Recommended BTS Caresheet?

[Corey209]

I'm not planning on getting one but someone I know has one and I'm questioning their husbandry.

He says he feeds mice twice a week and the only other food source is gut loaded crickets. He doesn't use any UVB but only a 50 watt flood light on a 12 hour cycle and the only humidity is one gallon of water dumped in the substrate I think once a month.

[Zoo Nanny]

Originally Posted by Corey209

I'm not planning on getting one but someone I know has one and I'm questioning their husbandry.

He says he feeds mice twice a week and the only other food source is gut loaded crickets. He doesn't use any UVB but only a 50 watt flood light on a 12 hour cycle and the only humidity is one gallon of water dumped in the substrate I think once a month.

Feeding mice isn't bad for him but he needs greens, veggies and a small amount of fruit. The water in the tank is terrible. They do not need high humidity. There is debate on the need for UVB but I use it on a 12 hour cycle. With the exception of a few animals most need UV A&B.
Detailed Blue Tongue Skink Caresheet - BlueTongueSkinks.NET

[Corey209]

Originally Posted by Zoo Nanny

Feeding mice isn't bad for him but he needs greens, veggies and a small amount of fruit. The water in the tank is terrible. They do not need high humidity. There is debate on the need for UVB but I use it on a 12 hour cycle. With the exception of a few animals most need UV A&B.
Detailed Blue Tongue Skink Caresheet - BlueTongueSkinks.NET

I thought the IJ BTS' need higher humidity? and wouldn't only using a 50 watt floodlight cause MBD?

[Zoo Nanny]

As far as I know they require similar conditions. Humidity provided by large bowl of water that they can soak in.

[Corey209]

Originally Posted by Zoo Nanny

As far as I know they require similar conditions. Humidity provided by large bowl of water that they can soak in.

I appreciate the information, I'm trying to help him out.

Is clipping the nails and supplying UVB necessary or is his flood light good enough?

[Zoo Nanny]

I prefer to supply UVB but there are those that say it is not needed. If they are given a rough surface to climb on it should keep the nails in check. I use a split log and have never had to clip his nails. If there is nothing rough to help the nails then I would imagine that they would need to be trimmed periodically.

[monitorlizard]

@Zoo Nanny- That care sheet is out dated. The people on the forum made a better one:
bluetongueskinks.net • View forum - Frequently Asked Questions
UVB is not needed.
Mice are not bad, but crickets aren't necessary as they are very small.
IJ, Merauke, Indonesian, Tanimbar, and Kei Island Blue Tongue Skinks Love having higher humidity. Around 60-80%

[Zoo Nanny]

Originally Posted by monitorlizard

@Zoo Nanny- That care sheet is out dated. The people on the forum made a better one:
bluetongueskinks.net • View forum - Frequently Asked Questions
UVB is not needed.
Mice are not bad, but crickets aren't necessary as they are very small.
IJ, Merauke, Indonesian, Tanimbar, and Kei Island Blue Tongue Skinks Love having higher humidity. Around 60-80%

Thank you for the updated sheet. I've heard that about the UVB but have always supplied it for Precious. With the price of the bulbs these days maybe I'll stop using them LOL!

[Corey209]

Originally Posted by Zoo Nanny

Thank you for the updated sheet. I've heard that about the UVB but have always supplied it for Precious. With the price of the bulbs these days maybe I'll stop using them LOL!

I talked to my local reptile shop and some lizard rescue, make sure you still give d3 supplements

[Zoo Nanny]

To be honest I would rather stick to the UVB lighting than to use supplements with him. BTS are very susceptible to vitamintosis. It takes a bit more work with the diet to ensure proper nutrition but it's been working so far.