Australian Pink Tongued Skink
(Tiliqua gerrardii)

The Australian Pink Tongued Skink is typically found in New South Wales, Eastern Australia and is 15 to 18 inches in length. Australian Pink Tongued Skinks are generally nocturnal in the warmer weather and become diurnal in colder weather. The natural environment of the Australian Pink Tongued Skink is generally wetter than most other species of blue tongue skinks and feeds almost exclusively on snails and slugs in the wild. While herpetologists debate the classification Australian Pink Tongued Skink, we use ISIS as a standard for all scientific names and it is still classified in Tiliqua.

Difficulty

NOVICE to MODERATE:Australian Pink Tongued Skinks can make a good beginner pet. They do require specialized lighting however.

Requirements

An enclosure, such as:

• Glass or acrylic aquarium (10 gallons to 55 gallons or larger, depending on the size and number of Australian Pink Tongued Skinks kept) with a secure lid with clamps

Substrate, such as:

• Aspen Shavings
• Newspaper
• Indoor/Outdoor Carpeting

A heating element, such as:

• UV producing bulb
• Incandescent heat bulb
• Ceramic infrared heat emitters

Enclosure

Hatchling Australian Pink Tongued Skinks can be kept in a 10-gallon aquarium, but adults should be housed in a 55 gallon larger sized enclosure if more than two Australian Pink Tongued Skinks are kept in the enclosure. Australian Pink Tongued Skinks are ground dwellers and do not need many rocks or branches to climb, but a hide box should be provided for your Australian Pink Tongued Skink. A secured screen top is also needed for ventilation. Do not house two adult male Australian Pink Tongued Skinks together as they are territorial and will fight for space in the enclosure.

Substrate

The substrate or bedding that you use is one of the most important parts of your Australian Pink Tongued Skink's home, since your Australian Pink Tongued Skink will be spending much of its time on it. Aspen shavings make an excellent substrate. Indoor/Outdoor carpeting can also be used as an effective substrate for your Australian Pink Tongued Skink. Be sure to have at least two identical pieces so that you can simply place the clean piece of carpeting in the enclosure while you rinse and disenfect the soiled piece. You can then allow the newly cleaned piece of carpeting to dry for the next days use. It's important to note that you should completely rinse the carpet after cleaning it to be sure there is no residual chemicals remaining on the carpet that could irritate your Australian Pink Tongued Skink. Other substrates such as newspaper or paper towels can also be used. Part of the enclosure can be covered with a slightly damp substrate like sphagnum moss to provide extra humidity to help with shedding.Be sure to clean it often to prevent mold and bacteria growth.

Heating and Light

Australian Pink Tongued Skinks should have daytime temperatures of 75°F to 85°F with a 90°F to 95°F basking area under a spotlight. Nightime temperatures should be 70°F to 80°F. Australian Pink Tongued Skink require UV light for proper metabolic and bone development. This can be provided with fluorecent bulbs or mercury vapor spot lights which also provide heat. A spotlight with an appropriate wattage incandescnet bulb or ceramic emitter can be used to provide heat. Many hobbyists will install thermometers or thermostats in the enclsosure to be able to accurately maintain these temperatures. We do not recommend the use of any kind of heat rocks as they can often lead to burns on your Australian Pink Tongued Skink

Diet

Australian Pink Tongued Skinks are omnivorous (eating both plant and animal matter). Australian Pink Tongued Skinks do well on a a diet consisting of 60% plant material and 40% animal protein will provide a healthy mix. Frozen mixed vegetables, various greens, crickets, mealworms, and thawed pre-killed frozen mice can all be fed to your Australian Pink Tongued Skink. Fresh water should be provided daily.