Blue Tongue Lizards
There probably isn’t an Australian out there who hasn’t at least once in their life crossed paths with a blue tongue lizard in the wild. Their fearless but sedentary natures and placid personalities make them a popular pet. Caring for these skinks (yes, they’re directly related to those little guys you see scurrying up brick walls on hot summer days) is surprisingly simple as long as a few basic needs are met.
Taxonomy
The term ‘blue tongue lizard’ doesn’t apply to just one animal, but a whole group of animals in the Tiliqua genus of skinks. In Australia our Federal wildlife laws allow us to only keep native Tiliqua species. All have similar care requirements, but it's best to research the specific one you have to make sure you’re looking after it the best you can. Most states require licenses to keep reptiles, and even the states that don’t require a license for the common species will require a permit to keep the endangered ones.
Blue Tongue Lizard Habitat
A purpose built reptile enclosure is the best thing to house your blue tongue, obviously the bigger the better! As these guys don’t generally climb, it’s important the enclosure be at least 60cm wide so they can comfortably turn around and have some space to forage in.
A bark or dry coco peat substrate will suit them fine and create a nice natural look. A hide is also important as they will need a place to sleep and to go to if they feel threatened or uncomfortable. There are many reptile hides available on the market but a hollowed out log will be equally sufficient. It’s also important that the enclosure has good air flow by making sure there are adequate vents installed.
Heating
Depending on where your blue tongue originally comes from, you will need to supply it with the appropriate levels of heating. Always consult with the breeder as to what part of the country your Blue Tongue originally came from, and setup a thermostatically controlled heating lamp for it so that its environment is always warm and comfortable. It is also important to create a thermal gradient in the enclosure, so that there is a hot and a cool end.
UV
Providing your Blue Tongue with at least 10 hours of UV light daily is CRUCIAL. Without UVB, your lizards bones will not develop properly, and it may end up getting Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD). Lizards kept outside for basking should ALWAYS be given some shade to escape to if the sun gets too hot for them and cool fresh water to drink.
What do blue tongue lizards eat?
In the wild these lizards will feed on a wide variety of plant matter and slow moving invertebrates, and it’s important to offer them this sort of variety in captivity. Diets are restricted to what is available in the immediate area, with everything from snails and grubs to dandelions and native fruits being munched on in the wild. Many companies provide dry pellet formulations aimed specifically at blue tongues, and although these are useful when you’re busy, they should never be relied upon as the only source of food for your lizard. Regular feedings of the following should make up the bulk of their diet.
Fresh lettuce
Lightly blanched sweet potato
Squash
Carrots
Beans & Peas
Apple
Pear
Melons
Figs
Pitted stone fruits
Berries
Juvenile blue tongues should be fed once a day, with adults being fed every second day.
Always make sure the animal has access to clean, fresh water and use a shallow dish so that there is no danger to the animal of drowning.