🧭 Introduction
Blue-Tongue Skinks (BTS) are omnivorous reptiles, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter.
To keep your skink healthy and active, you need to provide a balanced, varied diet.
In this guide, we cover:
- The ideal food ratio
- Feeding schedules by age
- Safe and dangerous foods
- Supplement tips and sample meal plans
🍽️ Food Ratio Overview
A well-balanced BTS meal should follow the 50:40:10 rule:
| Food Type | Percentage | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Vegetables | 50% | Collard greens, squash, carrots |
| Protein (Animal) | 40% | Boiled turkey, cooked eggs, insects |
| Fruit (Optional) | 10% | Berries, mango, banana |
🚫 Avoid feeding the same few ingredients every day — variety is key!
🐣 Feeding Schedule by Age
| Age Group | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hatchling (0–3m) | Daily (small meals) | Higher protein ratio (60/30/10) |
| Juvenile (3–12m) | Every 1–2 days | Gradually increase greens |
| Adult (12m+) | 3–4 times/week | Full 50/40/10 balance |
🥬 Vegetables – The Green Core
Best leafy greens:
- Collard greens
- Dandelion greens
- Mustard greens
- Turnip greens
Safe vegetables:
- Butternut squash
- Green beans
- Carrots (grated)
- Bell peppers (no seeds)
Avoid: iceberg lettuce, spinach, onion, garlic
🍗 Protein – Animal-Based Energy
Good protein sources:
- Cooked lean turkey or chicken (plain, no salt)
- Hard-boiled or scrambled egg (no oil)
- High-quality grain-free canned dog food
- Insects: dubia roaches, superworms, mealworms (moderation)
Tip: Avoid fatty meats, raw meat, and all-seasoned food.
🍓 Fruit – Occasional Treats
Feed in small amounts only (1–2x per week)
Safe fruits:
- Berries (blueberry, raspberry)
- Mango
- Papaya
- Banana
- Melon (no seeds)
Avoid: citrus fruits, grapes (high sugar), avocado (toxic)
💊 Supplements: Must-Haves
| Supplement | How Often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Calcium w/o D3 | 2–3x/week | Use when UVB lighting is active |
| Calcium with D3 | 1–2x/week | Use only if no UVB bulb is used |
| Multivitamin | 1x/week | Reptile-safe brand |
📋 Sample Meal Plan (Adult Skink)
Monday: Cooked turkey + collard greens + bell peppers
Wednesday: Scrambled egg + squash + green beans
Friday: Canned dog food + carrots + dandelion greens
Sunday: Dubia roaches + kale + small mango pieces (treat)
Use feeding tongs to keep your hands safe and clean!
❌ Foods to Avoid
| Dangerous Food | Reason |
|---|---|
| Avocado | Toxic |
| Onion/Garlic | Can cause anemia |
| Citrus fruits | Acidic, can irritate |
| Iceberg lettuce | No nutritional value |
| Processed meats | Too fatty/salty |
🛒 Recommended Feeding Tools
- Ceramic or shallow food bowl
- Feeding tongs
- Supplement powders (calcium, vitamin)
- Weekly meal planner (optional)
- Chopping board & knife set for reptile use