Best Substrates for Blue Tongue Skinks - Ep. 23

This episode takes an in depth look at the best substrates for Tiliqua (Blue Tongue Skinks) as well as some of the unfavorable substrates as well. It is long but will cover a great deal of information about each substrate and what it offers.

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TC Houston, former professional zookeeper, SKINKAHOLIC, and reptile fanatic, shares his experiences and passion for keeping and breeding Blue-Tongue Skinks and other reptile species for the educational and overall betterment of the hobby. Subscribe to stay updated on more evidence-based, current, professional information about the reptile hobby and Blue-Tongue Skink care. Enjoy! Watch! Like! Share! Woot woot!

[bzz]

Some of the most informative blue tongue skink videos ive seen so far. As a person looking for a blue tongue skink in the upcoming season, this information is gold. Thank you.

[mightymouse]

You have the best channel for skink care and general information. You've probably saved and improved the lives of thousands of skinks. That's awesome! Thanks for these great videos!

[texasdrrose]

I found no float Cyprus at Lowe's but I did have to dig for a bag of just cyprus. They also have a cyprus blend that is not what you want it has pine and cedar in it. just thought I would add that. they were stacked together on same pallets.

[Joeyravioli]

I just got a Irian jaya, I know you said to do your research before you get one but when I heard this little guys previous owner had abandoned him in the garage I had to take him in, especially since we live in Chicago and it gets pretty cold, I now am doing everything I can to ensure he gets what he needs and lives a happy healthy life, my skink unfortunately is missing a few toes and fingers, but he seems happy now that he's getting his food and water and has warmth, thank you for posting all these videos, and informing people on the care that these little guys need, it really helps.

[lindagewoonlinda]

2 years ago I got the chance to hold a bluetongue, I fell in love with that little guy! I'm hopefully getting my own bluetongue this sunday. Your videos are very helpfull! thank you for that :)

[slaughterhater]

Calcium sand is also considered a no no for hermit crabs too.

[coopsreptiles]

Very good video man loving the quality info and editing. They can also start climbing walls and get back kinks if you don't have anything to bury in if using paper. Keep up the good work these videos would be extremely helpful for people new in the hobby

[alexslomin]

Another fantastic video!! I have about 3 inches of cypress mulch in my enclosure because I know blue tongue skinks like to burrow sometimes. Is that deep enough, too deep, too shallow?

[cathleenbalboni]

Excellent work breaking down all substrate use and issues. I really wanted to use cypress for Snowy but actually heard several stories of impaction causing the death of some skinks. I am nervous now about using it and even though so many folks use it and love it for holding humidity well I can't shake the negative feeling . 😞Thank you again TC! Keep up the great work for all of us!😊

[britlyntrent]

I can't even get a blue tongue skink yet but I'm already researching lol

[heatherriley]

Your videos are so great and informative! I'm planning to get a pet blue tongued skink soon (my first reptile, I'm so excited), and these videos are so helpful!

[ashleystubbings]

Very helpful and informative video. Thank you. You know what you're talking about!😁

Yes this happened to me, bought substrate from pet store never had mites before then suffered with an infestation couldn’t figure out where they come from then it dawned on me freaked me out so much that I keep all my snakes on paper towel now, , but I am willing to try again freezing it this time just in case. Thx for the advice👍

[gregwolley]

Thanks so much! I took my halmarera to an exotic vet to get de-mited. Despite me telling him that this sp. needed high humidity, he swore by aspen and said that 30% humidity was fine. Wrong! Now I have to switch out my substrate (for the second time; the first time was heating and cleaning for mites), and I'm sure me skink Simon will be much happier.

[WickedWildlife]

Great informative video!
I tend to use mostly cocopeat
Like you said it suits variable humidities and comes in big blocks from our garden centre

[JRam]

mites can go through bags i guess ima use my oven for the first thanks for the i still got lots to learn!!!

[christinaserrone]

Hi T.C.
I just wanted to thank you for responding to my question regarding what brand of dry cat food you use. I also asked if you had any "normal" Northern blue tongues. If you have a waiting list for your babies, can you please add my name, Chris Serrone. Thank you. Your information, etc., is great and your Blue Tongues are beautiful.

[ProgressiveDiscussions]

My BIO Active setup for high humidity Critters is the dairy cow isopod because they breed so fast, together with dwarf purple isopods. For exotic pets that need it a bit drier I would use powder orange or powder blue isopods, even though you still have to moisten one end of the enclosure once a week. They are a great clean up crew in all ways and for some smaller pets an extra food source.

[IsaacsonSeth]

I used to use Kritter Crumble coco fiber, but we’ve had both of our northerns on bioactive substrates for several years and they are thriving.

[andrww]

Is repti-bark and eco-earth good for substrate?