Blue Tongue Lizard Care Guide - Birdsville Bird Shop, Sydney

The Common Blue-Tongue Lizard (Tiliqua scincoides) is one of Australia’s most popular pet reptiles, prized for their calm temperament, hardy nature and unmistakable blue tongue display. Native to Australia, they adapt well to captivity when provided with proper heating, UVB lighting and a balanced omnivorous diet. With their sturdy build, diurnal habits and long lifespan, blue-tongues make rewarding, low-stress companions for both first-time and experienced reptile keepers.

Basic Information

The Common Blue-Tongue Lizard (Tiliqua scincoides) is one of Australia’s most recognisable reptiles, known for its sturdy build, calm nature and distinctive blue tongue display. Found across eastern and northern Australia, they inhabit open woodlands, grasslands and suburban environments. Adults typically reach 45–60 cm in length and can live 20 years or more with proper care. Blue-tongues are diurnal, ground-dwelling lizards and are considered one of the most suitable reptiles for beginners when housed and managed correctly.

Essential Supplies

Carry Enclosure

A sturdy, escape proof and well-ventilated carry enclosure is mandatory for all repltiles leaving Birdsville. Carry enclosures are essential for any reptile transportation.

Secure Enclosure

A sturdy, well-ventilated enclosure is essential to prevent escape and reduce the risk of respiratory illness. Adult bearded dragons require a minimum enclosure size of 120 x 60 x 60 cm, while juveniles (up to 18 months) can be housed in a 60 x 60 x 60 cm enclosure. Front-opening enclosures are recommended for ease of access and reduced stress.

Substrate

Recommended substrates include desert sand designed for reptiles or reptile-safe substrate sheets. Substrate should remain dry to minimise humidity and bacterial growth. Avoid loose, dusty or inappropriate materials that may cause impaction.

Food

Ensure a variety of food is offered including; live insects, fruits, vegetables and pellets.Offering a variety of foods helps provide balanced nutrition and keeps feeding interesting. Read more on feeding guides below in the ‘Diet and Feeding’ section.

Furnishings & Enrichment

Provide thick branches, rocks, basking platforms, climbing structures and two hides (one at each end of the enclosure). These allow natural behaviours such as basking, climbing and retreating when the dragon feels stressed. Décor must be stable and unable to shift or collapse.

Heating Equipment

A basking heat lamp and heat mat is required to create a hot zone within the enclosure. All heat sources must be controlled by a thermostat to prevent overheating and burns.

Thermometers & Hygrometer

Digital thermometers should be placed at both the hot and cool ends to monitor the temperature gradient accurately. A hygrometer assists in monitoring humidity levels.

UVB Lighting

High-quality UVB lighting (10.0 output or higher) is essential to support vitamin D synthesis and calcium absorption, helping prevent metabolic bone disease.

Food & Water Dishes

Provide shallow, sturdy food and water dishes. Water bowls should be large enough to allow soaking if required and cleaned daily.

Supplements & Feeding Tools

Calcium, vitamin D₃ and multivitamin supplements are required, along with feeding tongs for safe and controlled feeding.

Reptile Safe Disinfectant

Essential for cleaning and disinfecting any items beloning to your reptiles, ensure no harmful chemicals are used in or around their enclosures to ensure your pets’ health. Its important to designate cleaning equitment for your reptiles and ensure they do not mix with your normal cleaning supplies.

Housing

An adult blue-tongue requires a minimum enclosure size of 120 x 60 x 60 cm, with larger enclosures strongly recommended. Floor space is more important than height. Furnishings should include hides, logs, rocks and open areas for basking and movement. Enclosures must remain dry, secure and well-ventilated. Blue-tongues are solitary and must be housed individually.

Environment

A clear temperature gradient is essential. The basking area should reach 35–38°C, with the cool end maintained at 22–26°C. Night temperatures may drop to around 18–20°C. Humidity should remain moderate (30–50%), increasing slightly during shedding. UVB lighting should be provided for 10–12 hours daily and replaced according to manufacturer guidelines. All heating and lighting must comply with NSW animal welfare standards.

Diet & Feeding

Blue-tongues are omnivores and require a varied diet. Feed a balanced mix of leafy greens, vegetables, flowers, insects and high-quality prepared reptile diets. Occasional protein sources such as insects or cooked lean meats may be offered. Juveniles should be fed more frequently, while adults are typically fed 2–3 times per week. Calcium and vitamin supplements must be provided regularly, particularly when feeding fresh foods.

