Hiss!

[Lady Hawke]

Hello! I'm new, came across this site through Google in searching on how to take care of my new pet. I've always adored the blue tongues since I first saw one in a pet store many years ago. I'm completely fascinated by their eyes; how one will look at me with such a human like personality its almost scary.

I've owned geckos in the past, and adore them. Unfortunately, it’s the only reptile I've owned. I've just finished my first year of college, and my father bought me a blue tongued skink. He is absolutely ADORABLE!!! I've named him Hiss, or Hissy because of the sound he makes <33

I've set him up a temporary container; hopefully will be able to get him a full enclosure soon with a basking light instead of my desk lamp. I have a couple of questions though. He's about a foot long, and his itty bitty legs are so cute! Though, how old is he? In his foot long? Do I need to post pictures? He seems to love being petted, but I'm not so sure. My gecko arches up when I pet him, Hissy kinda squishes himself flat. He tilts his head to being petted, and even seems to nuzzle my hand and lick it.


I'm not too sure how to interpret these signs though, as I'm not sure about the overflowing personality of the BTS compared to my gecko Tzar. He seems to close his mouth before he gets his tongue back in sometimes, and ends up looking like he's chewing on it. Is this just something cute, or a problem? I've been carrying him around all day, petting him, letting him ride on the back of my neck as I've done with my gecko. Is there a point where I'm holding and loving on him too much? Can I take him into the bath and shower with me? I'm full of questions, and eager for someone to help me out ^^;

~ Lady Silver Hawke

[Fatal_S]

First off, welcome to the forum!

Have you read through the caresheet on this site? Lots of great info.

We need pictures. Pictures along with size will give us a better idea of age, but since he's about 12 inches, he's probably 1 year give or take 6 months.

He'll let you know when he's had enough. Be careful with him on your shoulders, 9 times in 10 it's fine, but the other time they decide to fall, and end up badly injured. I suggest a hoodie (bunny hug or kangaroo jacket) so the skink can ride in the pocket or the hood. If his tongue doesn't look damaged when he sticks it out, it's fine.

I wouldn't take him into the bath, he'll swim and try to grab you, and those claws can hurt. The shower probably wouldn't matter, but I doubt he'd enjoy it.

[Lady Hawke]

Yeh, I learned about the claws lol!
Alot different from the gecko. I'll get pictures up Asap! I've been reading the care guide yes 8D
From the images and such, I'm pretty sure he's a Northern. And yeh, I'm always really careful with the lizards on my shoulders. Normally I'll put a hand on his back while I"m walking, and hunch down when I'm at my desk working so he can climb in my hair without falling. I read on here they like to jump, so that's also good to know, as the gecko has a tendancy to jump too ><

And thank you for the welcome!!

[Bry]

Hey welcome Lady.

Look forward to seeing pics!

[Leigh]

As you've already found out, this is the best place in the world for BTS info, it's a nice, happy, helpful forum with lots of VERY knowledgable people and a lot of comedians(you know who you are ) , do not make the mistake of directly comparing your Bluey to your gecko's as they are quite different, the caresheet neads reading a few times(for me anyway) for it to sink in a bit, there's the diet sheet thats great for making interesting, healthy meals. Look at some of the enclosures in the gallery, that the members have for ideas, before you get carried away with the new set up you're going to provide. With regards to holding and petting too much, as long as he's in an area with a good temp he'll be fine, outdoors in the sun, is a great way to give UV, exrcise and together time in one go, the PICTURE LAW must be obeyed, outdoor shots are always better to see the colour/pattern of your prized possession. I hope you decide to stick around and join in the polaver .

[bruno]

Hello and welcome to the side

[MartinsPerson]

Most of your questions have been answered, but I wanted to address the shower one. I thought about this as a way to let my guys soak under supervision, but decided not to because of the chemicals that they will be exposed to during the shower (shampoo, conditioner, shaving cream, soap). Also for mine, we bleach the shower floor every once in a while to keep mildew growth down, and I don't want my guys to come into contact with that sort of thing. I don't think its such a good idea to shower with a pet unless you're washing a dog, or have a bird on a perch.

[rachel]

looks like your questions of been answered so ill jst say two things...

Welcome to our dysfunctional and entertaining forum family!!

WE WANT PICTURES..pweeze

[Lady Hawke]

Third day at home and he's doing great! He isnt even 'hissing' at me much anymore. I've set him up a temporary place where he can be a little bit more comfortable. A 10gal fish tank complete with rock, hiding places, fake plants and such. Taking a trip to petsmart in the next couple of days to get him a basking light.

He's got two names now XDD
Half the time I call him Hiss, half the time I call him Altiar. He Loves to sit with me at the computer, climbing on my arm and clawing at my hand. He's so cute!

I've also had my first experiance with being a lizard bathroom. I felt bad about not getting him a basking light yet, so I took him outside for his first time, to get pictures and to sit in the sun with him for a bit to let him bask. He LOVED it. Explored in the grass for a few minutes, then sat on my leg and fell asleep. In about an hour, he started moving around, then just let himself go. I have to thank my parrot for teaching me to be used to such occurances :3

I have pictures! And they shall be posted soon!

[ssr]

The 10 gallon tank will make it difficult to maintain the temperature variances that your skink will need. The basking end needs to be around 100 with the cooler end in the 70's. You mention that it's temporary so you may be planning on a larger enclosure I just mention it because of the basking light you're purchasing now. That light may warm up the whole 10 gallon enclosure not allowing for a cooler spot for your skink to retreat to.
One more thing: PICTURES.... Please post the pictures of your outdoor adventures! We love pictures!

[rachel]

awesome! sounds like fun!
pics soon? ^.^

[Blotch]

I just wanted to address the age thing.

I have a Kimberly Northern that is just over a foot long and it's only about 3months old. I wouldn't guess your blueys age on size as it varies on a few things like how much it's been fed, Living area, Heating, and even if it's been housed with another bluey. Trust me on the living conditions and the husbandry thing - I've witnessed this first hand. So as you can see, it's extremely hard to estimate age on size.

Also, You must obey the pic rules or suffer the wrath of LEIGH the Mad Pom!