Blue-tongue lizards, also known as blue-tongued skinks, are popular pets due to their docile nature, manageable size, and unique appearance. However, there is some debate among blue-tongue owners about whether these lizards require a heat source at night.
Do blue-tongues need heat at night? – Quick answer
The quick answer is no, blue-tongue lizards do not require additional heat at night as long as the ambient temperature does not drop below 65°F. In fact, too much heat at night can be problematic for blue-tongues. As diurnal lizards, blue-tongues are active during the day and prefer cooler temperatures at night. Providing a heat gradient in the enclosure with a basking spot up to 95°F allows them to self-regulate their body temperature during the day. At night, the ambient temperature can be allowed to drop into the 65-75°F range.
The importance of a day/night temperature cycle
Maintaining a proper day/night temperature cycle is important for a blue-tongue’s health. In the wild, blue-tongue lizards emerge during the day to bask and become active when temperatures are warmer. At night, temperatures drop, signaling the blue-tongue to find shelter and become inactive. Replicating these natural temperature fluctuations in captivity prevents disruptions to the blue-tongue’s circadian rhythms and promotes healthy appetite, metabolism, and behavior. Providing consistent ambient heat around the clock can lead to poor thermoregulation and potential health problems over time.
Ideal temperature ranges
Here are the ideal temperature ranges for pet blue-tongue lizards:
- Daytime ambient temperature: 75-85°F
- Basking spot temperature: 90-95°F
- Nighttime ambient temperature: 65-75°F
During the day, a thermal gradient should allow the blue-tongue to thermoregulate by shuttling between warmer and cooler areas. At night, the ambient temperature can be allowed to gradually drop within the 65-75°F range.Temperatures below 65°F may cause the blue-tongue to become too cold.
Providing a day/night heat gradient
There are a few options for providing proper daytime heat while allowing temperatures to drop at night:
- Use an overhead basking bulb on a timer to provide heat during the day, turning it off at night.
- Use a Ceramic Heat Emitter to gently warm a localized basking area both day and night.
- Use a low wattage Radiant Heat Panel set to a thermostat to maintain ambient temperatures during the day, allowing the temperature to drop a few degrees at night.
- Use central heating/cooling in the room to maintain a natural day/night cycle.
Any electric heat sources should be controlled by a thermostat to prevent overheating. Care must be taken to provide hiding areas on the cooler end of the gradient for proper thermoregulation.
Signs your blue-tongue is too cold at night
Watch for these signs that your blue-tongue may be getting too cold at night:
- Lethargic behavior or moving very slowly
- Staying hidden during the day
- Loss of appetite
- Darker coloration
- Feeling cool to the touch
If nighttime temperatures are dipping below 65°F, provide a low wattage supplemental heat source to maintain ambient temperatures in the proper range.
Signs your blue-tongue is too hot at night
Here are signs that your blue-tongue may be too hot at night:
- Panting or gaping
- Holding mouth open
- Pressing against enclosure walls
- Scratching at enclosure walls
- Reduced appetite
- Lethargic behavior
Temperatures above 80°F at night can cause heat stress. Make sure any heating devices are turned down or off at night to allow ambient temperatures to fall into the proper range.
Tips for providing proper nighttime temperatures
Follow these tips for maintaining proper blue-tongue temperatures at night:
- Invest in a thermometer/hygrometer to monitor temperatures.
- Place probes for temperature controls in proper locations.
- Use thermostats or timers to control all heat sources.
- Provide a thermal gradient with a warm side and cool side.
- Insulate enclosures to help maintain stable temperatures.
- Avoid drafts or rapid temperature fluctuations.
Careful monitoring and regulating of temperatures is key to keeping blue-tongues healthy and comfortable both day and night.
Conclusion
In summary, blue-tongue lizards do not require supplemental heating at night as long as ambient temperatures stay above 65°F. Their natural rhythm involves lower temperatures at night, so maintaining a proper day/night thermal cycle is important. With the right gradient and temperature regulation, blue-tongue owners can keep their pets happy and healthy around the clock.