Did you know? Have you ever seen your skink itch the side of his head with his hind leg like a dog? It's an incredibly funny site, but your skink is actually in discomfort. With every shed, your blue tongue sheds little 'ear bags'. Sometimes, these little pockets get stuck inside the ear, and don't make it out with the shed. If you see your skink itching his head with incredible accuracy, get a good grip, and very carfully & slowly, remove the 'ear plug.' They look just like little sacks or bags.
Did you know? Concerned about your skink's frequent sneezing? Don't be... It's completely normal. The most simple way to put it: They're just clearing out the nostrils. They're constant burrowers, and they use their nose to scoop, push and dig. If sneezing becomes TOO frequent however, and you see mucas leaking from the eyes & nose, this is a sign of a respitory infection. It's very important to get the appropriate treatment right away. You can usually get what you need at the vet, or ask your local pet store. Also be alert of 'weezing.' Don't get heavy breathing and weezing mixed up though... It's normal for them to breathe a little heavier after a big meal. Weezing will scare you.
Did you know? Once in a great while, an ALBINO blue tongue skink is born with the litter. It's a rarity, a treat, and a sight to behold. It's really no different than the white tiger, and many other animals. It's just a freak thing that happens once in a while— Breed two 'blue' tongues, and once in a 'blue' moon, you may receive the highly coveted snow white albino blue tongue appropriately nicknamed: "The Blizzard Lizard". See picture at bottom of page. Unlike snakes, you CANNOT breed albino adults, and get albino babies. With snakes, if you breed two albinos, you get an albino. This isn't the case with blue tongues, thusly making them extraordinarily rare. Colors vary from almost completely white, to faint yellow and orange stripes. The eyes are also cloudy & often reddish. Some argue that the unofficial term 'Blizzard Lizard' only refers to a lizard that is completely white, and albino only pertains to those that have the faint yellowish stripes (and/or lack of pigmentation). Albino: "A person or animal lacking normal pigmentation, with the result being that the skin and hair are abnormally white or milky and the eyes have a pink or blue iris and a deep-red pupil."
Did you know? We all love our blue tongue's cute little so called "arms" & feet. Keep a watchful eye while shedding— It is important to make sure that no scales or shedding are left on the toes or tip of the tail. This can lead to toe loss, and loss of toenails. Same goes for the tip of the tail. Also, take care while 'helping' with the shed. The blue tongue's toes are extremely delicate, and if you were to pull too hard in attempt of helping, you could very well damage or break a toe, or even pull one right off. Use caution. Don't ever pull or force the loose scales off. They'll come off when they're good & ready. If it's just scale residue, you can take that off. See picture of damaged tail. Also, remove any cat or dog food that might be left on your skink's rostrum. The large majority of blue tongue's are friendly and will let you.
Did you know? Have you ever noticed your blue tongue's underbelly turning from a brilliant orange to a cloudy creamy white? It only means that they will begin shedding within 1-2 weeks.
Did you know? Many skinks & lizards can lose their tails as a defense mechanism. This includes blue tongue skinks. Never hold your blue tongue by the tail, or grab the tail if it's trying to get away. It can break off! It will regrow, but it will never be as nice as the original.
Did you know? Many Blue Tongue Skinks are 'cliff-divers.' NEVER leave them unattended in a high place. They are without fear, and will most certainly slide right off. A low couch is usually ok, as they slowly 'creep' down the side with their claws, and onto the floor. Never leave them in a high location such as a countertop or table. Of course this could be said about any reptile, but blue tongue skinks are BIG & HEAVY animals unlike many snakes & geckos, and they can't grip or hold on to anything. Those stubby little legs & feet aren't used for much!
Did you know? It has been said since the olden days, and in traditional folklore & legend, that Blue Tongue Skinks are poisonous, venomous & toxic. It certainly does look like it, hence the blue tongue, but it is of course untrue. The only poisonous lizard is the Gila Monster, and the Mexican Beaded Lizard. Both are abundantly found in deserts such as Arizona, and down into Mexico. It is also untrue that a blue tongue skink bite wound will reappear on the anniversary of the bite.
Did you know? Blue Tongue Skinks have come to be known as "Cadillacs of the Pet Lizard World."