Blue Tongued Skink Questions

herpkid97 · #1 07-23-2010, 11:14 PM

Hello I am trying to choose between getting a BD or a BTS the only issue with the BTS is that it can bite (is this common? and if so is getting a baby and raising a way to make it not do this?) and that it is hard to get a hold of one that is not SUPER EXPENSIVE! Anyone know any great breeders that can ship BTS to the midwest for a relatively low price? Please tell me! Also this will be my first reptile!

Sakara · #2 07-23-2010, 11:22 PM

anything with teeth can bite

The couple BTS's I've played with haven't tried to bite... But yes, it is a good idea to start with a young one so you can tame it if need be...

I would check out Kingsnake.com and go to the reptile classifieds... you should be able to find some good breeders there

mongoose5971 · #3 07-24-2010, 02:42 AM

I've never heard of one biting, I mean it's definitely possible seeing as how they have mouths, but I probably wouldn't worry about that too much. See if you can arrange to meet a breeder at a show to avoid shipping costs and may be able to han pick a baby. Also, find out what the season is as they will be cheaper during that time (in theory)

tucuxi88 · #4 07-24-2010, 03:03 AM

Where did you hear they bite from? I have seen several and know a couple people who keep them and I've never heard or seen any real attitude.

And btw, I know on your other thread you mentioned your siblings will be holding it and you're wanting one because it's cheaper? In both cases I would get a bearded dragon. BTS are fat little sausages, if you can't support them I'm sure that's the quickest way to tick it off. Plus their diet is more complicated and it's recommended that they have a larger cage. Both (that I've experienced) are very docile but I've seen beardies tolerate the most annoying children EVER and take it all in stride.

mongoose5971 · #5 07-24-2010, 03:18 AM

I' say keep either one away from children, but that's just me, I hate kids

What tucuxi88 said is true though, beardies are a lot easier to physically hold, if you must. They can also sit on your shoulder. IMO both require a somewhat complicated diet but I'd say an adult beardie would require more space than a blue tongue and there are some subspecies that stay smaller. I'd say either one would be a fine choice, just weigh the pros and cons and decide which qualities are most important to you.

mongoose5971 · #6 07-24-2010, 03:20 AM

True though, most BTs are over $100 whereas you could find a beardie for $35-50.

tucuxi88 · #7 07-24-2010, 03:35 AM

[QUOTE=mongoose5971;822832] I hate kids

QUOTE]

Win!

But anyways.....Ever thought about a snake? A little corn snake would be unbelievably easier. Feeding, caging, docile, cheaper(all-around)...

Not that lizards are cool and all hey, maybe I'm just a snake person. lol

EricIvins · #8 07-25-2010, 06:03 PM

I've met quite a few nasty Beardeds and Blue Tongues..........

herpkid97 · #9 07-31-2010, 05:46 PM

[/QUOTE]But anyways.....Ever thought about a snake? A little corn snake would be unbelievably easier. Feeding, caging, docile, cheaper(all-around)...
Not that lizards are cool and all hey, maybe I'm just a snake person. lol[/QUOTE]

yes i am actually thinking of getting a corn snake because thye onnly need like a 20-30 gal. tank and they dont have a really tricky diet.....one thing about the corn snakes that im not sure about though...do they need UV cause ive seen a lot of people keep em without UV....is this healthy for them? Also i know they are quite docile if handled frequently and they are relatively small. But how do i pick them up from their cage? cause i heard if you corner/suprise the snake they will try to bite you or hiss at you? how would i pick them up from a cage? also i might start a diff thread for the corn snakes

buck2003 · #10 07-31-2010, 05:54 PM

I've kept both Bt's and beardies and havent met a nasty biter yet..not saying its not possible as anything can bite if scared! but both are great starter lizards. Beardies are more active tho so for the beginer a great starter lizard. ( both bd's and bts are tho)

Buck

Sakara · #11 07-31-2010, 10:07 PM

stupid double post...

Sakara · #12 07-31-2010, 10:07 PM

Quote:

yes i am actually thinking of getting a corn snake because thye onnly need like a 20-30 gal. tank and they dont have a really tricky diet.....one thing about the corn snakes that im not sure about though...do they need UV cause ive seen a lot of people keep em without UV....is this healthy for them? Also i know they are quite docile if handled frequently and they are relatively small. But how do i pick them up from their cage? cause i heard if you corner/suprise the snake they will try to bite you or hiss at you? how would i pick them up from a cage? also i might start a diff thread for the corn snakes

I would deff. go with a 40gal breeder for an adult corn at LEAST... because corns can still get over 5-6ft... snakes don't NEED UV light... They are different then lizards

and you just have to be calm with them and handle them regularly... and keeping animals you will always get bit... at least once! lol... But I guarantee you that it won't phase you to get bit by a baby corn... It's actually pretty cute, LOL!![/QUOTE]

herpkid97 · #13 08-01-2010, 01:32 AM

yeah i went to a pet store today to see if they had any... they had several baby corns and they were adorable!

Sakara · #14 08-01-2010, 01:33 AM

I would deff. suggest NOT supporting a pet store and buying an animal from them... There are a lot of breeders out there with cheaper and higher quality animals

_Sam_ · #15 08-01-2010, 01:44 AM

for the record, I had a BTS at work that was satan's spawn. he would take every chance he could to bite me and poop on me. He was not a nice guy. That being said, It is *not* common for them to be mean, but I do know it is possible.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sakara

I would deff. suggest NOT supporting a pet store and buying an animal from them... There are a lot of breeders out there with cheaper and higher quality animals

You really don't know anything about the pet store he went to though. Some local stores make a real effort and could use the support. Not every pet store is horrible, you know.

Sakara · #16 08-01-2010, 01:53 AM

yea I guess I should have made that statement a little better

I was assuming he meant a PetCo or PetSmart store... I know a lot of local ma and pa privately owned stores are much better... My bad

herpkid97 · #17 08-01-2010, 03:12 AM

lol yeah its a local store i dont like to buy animals from the big chains (PetSmart is only good for dog obedience school lol) yeah its a nice reputable local store

Sakara · #18 08-01-2010, 04:16 AM

that's good then

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