Size: Can reach up to 60cm in length
Lifespan: Can live up to 20 years in captivity
Diet: Omnivorous, with a diet consisting of insects, fruits, and vegetables
Housing: Require a large enclosure with a basking area, UVB lighting, and a hiding spot
Temperament: Generally docile but can become aggressive if threatened
Handling: Can be handled but should be done with care as they have sharp claws and teeth
Health Issues: Can be prone to respiratory infections and metabolic bone disease
Cost: Can range from ’50 to ‘200 depending on the age and size of the lizard
Availability: Widely available in pet stores and from breeders
Legalities: In some countries, such as Australia, it is illegal to keep bluetongue lizards as pets without a permit
Are you considering getting a Bluetongue Lizard as a pet? Bluetongue Lizards are a popular pet choice for many reptile enthusiasts, but they require special care and attention. If you’re thinking about getting a Bluetongue Lizard as a pet, you should read on to learn more about these fascinating creatures and how to care for them properly. This article will give you an overview of Bluetongue Lizards, their natural habitat, and what you can expect from them as a pet. We will also discuss common health issues and illnesses, and how to prevent and treat them. By the end of this article, you’ll be well-prepared to make an informed decision about whether a Bluetongue Lizard is the right pet for you.
Introduction to Bluetongue Lizards
Bluetongue Lizards, also known as Tiliqua scincoides, are an iconic part of the Australian landscape. These fascinating lizards are found in a variety of habitats, ranging from open grasslands to woodlands and are active during the day. They are a popular pet choice for many Australian households, due to their hardy nature and willingness to interact with their owners.
Bluetongue Lizards can grow up to 60cm in length and have a distinctive blue tongue, which they use as a defence mechanism. They are omnivorous and feed on a variety of insects, fruits, and vegetation. They are also known to be quite active and can move quickly when they sense danger. As they are native to Australia, they are well adapted to the climate and can thrive in temperatures ranging from 10-35 degrees Celsius. They can also live for up to 15 years when properly cared for.
Bluetongue Lizards are a great pet choice for those looking for an interesting and interactive companion. They are relatively easy to care for and can provide hours of entertainment. With their distinctive blue tongue and active nature, they are sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Characteristics and behaviour of Bluetongue Lizards
Bluetongue lizards are a popular pet in Australia due to their docile nature and interesting physical characteristics. These lizards are relatively easy to care for, making them ideal for first-time reptile owners.
Bluetongue lizards are typically grey or brown in colour, with dark bands across their backs and tails. They have a distinctive blue tongue, hence their name, which they use to scare off predators. They can grow up to 60 cm in length and can live up to 10 years in captivity. Bluetongue lizards are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day and sleep at night. They are also quite sociable and can be kept in pairs or small groups. In the wild, they are often found in open grasslands and woodlands, where they feed on insects, small mammals, and other small reptiles. They are also known to climb trees in search of food.
Housing and Enclosure Requirements for Bluetongue Lizards
Bluetongue lizards are a popular pet choice in Australia, and their housing and enclosure requirements are important to consider when deciding whether to adopt one. Bluetongue lizards require an enclosure that is at least 3m long, 2m wide and 1m high, with a secure lid. The enclosure should be made of strong material, such as wire mesh, and should be kept in a warm, dry area.
The enclosure should also provide plenty of hiding spots for the lizard, such as logs, rocks and foliage. The enclosure should also feature a basking spot, which should be heated to around 28-32 degrees Celsius. The enclosure should also have a water dish, which should be changed regularly. A shallow pool of water can also be provided for the lizard to bathe in. Lastly, the enclosure should be cleaned regularly to ensure the lizard’s health and wellbeing.
Diet and Feeding Habits of Bluetongue Lizards
Bluetongue Lizards, also known as Tiliqua scincoides, are a popular choice of pet among reptile owners in Australia. These lizards are relatively easy to care for and have a diet and feeding habits that are easy to maintain.
Bluetongue lizards are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plants and animals. They primarily feed on insects, such as crickets, cockroaches and grasshoppers, but they also enjoy fruits and vegetables. For a balanced diet, it is important to provide a variety of foods to your lizard, such as a mix of fresh vegetables, fruits, and insects. It is also important to ensure that the food is chopped into small pieces that are easy for the lizard to eat. Bluetongue lizards should be fed every two to three days, and the amount of food given should be based on the size of the lizard.
Bluetongue lizards should also have access to a shallow bowl of water at all times for drinking and bathing. This water should be changed daily to ensure that it is clean and free from bacteria. It is also important to provide your lizard with a warm, humid environment and to monitor the temperature of its enclosure regularly. By following these simple guidelines, you can ensure
Health and Care of Bluetongue Lizards
Bluetongue Lizards are a popular pet choice in Australia, due to their docile nature and vibrant colouring. However, they require special care and attention to ensure they remain healthy and happy.
