Northern Blue Tongue Care

https://youtu.be/bOjGIs6T-vk?si=SBldusX-bBCZn8pQ

(Video Care Guide)

Enclosure

Recommended size 4'x2'x18" or 4x2x2 feet (120x60x60 cm) for adults.

  • They will utilize more space if offered.
  • Provide multiple hides 
  • water bowl

Temperature

Basking spot: 100-115°F (36-46°C)

Warm: 85-95°F°F (30-35°C)

Cool side: 68-80°F (20-24°C)

Night: 68-75°F (20-23°C)

  • Basking Bulb on Dimmer allows for yearly adjustment
  • Provide temperature gradient (Hot on one side cool the opposite)

Lighting & UVB

UVB: Check Bulb Label output may vary by brand.

  • T5 12% UVB tube 15-24" above basking
  • T8 12% UVB tube 12-15" above basking
  • UVI 1-2 Zone 3
  • Allow section of enclosure no UVB

  • Replace UVB bulbs every 6-12 months (manufacturers guidelines)

Humidity

Range: 40-60%

  • Mist enclosure lightly 2-3 times weekly as needed
  • Provide humid hide for shedding
  • Use hygrometer to monitor levels
  • Increase humidity during shed

Diet

Omnivorous diet: Babies 75% protein, 20% vegetables 5% or less fruits. Increase vegetable % as they become adults. Adults 50-60% Protein, 35-45% vegetables 5% or less fruit. Try rotating brands, flavors, ingredients to offer a variety.

Protein: Quality Canned Grain Free Dog Food, Quality canned Grain free cat food, Ground Organ meat, Snails, Dubia Roaches, mealworms, ground turkey, eggs, quail, pinkies (treat), Dubia Roaches, mealworms, superworms, hornworm (treat)

Vegetables: Leafy greens, squash, bell peppers, sweet potato, carrots, peas

Fruit: Blueberries, strawberry, mango, banana

Feeding Schedule:

  • Feed Babies Daily until 3 months old
  • Feed every other day 3-6 months
  • Feed every 3rd day 6-9 months
  • Feed every 4th day 9-12 months
  • Feed adults weekly with treats as needed
  • Dog Food/homemade Portion size based on head size of animal
  • Dust Insects with calcium (yellow in urate reduce amount)
  • Dust multivitamin 25% 
  • Always provide fresh water

Substrate

Recommended options:

  • Organic Topsoil/sand/peat moss mix
  • 100% Cypress mulch
  • Reptichip and coconut husk
  • Avoid: Pine, cedar, walnut shells
  • Depth: Babies 1-3" Adults 3-6" inches (allow enough to burrow always)