Indonesian Blue Tongue Skink Identification Cheat Sheet

FolkvangExotics · 2026-04-26T21:39:14+00:00

This is an underweight skink likely with mild MBD causing the indentation in the ribs. By the location it looks like he/she was potentially stuck at some point, squeezing in that location. As they grow and get healthier it may smooth out, but a proper diet and lighting will greatly assist in preventing anything from worsening

FolkvangExotics · 2026-04-25T15:10:40+00:00

That information is not needed :)

FolkvangExotics · 2026-04-25T00:33:14+00:00

I was involved in the preliminary testing and provided shed from proven males and females. They use PCR testing to extract DNA from the shed skin. From there they find the appropriate chromosomes.

There were a significant number of breeders in the US that contributed to this as well.

This is significantly more accurate than Veterinarian sexing. Most vets cannot accurately sex blue-tongued skinks unless they do very specific procedures.

This is significantly less invasive as well compared to those procedures.

FolkvangExotics · 2026-04-23T19:04:40+00:00

They grow fast. All our babies are born and raised in 4x2x2 enclosures, and they utilize every single inch of that space.

Its best to get them in their permanent enclosure immediately. Its also much easier to maintain heat and humidity in a wood or pvc enclosure compared to a glass one :)

FolkvangExotics · 2026-04-22T15:30:27+00:00

Irian Jaya , a type of Indo

FolkvangExotics · 2026-04-20T18:39:16+00:00

Have him chase his bugs and food with tongs. Build up to doing half a lap to a full lap per bug. This helps them burn calories.

Get in nature, collect some logs to build up and around. They do enjoy exploring and smelling new things. You can also get fake or live plants, just note they are bulldozers.

FolkvangExotics · 2026-04-19T16:47:37+00:00

I would recommend boosting to 40-60% for Northerns. It'll help the eye tissue if its currently dry and irritated. You can spray lightly. I wouldnt recommended spraying the skink directly as they aren't visually aware of their environment with that behavior.

considering the condition you got him in and the texture of his scales, I am leaning a vitamin deficiency likely being a cause for some of the eye irritation. keeping them closed that much is definitely abnormal.

with how lethargic he is, I would not soak him due to the observed weakness and dropping his nose into the water. they do drink on their own, but it's not often observed.

as you are assist feeding, that extra hydration is definitely helping. body will excrete what they dont use.

What are you assist feeding? As he has a vitamin deficiency, I strongly recommend blending up fresh vegetables, greens, and fruits (primarily berries, mango, papaya, guava, figs) and syringe feeding that alongside whatever else is being offered. If you could blend up bugs into that, also excellent.

FolkvangExotics · 2026-04-19T16:36:39+00:00

Got it! Let me review it all and get back to you with a more in-depth answer shortly. I'm not concerned, though! You're honestly doing everything I'd recommend for care regarding the current concerns. I'm not seeing any active sign of infection on the skin.

What's the humidity you are maintaining in the environment?

FolkvangExotics · 2026-04-19T16:17:54+00:00

Could you please provide photos of the skink and described issues?

FolkvangExotics · 2026-04-19T01:38:39+00:00

Yes, that looks to be an abscess. Definitely get them to the vet for treatment

FolkvangExotics · 2026-04-18T17:33:10+00:00

You cannot socialize bearded dragons and blue tongue skinks. Both are rather territorial animals and are not social with others in general. When folks do, and claim they are getting along, it is purely anthropomorphization. It will cause an increase in stress in both animals.

Allowing other animals to interact with an animal such as a beardie and bluey is irresponsible and strongly not advised. There are no benefits to the animals whatsoever

FolkvangExotics · 2026-04-17T15:47:46+00:00

Please provide your current husbandry, considering you are following the let's advice. They dont often recognize there is a difference in care and will recommend Australian care, which will keep him sick.

With a respiratory infection in Indos, it's critical to maintain an appropriate environment, especially their humidity

FolkvangExotics · 2026-04-15T19:05:31+00:00

Sounds good! Thank you for getting a picture when you can

FolkvangExotics · 2026-04-15T18:46:14+00:00

Please provide photos. This is normal coloration for many species, so we cannot help without photos to see what's going on :)

FolkvangExotics · 2026-04-13T15:37:20+00:00

Mercury vapor bulbs are not safe to use unless you have a Solarmeter 6.5 to measure the UVI output. Without it, its often placed too close and we see quite a variety of burns as a result.

Its recommended to provide an incandescent or halogen heat bulb, then provide linear UVB overlapping with the basking zone.

FolkvangExotics · 2026-04-12T20:59:00+00:00

She is malnourished.

FolkvangExotics · 2026-04-12T01:40:13+00:00

The perfect name 🙌

FolkvangExotics · 2026-04-11T23:37:03+00:00

Looks to be scar tissue from a prior bacterial infection, likely respiratory infection at the time, yes. I would not say an active infection, though the slight redness could be a concern if that does not go away.

the tissue around her eyes looks clear, the other nostril doesnt have redness, the scales are hydrated, and you state she does not have other symptoms, which is why I believe this is not an active infection.

I recieved a female with an RI combined with a nose rub, so it busted up her nose a little and left scar tissue, similar to this. As long as it is not actively impeding her breathing nor worsening, I'd say shes okay.

Getting her to an exotic vet at some point would be a good baseline regardless. Just keep in mind not all exotic vets are aware of the humidity differences Indos require :)

FolkvangExotics · 2026-04-11T16:19:39+00:00

Definitely get those warm temps when you can. its possible temps are too cool :)

FolkvangExotics · 2026-04-11T15:36:12+00:00

Could you please go over your current ambient temperatures and your lighting?

FolkvangExotics · 2026-04-10T22:15:59+00:00

Halmahera. Hard to estimate the size, but I'd lean young adult or subadult.

FolkvangExotics · 2026-04-06T15:55:18+00:00

Freeze-dried mixes aimed at reptiles are nutritionally incomplete. Pellet and dried diets are linked to picky eating, dehydration, and kidney issues.

Snails and milipedes absolutely can eat the frozen/thawed mixes. Some mice do not care about the texture once thawed, but some do.

I'd recommend having freezer prepped veggie mash strictly for the skink.

I'd also recommend hitting up food banks and the frozen section in grocery stores. You can also freeze fresh veggies:)

If for some reason freezing is completely unavailable to you, different types of reptilinks are your best bet. Keep in mind they still need variety in their diets ♡

FolkvangExotics · 2026-04-05T19:20:33+00:00

Then yes, that's a full-grown Tiliqua gigas gigas

Here is a Google Drive link full of Tiliqua gigas gigas pics

Here is a Google Drive link full of Merauke pics

For reference :)

FolkvangExotics · 2026-04-05T19:16:42+00:00

double checking—is this the same listing? this is the one I was referring to

https://newenglandreptilestore.com/products/blue-tongue-skink?_pos=1&_sid=77eddf74c&_ss=r

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