EASTERN BLUE TONGUE LIZARD
CARING FOR YOUR BLUE TONGUE LIZARD
HOUSING & ENVIRONMENT
Blue Tongues are active, diurnal reptiles that spend considerable time basking and foraging for food during the day. Blue Tongues are solitary animals and should generally be housed on their own. Having more than one Blue Tongue in an enclosure may lead to dominance and aggression issues. For one adult Blue Tongue lizard a glass or timber enclosure of at least 90x45x60cm enclosure is required. It is important that the enclosure has sufficient ventilation as well as a secure, lockable door. The enclosure can be furnished with a low basking log (Blue Tongues are not great climbers) or rock, background, artificial plants and a water and feeding dish. Substrates like bark or coco fibre are suitable for Blue Tongues, using a thick layer in the enclosure will allow Blue Tongues to fulfill their natural instincts of burrowing and foraging as well as retaining heat and moisture.
HEATING, LIGHTING & MAINTENANCE
Providing adequate temperature gradients within a Blue Tongue’s enclosure is essential for their health and wellbeing, Blue Tongue’s require a basking spot maintained between 32-38˚C. They should have access to an elevated piece of flat timber or rock ornament to allow them to bask closer to the heat source. The cool end of the enclosure should be maintained between 24-26˚C and should not drop below 18-21˚C at night. Enclosure temperatures should be checked daily and must be regulated with the use of a good quality thermostat, sources of heat include the use of incandescent, halogen globe in a dome. Ultraviolet light (UV) plays an important role in a Blue Tongue’s growth and development, UVB light produced Vitamin D3 in their skin which is crucial for the absorption of calcium for healthy bone development. A 5.0 UVB tube or compact globe must be used as a source of artificial UV lighting in the enclosure. Blue Tongues should also have access to unfiltered, natural light at least once or twice a week. They also require a ‘day and night’ cycle with heat and UV lights running for approximately 10-12 hours each day, set on a timer. It is important to maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene within the Blue Tongue’s enclosure, daily ‘spot checks’ should be carried out by removing any faeces, shed skin or uneaten food from the enclosure and changing any spoiled substrate. A full substrate change should be carried out every six to eight weeks (depending on what substrate is used) and the enclosure thoroughly cleaned with a reptile-safe disinfectant.
DIET
Blue Tongue lizards are omnivores and feed on a range of live insects and plant matter, they should be fed a variety of both live foods and fresh fruits and vegetables (50:50). Live foods include snails, crickets, woodies, mealworms (in moderation), Black Soldier Fly Larvae and silkworms, all live foods should be dusted with a calcium and multivitamin powder before being offered. Blue Tongues are relatively slow-moving and may have trouble catching faster insects such as crickets and woodies, feeding them in a separate container will prevent insects from escaping inside the enclosure. Fruits and vegetables that can be offered include apple, pear, melons, pitted stone fruits, berries, banana, squash, carrot, endive and kale. Commercially available lizard pellets can also be mixed through the chopped fruits and vegetables to provide extra nutrition to the lizard. Fresh water should be always readily available and changed daily.
HANDLING & HEALTH ISSUES
Blue Tongue lizards in captivity can live from 15-20 years old and can reach a length of 40-60cm including their tail. Blue Tongues are generally docile, gentle and easily tamed reptiles, making them a great first-time pet for beginners. Although they are not known to be aggressive, when provoked or startled they can inflict a painful bite as they have powerful jaw strength. When holding a Blue Tongue Lizard, make sure to pick it up from its back and hold it flat in you palm or along your arm, supporting its whole body, limbs and tail. Health issues to look out for include:
Intestinal Parasites (worms)-Blue Tongues are susceptible to worms, including the potentially fatal coccidiosis organism. Faecal checks and worming can be carried out by an experienced Reptile Veterinarian.
Dysecdysis (Abnormal Shedding)- Low humidity levels can sometimes result in a dragon having an ‘incomplete’ shed. Giving reptiles shallow bath in warm water can help soften and release any stuck shed, alternatively products such as Reptile One “Skin Shed” or similar products can be used to externally to control shedding issues.
Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD)- Calcium or vitamin D3 deficiency because of incorrect diet and/or lack of or incorrect UV lighting.
LICENSING NSW
Blue Tongues in New South Wales are required to be kept under a reptile keeper’s licence. The licence is easily obtainable by phoning National Parks and Wildlife on (02) 9585 6406 or Service NSW (02) 13 77 88. It is presently law in New South Wales to have a licence. Without it, it is impossible to gain a reptile legally.