What is the best enclosure setup for two Blue-Tongue Skinks?
A minimum of 8 square feet of floor space is required for two adult Blue-Tongue Skinks, with specific temperature and humidity ranges.
Housing & Setup — Space, layout, substrate and the setup order that avoids problems
For two adult Blue-Tongue Skinks, you'll need a minimum of 8 square feet of floor space. This ensures they have enough room to move around and establish territories. Start by choosing a sturdy enclosure, like a glass terrarium or a wire cage, that can accommodate this space. Next, get the environment stable by maintaining a basking temperature of 95–100°F (35–38°C) and a cool end temperature of 75–80°F (23–27°C).
Once the temperature is stable, add a layer of substrate, such as reptile carpet or aspen shavings, that's 2–3 inches deep. This provides a natural environment and helps regulate humidity. Place a hide box on each side of the enclosure for each skink to provide a sense of security. After that, add a water dish and a UVB light fixture. Finally, test the setup for a week before introducing the skinks to ensure everything is functioning correctly.
On day one, have the following in place: a 8 sq ft enclosure, a heating pad or heat lamp, a UVB light fixture, a water dish, a hide box for each skink, and a layer of 2–3 inch deep substrate. Ensure the enclosure is at least 24 inches tall to accommodate the skinks' full body length.
- 8 sq ft of floor space
- Basking temperature of 95–100°F (35–38°C)
- Cool end temperature of 75–80°F (23–27°C)
- 2–3 inch deep substrate
- Two hide boxes
- Water dish
- UVB light fixture
- Enclosure height of at least 24 inches
Common Setup Mistakes
The most common setup mistakes include not providing enough space, not maintaining proper temperatures, and using inappropriate substrates. Insufficient space can lead to stress and aggression, while incorrect temperatures can cause health issues. Using substrates like sand or wood shavings can lead to impaction, a serious health risk for Blue-Tongue Skinks.
Avoid these mistakes by ensuring your enclosure is large enough for the skinks to move around, maintaining the correct temperature gradient, and using safe substrates like reptile carpet or aspen shavings.
- Not providing enough space
- Not maintaining proper temperatures
- Using inappropriate substrates
Temperature and Humidity Control
Maintaining the correct temperature and humidity is crucial for Blue-Tongue Skinks' health. The basking area should be between 95–100°F (35–38°C), while the cool end should be 75–80°F (23–27°C). Use a digital thermometer to monitor these temperatures.
Humidity should be kept between 40–60%. Use a hygrometer to measure humidity and a mister to increase it if necessary. Ensure the humidity is stable and not fluctuating too much.
- Basking temperature of 95–100°F (35–38°C)
- Cool end temperature of 75–80°F (23–27°C)
- Humidity between 40–60%
Diet and Feeding Schedule
Blue-Tongue Skinks are omnivores and should be fed a varied diet of 50% greens, vegetables, and 50% protein. Offer fresh vegetables like romaine lettuce, spinach, and kale, and proteins such as crickets, mealworms, or small mammals.
Feed your skinks once a day, offering a small amount of food that they can consume within 15 minutes. Provide fresh water in a shallow dish at all times.
- 50% greens, vegetables, and 50% protein
- Feed once a day
- Offer food within 15 minutes
- Provide fresh water at all times
Handling and Social Behavior
Handle Blue-Tongue Skinks with care, as they can be quite docile. Always support their entire body and avoid sudden movements. Handle them for short periods, starting with just a few minutes and gradually increasing the time.
If you plan to keep two skinks together, introduce them slowly and carefully. Monitor their behavior closely to ensure they are getting along. Provide separate hiding spots if necessary.
- Handle with care, supporting entire body
- Start with short handling sessions
- Monitor behavior when introducing two skinks
- Provide separate hiding spots if needed
Keep reading about Blue-Tongue Skink: Blue-Tongue Skink care sheet
Related questions
How often should I clean the enclosure?
Clean the enclosure once a week, removing all waste and soiled substrate. Spot clean any messes as needed.
What type of food should I feed my Blue-Tongue Skinks?
Feed them a varied diet of 50% greens, vegetables, and 50% protein, such as insects or small mammals. Offer fresh vegetables like romaine lettuce, spinach, and kale, and proteins such as crickets, mealworms, or small mammals.
How long can Blue-Tongue Skinks live?
With proper care, Blue-Tongue Skinks can live between 15–20 years.
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.