Blue-tongued skinks are reptiles that make wonderful pets due to their docile nature, fun personalities, and easy care. If you’re considering getting a blue tongue skink as a pet, one of the first questions you may have is how much they typically cost. The answer to this question can vary depending on several factors such as whether you’re buying from a breeder or pet store, the age of the skink, and other things.
Breeding Costs
If you’re interested in getting a baby blue tongue skink from a breeder, expect to pay anywhere between $50-$200+ depending on the age and type of skink. Some rarer types such as black-headed blue tongues may cost more than standard species. Additionally, if there are any specific morphs or unique markings that you’re looking for then these could also affect the price of your new pet.
Pet Store Costs
Buying an adult blue tongue skink from a pet store can sometimes be more expensive, but it can also be more affordable as well. Prices can range anywhere between $50-$250+, again depending on various factors such as size and species. If you visit multiple stores it is important to compare prices so that you get the best deal possible.
Upkeep Costs
Once you have purchased your new pet, there will be some additional costs associated with providing them with proper care. These include food costs (which can range anywhere between $10-$20+ per month), tank setup (which includes substrate material and any necessary decorations), lighting equipment and heating lamps, etc., medication for any illnesses or parasites your skink might contract over time (which could cost upwards of $100+), vet visits (if needed), and other miscellaneous items like toys or accessories for decorating their enclosure (which could add up over time). All in all these costs can range anywhere between $50-$300+ per month depending on how much care your particular skink requires.
Where Can I Find Affordable Prices on Blue Tongue Skinks?
Blue Tongue Skinks are a unique species of lizard found in Australia, Indonesia, and New Guinea. They make great pets for reptile enthusiasts because of their docile behavior and active lifestyle. As with any pet, the cost of buying a Blue Tongue Skink can be an important consideration. Fortunately, there are ways to find affordable prices for these lizards so that you can bring home your very own Blue Tongue Skink without breaking the bank.
Evaluating Budget-Friendly Sources
The first step when looking for an affordable Blue Tongue Skink is to evaluate different sources. Online vendors or pet stores may offer discounts or special deals on certain snakes or skinks that could help you save money. Additionally, looking at classified ads or joining reptile forums could help you locate sellers who are offering these lizards at discounted rates. If you’re willing to put in the legwork, it’s possible to find an affordable source for your new pet.
Choosing a Healthy Pet
When searching for a budget-friendly price on a Blue Tongue Skink, it’s important to remember that cheaper prices don’t always mean better value. Make sure that you evaluate the health and condition of any potential pet before making a purchase; no amount of money saved is worth bringing home a sick animal. When buying from online retailers or classified listings, do some research ahead of time and ask as many questions as possible about the animal’s background and health history before making a commitment to buy it.
Adopting Local Shelters
There are also some shelters and reptile rescue organizations that aim to re-home unwanted reptiles including Blue Tongue Skinks. These organizations often require adoption fees but they will generally be much lower than what you’d pay at an exotic pet store or through other sources. Moreover, these organizations typically provide detailed information about each animal’s age, health condition, temperament, and dietary needs so you know exactly what type of lizard you’re getting before committing to adoption.
What Are The Different Types Of Blue Tongues And Their Price Ranges?
Blue tongue lizards are a type of lizard native to Australia and New Guinea. They belong to the family known as Tiliqua, which includes five species of skinks. Known for their bright blue tongues, they are popular pets that come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors. Blue tongue lizards are easy to care for and can live up to 20 years if properly cared for. In this article, we will explore the different types of blue tongues along with their respective price ranges.
Eastern Bluetongue Lizard
The Eastern bluetongue lizard (Tiliqua scincoides) is the most common species of blue tongue lizard kept as a pet. They have a long life span and can grow up to 12 inches in length when fully grown. The dark body is covered in small bumps or tubercles, giving it an almost velvety feel. As the name suggests, their tongues are bright blue. These lizards typically range from $100-$200 USD depending on size and color variations.
Blotched Bluetongue Lizard
The blotched bluetongue lizard (Tiliqua nigrolutea) is similar in appearance to its close relative the eastern bluetongue but has distinct differences due to its light-colored patches scattered across its dark body. It grows slightly larger than the eastern species and has been known to reach up to 18 inches when fully grown. This particular species can be purchased for prices ranging from $150-$250 USD depending on size and color variations.
Northern Bluetongue Lizard
The northern bluetongue lizard (Tiliqua scincoides intermedia) is another popular pet that is native to northern Australia and southern New Guinea regions where it typically lives in open grasslands or woodland areas near rivers or streams. It is slightly smaller than other varieties but still grows up to 10 inches in length when fully grown. These lizards usually cost around $80-$150 USD depending on size and color variations.
Shingleback Skink
The shingle back skink (Tiliqua rugosa) is another type of blue tongue lizard commonly kept as a pet but should not be confused with true bluetongues since they belong to a separate genus known as Trachydosaurus rugosus rather than Tiliqua scincoides as other bluetongues do. They have distinctive scales on their backs that resemble overlapping plates of armor which is why they are also known as “stingers” or “pinecone lizards” by some enthusiasts because of this armor-like appearance. These shingle backs typically cost anywhere from $90-$200 USD depending on size and color variations found within this particular species of lizard.
Centralian Bluetongue Lizard
The Centralian bluetongue lizard (Tiliqua multifasciata) is the largest species of blue tongue lizard. They can be found in arid or semi-arid regions throughout central Australia and are popular pets for reptile enthusiasts. This particular species grows up to 20 inches in length when fully grown and usually costs around $120-$200 USD depending on size and color variations.
Conclusion
Purchasing and caring for a blue tongue skink can range anywhere between $50-300+ per month depending on the age of the skink, where you purchase it from, and how much care they require. Before making the commitment to get a blue tongue skink as a pet, do your research so that you are aware of all associated costs upfront. With proper knowledge and care, these unique lizards make wonderful companions.