 20 years to make friends. Associate yourself with something good -- like, when he comes out of the tank, there's a good chance there's a bowl of food waiting. Perhaps he was annoyed by getting woken up and dug out of a dark comfy hiding spot. Or maybe he's cranky due to an upcoming shed. As a little baby, I noticed no difference in behavior during shed time, but now at the age of 4 months I'm starting to see the attitude everyone associates with shedding.

[Drew]

probably got spooked. my Ij hissed and gaped too when i woke him up around 3am!
hehehe
he will settle down. aprroach him clamly and let him know that you are coming, like saying his name and stuff
goodluck!

[SailleSkinklover]

Awwww, no worries, patience and consistency will reward you, with a little time. (But yes, those jaws are strong, and their nips can hurt like the dickens!) My buddy gets huffy if I don't play with him for a day, (Which I try not to have happen) but he quickly recoups. The advice on here that everybody has given is really good!
I always speak gently and approach carefully when he's sleeping or cold, (He's like me, I hate being woken suddenly! We are not morning people or lizards!) You'll get used to reading the body language too. Open mouth and making a bodily "Letter U" and quick striking motion and/or tongue display is "Skinkese" for "I mean it! Leave me Alone right now!" and you might want to give it a rest for about 10 minutes, but don't just leave or run away. Just let him get used to your presence. Then, gently, carefully, try again.
And then, the food thing! Chuff loves nothing more than hanging out on the couch with me and sharing a snack of hard boiled egg and mango. He can sometimes be Mr. Grump-a-Lumpa, but that always seems to cheer him up.

I don't have experience with baby or juvenile Blueys, but it sounds like from what I've read from others that they can be pretty rambunctious and that they mellow with age and handling. But you'll need to ask those specific peeps for their experience.

I know you and your skinkie will be fine, keep us posted on your progress!

[Richard.C]

bubs are definatly shyer,mellow as they mature,they need to grow accustomed to u

[Leigh]

, yes as everyone else says dont be too hard on shim, its settling time ,have you read the caresheet here?it has most of what you'll ever need to know,and the rest gets answered on the forum.You must post a picture soon, its the law ,and gives everyone a look at what sort you have, and will help in any future questions you'll have, enjoy your stay heh heh.

[boonaen]

my extremely sweet and good natured Rosie does NOT like to be bothered while sleeping. she doesn't bite, but she will hiss and run...

so, i don't mess with her till she gets up and has had a chance to make it over to her rock.

then, i approach the tank and start talking to her. i can usually tell bu the way she responds to my voice if she is ready to get out.

[LittleFoot]

Unless I abosolutely need to, I leave LittleFoot alone while he is burrowed in his substrate. Then he'll huff and puff but has never bitten. The only time I will slowly poke around in there if he is getting ready to shed and I haven't seen him all day (just to make sure he is ok)

I wouldn't worry about your new guy. Some just like to hide out more, especially in a new setting. Just give him time and go slow. I am sure you'll both be fine.

[aggiegirl]

My baby is much more reactive than my older bluey. When she was little, she would panic and flatten any time she heard a sound. Now, she looks at the situation and you can see her relax. Think about it---In the wild, little skinks who don't run/hide become lunch. I agree with talking to them (so you don't suprise them) and feeding them when they are out (so that that becomes an enjoyable event.) Anytime you add something new to your bluey's environment (ie new housing), expect a little time for adjustments. And, don't poke at their mouths if your fingers smell yummy! My little one isn't the brightest hand feeder out there! My older bluey gentley removes the food even if there is juice all over my fingers. The baby seems to be more smell motivated.....