Care Sheet - Bobtails & Bluetongues

BOBTAILS & BLUETONGUES

Western Bluetongue – Category 2

Bobtail – Category 2

Centralian Bluetongue – Category 2

NECESSITIES

VIVARIUM                                UVA/UVB LIGHTING   

DAY HEAT GLOBE                 HEAT MAT                 

SUBSTRATE                          WATER BOWL                     

THERMOSTAT                      

Bobtails and Bluetongues can live for up to 25 years.

 Western Bluetongue            Centralian                              Bobtail

Requirements

You require a licence issued by C.A.L.M.  See above for the Category of licence.

Housing

Indoor enclosures should be at least 1.5 metres long and 50cm wide with side, back or ceiling ventilation.  Outdoor pit enclosures can be at least 1.5 metres x 1.5 metres with walls at least 50cm high to avoid escapes. These animals prefer a fair bit of floor space.  Plenty of shade is required in outdoor enclosures using plants or hide boxes.  Shade cloth or wire mesh should be used to keep out cats and birds of prey.

Substrate

Commercially cleaned and packaged sand is available at pet stores and is parasite free.  Bagged bark chips are ideal for these lizards, as they like to bury themselves when they sleep.

Humidity and Water

Bluetongues and Bobtails are susceptible to respiratory infections when exposed to too much humidity.  Offer water in a bowl every 2 or 3 days to animals housed indoors (more often in summer).  Permanent water can be supplied in outdoor enclosures.

Temperature and Lighting

Place a basking lamp at one end of the enclosure so there is a warm end and a cool end (thermal gradient) allowing the lizard to heat up and cool off, as it requires.  The hot spot should be approximately 30°C.  The size of the enclosure will determine the wattage of the heat lamp used.  A heat mat should be placed under the substrate at the warm end of the enclosure (especially in winter) as these lizards absorb most of their heat from the ground.

A definite daylight cycle of lighting should be provided, either manually or automatically using an electrical timer.  Use a full spectrum UVA/UVB globe for 8-10 hours in winter, 12-14 hours in summer each day to provide the UV light they require to make vitamin D3 (essential for healthy bone structure).   Heat and UV lamps aren’t required for outdoor pit housing, however Bluetongues will brumate (hibernate) during winter.

Food

Centralians and Western Bluetongues eat mostly insects but also some vegetation that can be provided with chopped up fruit and veg. Commercial insects are available live such as crickets,

woodies and mealworms or canned insects.  Dusting food with calcium/vitamin powder helps provide full nutritional value.  Feed adults every 2 or 3 days and babies daily.

Bobtail diets consist of fresh fruit and vegetables (except capsicums and onions) as well as snails, dog food (no fish), defrosted mice, scrambled eggs and insects (canned mealworms are a favourite). Grate or chop fruit and veg into small pieces and serve all food at room temperature.  Offer a big meal once a week and serve treats (defrosted mice or snails) in between.  Feed babies daily.

Note: If your Bluetongue is not eating check that your temperature is warm enough.

Handling

Bluetongues don’t mind being handled as long as there is support under their belly.  They like people because they know food is involved!  These lizards are easily handfed.  Feel free to put them in a secure part of the garden during the day to forage and for some exercise. Wash your hands before and after handling your lizard.

Recommended Extras

Thermometer – to help monitor ideal heat requirements.

Reptihand - hand cleaner that removes bacteria and other contaminants from your skin.  Use before handling your pet.

Hide Rock – to sleep and feel secure.

Hide Log – to sleep and feel secure.

Multivitamins & Calcium – mixed in with fresh food or dusted on live food as a dietary supplement.

Worm Rid – in liquid form can be fed to your reptile using a dropper, especially if providing furniture from the bush.

Reptile Essentials Pack – contains cage cleaner, vitamin spray, skin shed spray, tick and mite spray and worming solution.

Remember to wash branches and logs from the bush with bleach solution before putting them in the enclosure.

Accessories

Water bowl, Feeding Bowl, Plastic Plants, Hide Logs, Heat Cave, Heat Rock.

You should also add low logs for climbing, hollow logs for hiding under and perhaps plastic plants for decoration – they are much easier to clean.

Health

Colloidal Silver – a preventative antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal tonic used to keep water fresh, to help control parasites and worms.  Add a teaspoon to drinking water or dab on minor wounds.                                                                      

Body Guard – a preventative antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal spray that can be used for cleaning the interior of the enclosure as well as bark, branches, water and food bowls.  Also used for the treatment of minor wounds and aids in healthy shedding.

Cage Cleaner – ideally suited to the cleaning of reptile enclosures.                         

*CARE – Watch for signs of a cold (watery eyes, runny nose), as this may be fatal to your pet.  The temperature should be turned up and your Bluetongue should be taken to your local vet.

Recommended Reading

Keeping Shingleback Lizards by Darren Green

Recommended Website

www.calm.wa.gov.au

www.reptiletrader.com.au

www.radicalreptiles.com.au

Should you have any worries concerning your pet, please feel free to bring it to the shop for our expert attention at Reptile Trader!