Quick facts
- Scientific name: Tiliqua (several species)
- Adult size: about 18–24 inches
- Lifespan: 15–20 years or more
- Difficulty: beginner to intermediate
Enclosure
Blue tongues are ground dwellers. They need floor space more than height.
An adult needs at least 4 × 2 × 2 feet. Bigger is better.
- A hide on each side
- Deep, diggable substrate
- A heavy water dish they can't tip over
Temperature
Give a hot basking spot and a cool end so your skink can choose.
Run heat lamps on a thermostat or dimmer and measure with a temp gun or digital probe.
- Basking spot: about 95–105°F
- Cool side: about 75–80°F
- Night: about 65–75°F
Lighting & UVB
Blue tongues need UVB. Use a linear UVB tube across part of the enclosure, close to the basking area. Replace it on the maker's schedule, even if it still lights up. Keep a 12–14 hour day.
Humidity
It depends on the species. Northern blue tongues do well around 40–60%. Indonesian types need more, about 60–80%. Ask us which one you have.
Substrate
A soil and sand mix, cypress mulch or coconut fiber all work. Make it a few inches deep so your skink can dig.
- Never use cedar
Diet & feeding
Blue tongues eat both plants and protein. A good rule: about half vegetables and greens, a bit less than half protein, and a little fruit.
Protein can be insects, snails or a quality reptile diet. Dust food with calcium.
Babies eat most days. Adults eat about 2–3 times a week. Watch their weight; they get fat easily.
Water
Keep a large, shallow water dish full of clean water. Change it often.
Handling
Most blue tongues are calm and tame down well. Pick them up from below with the whole body supported.
Wash your hands after handling any reptile.
Common problems & the vet
If something seems off, see a reptile-savvy vet. Don't wait it out.
- Obesity: cut back on protein and treats
- Soft bones: usually missing UVB or calcium
- Stuck shed on toes
- Wheezing or bubbles at the nose: respiratory infection
Questions about your setup? Stop by and ask us.
