The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Blue Tongue Skink Enclosure

Blue tongue skinks are quickly becoming a popular pet reptile These docile lizards are native to Australia and Indonesia and get their name from their vibrant blue tongues. With proper care, blue tongue skinks can live 15-20 years, so choosing the right enclosure is key to giving them a happy, healthy home In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about picking the perfect blue tongue skink enclosure.

Blue Tongue Skink Enclosure Size

One of the most important factors in selecting a blue tongue skink enclosure is size. Since these reptiles spend most of their time on the ground, ample floor space is crucial. The absolute minimum size for an adult skink is a 36” x 18” x 12” tank, but bigger is always better.

For most blue tongue skinks, a 48” x 24” x 24” tank or enclosure that provides around 120 gallons of space is ideal This gives them plenty of room to roam around and multiple areas to bask, hide, and settle in The super large Northern blue tongue skink may need an even bigger enclosure.

When looking at enclosures, pay close attention to the length and width rather than just the total gallon size, since floor space takes priority over height for these terrestrial lizards.

Enclosure Material and Design

There are several enclosure materials to choose from, each with their own pros and cons:

• Glass – Very easy to clean and great for visibility, but heavy and doesn’t retain heat well. You’ll need to block off three sides for security.

• Wood – Holds heat effectively but is prone to mold if humidity is too high. Avoid cedar and pine.

• PVC – Lightweight and easy to clean but may release harmful fumes when heated.

• Melamine – Quite strong and can be painted white to reflect light, but also very heavy.

Ideally, the enclosure should have front-opening doors for easy access and be very securely fastened – skinks are talented escape artists! Glass or melamine tanks often have sliding front doors. For wood or PVC, look for an enclosure with swinging front doors. A front opening also allows you to maintain humidity better than a top mesh lid.

A good tip is to get an enclosure that is stackable or has add-on levels. That way you can expand it as your skink grows.

Setting Up the Blue Tongue Skink Enclosure

Blue tongue skinks don’t need a lot of decoration or climbing accessories. Keep the enclosure relatively sparse and focused on ample floor space. Here are some tips:

• Use a substrate like aspen, cypress mulch or orchid bark. Avoid anything abrasive.

• Include a few rocks, logs or cork for basking and climbing.

• Add a humid hide box.

• Use artificial plants and decor very sparingly.

Temperature, Lighting and Humidity

As cold-blooded reptiles, blue tongue skinks require a thermal gradient to self-regulate their temperature. One side of the tank should be kept at 75-85°F. The warm end should have a basking area at 90-100°F. This is usually created with an overhead basking light or ceramic heat emitter for 12 hours a day.

In addition to heat, UVB lighting is critical for skinks to metabolize calcium properly. Use a reptile-specific UVB bulb for 12-14 hours daily.

Humidity for blue tongue skinks should be maintained at 40-60%. Monitor with a hygrometer and use a humid hide box to allow skinks to rehydrate as needed.

Accessories and Enrichment

While skinks don’t require much by way of habitat decor, there are a few additional accessories that can enrich their environment:

• Substrate shield – This allows you to provide loose substrate for digging while still being able to see your skink through the glass.

• Mats – A reptile-safe cage liner or mat helps maintain temps and prevents substrate from sticking.

• Thermometer & hygrometer – Crucial for monitoring temperature and humidity. Get digital or probe types.

• Water bowl – Use a heavy ceramic bowl that cannot be tipped over.

• Hides – Provide a humid hide and one or two other small hides for security.

• Branches & logs – Add a few pieces of cork, cholla wood or manzanita for basking and enrichment.

Always spot clean the enclosure daily and do a full substrate change every 4-6 weeks to keep your skink’s home clean. Proper accessories and husbandry will help mimic their natural habitat.

Choosing a Skink-Safe Enclosure

Here are some top-rated blue tongue skink enclosure options to consider:

• For glass, the Carolina Custom Cages or Exo Terra terrariums are great choices that provide front-opening doors for easy access.

• Zen Habitats makes an excellent wood vivarium that retains heat well and expands as your skink grows.

• PVC cages by companies like Custom Reptile Habitats or Animal Plastics are lightweight but sturdy options.

• For a more decorative melamine enclosure, try Pro Products.

Always carefully research any reptile enclosure brand you consider for quality and safety. An ideal skink habitat allows you to maintain proper temperature, humidity, and UVB exposure.

Important Enclosure Location Tips

Once you’ve chosen the perfect skink enclosure, there are a few things to keep in mind regarding placement:

• Avoid drafty areas that will cause temperature fluctuations.

• Don’t place the enclosure in direct sunlight, as this can overheat your skink.

• Allow easy access to electrical outlets for heating and lighting equipment.

• Keep the enclosure in a low-traffic area that allows the skink to avoid stress.

• Provide a sturdy, level surface that is safely out of reach of other household pets.

Setting Up Your Skink’s Enclosure

After getting the tank situated in the ideal spot, you can begin setting it up with substrate, decor, heating and lighting elements. Here are some step-by-step tips:

1. Thoroughly clean and disinfect the tank before adding anything.

2. Add 2-4 inches of appropriate substrate material over any under tank heating mats.

3. Position any hides, logs, rocks or other decor.

4. Install your lighting and heating fixtures overhead as needed.

5. Use a temperature gun to map out the thermal gradient. Adjust heating devices accordingly.

6. Add the UVB lighting fixture aligned with the basking area.

7. Place a large water dish in the cool end of the tank.

8. Install the hygrometer and thermometer probes.

9. Allow the tank to run for 48 hours to stabilize temperatures and humidity.

10. Once conditions are dialed in properly, you can add your skink!

With the right enclosure size, materials, and setup, your blue tongue skink will thrive in captivity. Be sure to closely monitor temperatures and humidity and make any adjustments needed. With their basic care requirements met, blue tongue skinks make personable, easygoing reptile pets!