Reptile · Skink
Western blue-tongued skink care guide
Tiliqua occipitalis
The western blue-tongued skink is a intermediate-level skink from Southern and western Australia. Adults reach 40–45 cm and live 15–20 years in captivity. Drier-climate blue-tongue with bold bands. Keep alone.
- Enclosure 120 × 60 × 60 cm
- Temp Basking 35–38°C, cool 22°C
- Humidity 30–50%
How much does a western blue-tongued skink cost in Canada?
Western blue-tongued skink quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 40–45 cm
- Lifespan
- 15–20 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Southern and western Australia
- Minimum enclosure
- 120 × 60 × 60 cm (47 × 24 × 24 in, ≈ 114 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Basking 35–38°C, cool 22°C
- Humidity
- 30–50%
- UVB
- Required
- Diet
- Omnivore – greens, vegetables, roaches, snails
- Bioactive style
- Semi-arid
Western blue-tongued skink enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 120 × 60 × 60 cm (47 × 24 × 24 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a semi-arid bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Semi-Arid Blend15 cm
No drainage layer – water deeply but rarely so the bottom stays slightly moist while the surface stays dry.
Temperature: Basking 35–38°C, cool 22°C. Humidity: 30–50%. UVB: Required.
What does a western blue-tongued skink eat?
Omnivore – greens, vegetables, roaches, snails. Adults 2–3 times a week, juveniles every day or two.
Handling, temperament & health
Calm and handleable.
Health watch: Obesity and respiratory infection.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Check basking surface temperature with an infrared thermometer.
- Keep the humid hide damp; refresh water.
Weekly
- Spot-clean waste.
- Every 1–2 weeks, pour water down into the soil around plants and in the cool corner.
Monthly
- Check stones and wood are stable and can’t be tunnelled under.
- Add a few leaves to the cool corner for isopods.
Yearly
- Refresh the top layer in the basking area.
- Replace UVB bulbs on schedule.
Recommended for a western blue-tongued skink bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (120 × 60 × 60 cm).
Jurassic ABG Semi-Arid Blend
Bioactive soil layer, 15 cm
Canyon Sand
Optional: mix in for a firmer, sandier texture
Eastern Oak Leaves 10/Pack
Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew
Terrarium Moss 7L Bag
Humid hide moss
Cork Bark Half Rounds
A hide at each end – plus one humid hide filled with damp moss
Mopani Wood
Climbing and a raised basking spot
Carnelian Stone
Holds heat under the lamp – place directly on the enclosure floor
Western blue-tongued skink FAQ
Is the western blue-tongued skink good for beginners?
The western blue-tongued skink is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Calm and handleable.
What size enclosure does a western blue-tongued skink need?
At least 120 × 60 × 60 cm (about 47 × 24 × 24 inches, roughly 114 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a western blue-tongued skink cost in Canada?
Typically $1500–4000 CAD to buy, about $970–1710 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $300–500 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a western blue-tongued skink need?
Temperature: Basking 35–38°C, cool 22°C. Humidity: 30–50%.
What does a western blue-tongued skink eat?
Omnivore – greens, vegetables, roaches, snails. Adults 2–3 times a week, juveniles every day or two.
Similar species
This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.