Blue-Tongue Skink

Establish a gradient from 90°F on the hot side to 75°–80°F on the cool side. Maintain both at all times with controlled heat lamps and heat pads.

Offer water in a shallow bowl and change it daily. Mist desert species lightly once a day and tropical species lightly twice a day. Soak all babies in very shallow tepid water for about 30 minutes once a day; soak adults about once a week.

Provide a hide on the hot side big enough for the skink to fit under. Once your skink is feeding and settled, add more hides, branches and silk plants.

Enclosure size: babies can start smaller, but most species need the floor space of a 40-gallon enclosure.

Desert species: screened pine shavings or dry coco/peat moss.

Tropical species: slightly damp peat moss or Carefresh bedding.

Feed babies daily and adults every other day. Offer variety: insects, snails, worms and rodents, alternated with a varied vegetable and fruit plate. Keep treats such as dog and cat food to a minimum.

Dust all food with a 50/50 mix of calcium and multivitamins at every feeding. Without them, skinks can develop vitamin or calcium deficiencies that may be fatal.

Full-spectrum fluorescent light for 10 to 14 hours a day. It aids metabolism of key vitamins and minerals, stimulates natural behavior and brings out color and activity. Thermostats and timers are a good addition.