How to Safely Pick Up and Tame Your Blue-Tongue Skink?
Learn the correct technique to pick up your Blue-Tongue Skink and build trust without causing stress. Follow these 5 steps.
1. The Correct Pickup Technique
When handling a Blue-Tongue Skink, it's crucial to support their long body. Place one hand under their abdomen, just behind the front legs, and the other hand under their hindquarters. This ensures their weight is evenly distributed and prevents injury.
Avoid lifting them by their tail, as this can cause damage. Instead, use a gentle, firm grip to support their body. Remember, they are ground-dwelling and need to feel secure on the ground.
Keep your movements slow and deliberate to help them feel at ease.
- Support the abdomen with one hand
- Place the other hand under the hindquarters
- Avoid lifting by the tail
- Use a gentle, firm grip
- Keep movements slow and deliberate
2. Building Trust: A 5-Step Sequence
Building trust with your Blue-Tongue Skink takes time and patience. Here's a sequence to follow:
1. Spend time in their enclosure, observing and letting them get used to your presence.
2. Offer treats like leafy greens or insects through the enclosure mesh, allowing them to come to you.
3. Gently touch their head and back while they are eating, gradually increasing the duration of contact.
4. Once they are comfortable with your touch, try a short, controlled hold, then release.
5. Repeat these steps daily to reinforce the bond.
- Spend time observing in the enclosure
- Offer treats through the mesh
- Gently touch during feeding
- Gradually increase contact duration
- Repeat daily for bonding
3. When Not to Handle Your Skink
Handling your Blue-Tongue Skink should be done at the right times to avoid stress. Avoid handling them:
After feeding, as they may be full and less interested in interaction.
During shedding, as they are more sensitive and vulnerable.
While asleep, as they need to rest undisturbed.
When rushed, as it can lead to accidental drops or rough handling.
- Avoid after feeding
- Do not handle during shedding
- Do not disturb while asleep
- Avoid when rushed
4. Stress Signals to Watch For
It's important to recognize stress signals in your Blue-Tongue Skink. Look out for these signs:
1. Prolonged hissing or growling
2. Lethargy or a lack of interest in food
3. Hiding more than usual
4. Prolonged periods of basking without warming up
5. Loss of appetite or regurgitation
- Prolonged hissing or growling
- Lethargy or lack of interest in food
- Increased hiding
- Prolonged basking without warming up
- Loss of appetite or regurgitation
Keep reading about Blue-Tongue Skink: Blue-Tongue Skink care sheet
Related questions
How often should I handle my Blue-Tongue Skink for the first time?
Start with handling your Blue-Tongue Skink once a day, gradually increasing the duration of contact over several weeks.
Can I pick up my Blue-Tongue Skink by the tail?
No, never pick up your Blue-Tongue Skink by the tail. It can cause injury and is not a safe handling method.
What should I do if my Blue-Tongue Skink seems stressed during handling?
If your Blue-Tongue Skink shows signs of stress, such as hissing or hiding, stop handling immediately and give them space. Allow them to calm down before trying again.
Not veterinary advice. This guide covers husbandry — housing, feeding, cleaning and handling. If your blue-tongue skink is injured, off food unusually long, or behaving abnormally, contact a veterinarian.