One thing I will add that while we banned exporting reptiles we still get smugglers/animal traffickers that do take from the wild, it’s more common with rare and valuable subspecies like shinglebacks, easterns, westerns etc;. Because the hobby is getting bigger the demand for rarer species grows too and it’s impacting wild populations here from overcollecting by these smugglers. Make sure to ALWAYS ask where the seller/breeder sources their animals.
Maybe Australians should tell their politicians to allow for people licensed/certified by their government to ethically and sustainably export non-endangered animals like blue tongues for the pet trade. It would likely cut down on the poaching trade greatly, since people would rather buy from ethical sources given the chance, and would allow for money to be taxed from export and that could go to funding anti poaching efforts.
After months of research we picked up our first reptile 2 days ago, a 13" merauke BTS. I've owned a beardie and anoles in the past, and am in the animal field and have worked with several different reptile species. Now, I know we are still on our honeymoon with this little bts, but already I am so impressed with how handleable it is. It huffs occasionally before picking up but once in your hands and resting it's happy to just hang out with you. When we pet it on the head it even closes its eyes like it feels good! It is such an aware and curious little thing too. We are so so happy we went with a bts!
@pupcat8124 hello, so the merauke we had actually died a couple weeks later! We purchased it from a reptile show and I think it was wild caught, and just didn't adapt well to captivity or maybe (probably) came to us sick and we didn't realize it. About a month after that we purchased a northern off Morph Market from someone who captive breeds. She (Goldie) went into brumation for almost 4 months after we got her! Since rejoining the world 6 months ago, though, she has been awesome! She more comfortable with handling than the merauke was and she is a freaking pig, every night she stands on her rock staring out at us waiting for her dinner lol, it's pretty cute. No regrets at all, it's been great keeping her. She actually even piqued our interest in skinks and last month we became emerald tree skink owners! They are also very cool, less handleable but still entertaining and confident little lizards. Goldie has been a great skink ambassador lol
My grandson is getting a skink this weekend and has been researching this with his parents for a while. I’m doing my own research on the principle that more information is better, and while I’ve kept snakes since when I was about his age, I’ve never had a skink. I found your video to be interesting and informative. I’m interested in your comment on occasionally feeding quail eggs, as they are available locally at the Mexican grocery store. My question is how you feed them. In or out of the shell? Temperature? If not in the shell, just by themselves or mixed with anything? Thank you for any further information.
Skinks have a far greater range than this. Blue Tongues are as far south as Tasmania. I regularly see them here and we get below freezing on a semi-regular basis in winter in the warmer areas near sea level. They’re darker and not as big(maybe 30cm/1ft is normal) as that beautiful example. I’ve seen lots of small skinks(not blue tongues, but I’m not sure what species) in alpine areas too, such as Kunanyi/Mt Wellington at 4200ft where it gets lots of snow in winter and even occasionally in summer. Those smaller species seem to thrive up there! As someone else already said though, please everybody, only get these beautiful creatures from reputable sources!
I have been researching this species lately as I’m thinking about making this my first reptile and came across your channel . Great video ! Thanks for the information !
Thank you alot for this Video! I got an Irian jaya Skink (indonesia | Captive Bred) last week and i am still looking at alot of care things to make sure he will feel nice and comfy. Your Video helped me alot!
As I was watching I was like man this guy is familiar. I met you at the Saratoga expo once! You and your team were awesome. And your channel is really informative!
I paid triple the amount for my merauke and he eats his viggies plain for some reason but I still give him cat food b4 I give it to him and I made a 6 foot long by 4 foot in width and around 4 feet deep he also has uvb and a basking bulb but the material for the enclosure is plastic that I drilled holes in
I want to get the Indos! Love the video. I took care of a beautiful northern blue tongue for the year I worked at a reptile shop and last I checked he's still there.
Thank you. That was so comprehensive and simple. Getting adopted by my bluey this weekend. I have been researching for months and your guide is the easiest to understand.
These animals aren’t toys or pets. I am an Australian and have Blue tongues in my garden and enjoy their presence. I am glad that we don’t make pets out of our animals.
i have a northern blue tongue its my only pet, i feed her grain free wet/dry cat food with greens/blueberries she loves carrot juice and eggs also i give her crickets and the repashy vitamin dust as a treat. I let her out to explore and take naps in my bed but put her under a lamp for warmth and uvb intermittently. seems to align with this diet plan.