It is important to provide your Bluetongue Lizard with a suitable habitat. This should include a secure enclosure, with a temperature gradient of between 20-30 degrees Celsius. The enclosure should also have a humid hide, and plenty of hiding places and branches for climbing. Bluetongue Lizards should also be provided with a shallow water dish, and their enclosure should be cleaned regularly.
In terms of diet, Bluetongue Lizards should be fed a variety of insects, such as crickets, mealworms, and waxworms. Vegetables and fruits can also be offered, but should only make up a small portion of their diet. Bluetongue Lizards should be fed every two to three days, and should not be overfed.
It is also important to provide your Bluetongue Lizard with regular veterinary check-ups. This will help to ensure that any health issues are caught early and treated appropriately. It is also important to handle your Bluetongue Lizard regularly, as this will help to build trust and ensure that your lizard is comfortable around you
Handling and Interaction with Bluetongue Lizards
Bluetongue Lizards are a popular pet choice in Australia due to their small size and interesting colouration. Handling and interaction with these lizards is an important part of owning them as pets, and there are some key things to keep in mind when doing so.
Firstly, it is important to remember that Bluetongue Lizards are not domesticated animals. They are wild animals and will try to defend themselves if they feel threatened. Therefore, it is important to handle them gently and with respect. When handling them, it is best to use two hands, one to support their body and the other to support their head. It is also important to make sure that their claws are not able to scratch you.
When interacting with Bluetongue Lizards, it is important to remember that they can be easily scared. Loud noises, sudden movements, and bright lights can cause them to become stressed and defensive. Therefore, it is important to keep interactions calm and quiet, and to avoid making any sudden movements. Bluetongue Lizards also like to explore, so providing them with hiding spaces, climbing branches, and other items to explore can help to keep them entertained.
Legal Considerations for Keeping Bluetongue Lizards as Pets
When considering keeping a bluetongue lizard as a pet, it is important to be aware of the legal considerations that come with it. In Australia, bluetongue lizards are protected species, so it is illegal to catch them in the wild. If you wish to keep one as a pet, you must obtain a licence from the relevant state or territory government authority. The licence will state the conditions under which you are allowed to keep the lizard, such as the size of the enclosure, the type of food it can be fed, and the temperature range it must be kept in.
In addition, it is important to be aware of the laws about transporting bluetongue lizards. If you plan to take your pet to a different state or territory, you must obtain a permit from the relevant government authority. This will ensure that the lizard is transported safely and legally. It is also important to ensure that you comply with the relevant quarantine laws when transporting the lizard, as this will help to prevent the spread of disease. Finally, it is important to consider the local laws and regulations that may apply to keeping a bluetongue lizard as a pet. Different states and territories may have different regulations, so it is important to ensure that you are aware of these before you purchase or keep a bluetongue lizard.
Final Thoughts
Bluetongue Lizards are a great pet choice for those looking for an interesting and interactive companion. They are relatively easy to care for and can provide hours of entertainment. With their distinctive blue tongue and active nature, they are sure to be a hit with the whole family. However, it is important to remember that they require special care and attention, and that there are legal considerations that must be taken into account when keeping them as pets. If you are willing to provide the necessary care and attention, then a Bluetongue Lizard could be the perfect pet for you.
Bluetongue Lizards as Pets FAQs
While some species of Bluetongue Lizards are considered threatened or endangered, others are not. It’s important to research the specific species you are interested in before deciding to get one as a pet.
Bluetongue Lizards can make good pets for beginners, but only if the owner is willing to invest in the time and resources needed to properly care for them. They require a lot of space and specialized equipment, so it’s important to do your research before deciding to get one.
Yes, Bluetongue Lizards can be handled, but it’s important to do so carefully and gently. They can become stressed or frightened if handled too roughly.
Yes, Bluetongue Lizards can make a variety of sounds including hissing, grunting, and even barking. These sounds are usually a sign of distress or warning.
Yes, Bluetongue Lizards require regular cleaning of their enclosure, as well as access to fresh water at all times. They also need to have their nails trimmed regularly and may require periodic vet check-ups.
Bluetongue Lizards can grow up to 60cm in length and can weigh up to 1.5kg when fully grown.
Bluetongue Lizards can live up to 20 years in captivity if properly cared for.
Bluetongue Lizards are omnivores and eat a variety of foods including insects, fruits, vegetables, and small mammals. It’s important to provide a balanced diet and avoid feeding them too much fatty or sugary foods.
Bluetongue Lizards are a type of large, diurnal lizard native to Australia. They are known for their distinctive blue tongues and can make great pets for the right owner.
Bluetongue Lizards need a large, secure enclosure with plenty of space to move around. They require both basking and hiding spots, as well as a source of UVB lighting and a heat lamp.