Fresh Fruits & Vegtables Guide: (not limited to)

Do’s

Collard greens, Mustard greens, Rocket, Bok choy, Watercress, Butternut pumpkin, Capsicum, Green beans, Squash, Carrot (occasionally), Blueberries, Strawberries, Mango, Apple (without seeds) and Papaya.

Don’ts

Avocado, Onion, Garlic, Rhubarb, Wild-caught insects or Processed human foods.

Behaviour & Handling

Common Blue-Tongues are generally calm and tolerant of gentle handling. They may hiss or display their blue tongue when startled, which is a defensive behaviour rather than aggression. Handling should be slow and confident, supporting the entire body. Limit handling during shedding or after feeding to reduce stress.

Common Health Concerns

While Common Blue-Tongue Lizards are hardy when kept correctly, health problems can arise if diet, heating or hygiene are inadequate. Regular observation of behaviour, appetite and body condition is essential for early detection.

Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD)

This condition is caused by insufficient calcium intake or lack of proper UVB exposure. Signs may include soft or swollen jaws, tremors, weakness, difficulty moving, or limb deformities. MBD is preventable with correct UVB lighting and regular calcium supplementation.

Obesity

Blue-tongues are prone to weight gain if overfed or given overly rich foods. Obesity can lead to lethargy, reduced mobility and long-term organ stress. Maintain a balanced diet and appropriate feeding schedule to keep your lizard in healthy condition.

Respiratory Infections

Incorrect temperatures, poor ventilation or excessive humidity can contribute to respiratory illness. Symptoms may include wheezing, bubbling from the nose or mouth, open-mouth breathing, and lethargy. Prompt veterinary attention is required if these signs are observed.

Parasites

Internal or external parasites may cause weight loss, diarrhoea, reduced appetite or dull skin. Regular enclosure cleaning and sourcing food from reputable suppliers reduces risk. A veterinarian can diagnose and treat parasitic infections if suspected.

Shedding Problems

Incomplete or retained sheds can occur if humidity levels are too low or hydration is inadequate. Watch for retained skin around toes, tail tips or eyes. Providing a shallow water dish and appropriate humidity during shedding periods helps prevent issues.

Mouth Rot (Infectious Stomatitis)

This bacterial infection affects the mouth and gums and is often linked to poor hygiene or injury. Signs include swelling, redness, discharge, or reluctance to eat. Veterinary treatment is required to prevent progression.

Health, Hygiene & Safety

Wash your hands before and after handling or working in its enclosure to prevent the spread of bacteria. Spot-clean waste daily and perform regular full enclosure cleans using reptile-safe disinfectants. Food and water bowls should be washed frequently. Always wash your hands before and after handling reptiles or enclosure contents. Heating equipment must be secured and inaccessible to prevent burns.

Record Keeping

It’s important to keep a simple record log of your blue-tongue lizard’s care, including:

Feeding dates
Food types
Prey size (if insects are offered)
Shedding cycles
Weight
Enclosure cleaning
Any health concerns

Maintaining accurate records helps you monitor your lizard’s long-term health and quickly identify changes such as reduced appetite, abnormal shedding, weight gain or loss, or changes in behaviour. These records also allow you to fine-tune husbandry routines, such as adjusting diet, feeding frequency or environmental conditions, to suit your individual animal. If veterinary care is ever required, a detailed care history will assist the veterinarian in making faster and more accurate assessments.

Holiday Care

If you are away, arrange care with a trusted person who understands reptile husbandry and licensing requirements. Provide written instructions for feeding, temperature checks and water changes. Ensure all equipment is functioning reliably before leaving.

Transportation

Transport blue-tongues in a secure, ventilated container lined with paper towel. Avoid excessive heat or cold and keep transport periods short. Do not expose the animal to direct sunlight. Transport must comply with NSW Code of Practice requirements.

Compatibility with Other Animals

Blue-Tongue Lizards must not be housed with other reptiles. While it is possible to keep more than one blue-tongued lizard together, it is generally not recommended because they are solitary, territorial creatures. Keep enclosures out of reach of cats, dogs and other pets to prevent stress or injury.

Licensing

A Native Animal Keeper Licence is required to own a Blue Tongue Lizard in NSW and must be obtained through Service NSW prior to purchase. All reptiles must be captive-bred and sourced from licensed breeders or registered pet stores. Wild collection and release of captive reptiles is illegal. Keepers must comply with the NSW Code of Practice for the Private Keeping of Reptiles, including housing, welfare and record-keeping requirements.