How to Raise a Healthy Northern Blue Tongue Skink

Introduction to Northern Blue Tongue Skinks

The Northern Blue Tongue Skink (Tiliqua scincoides intermedia) is a species of lizard native to the northern regions of Australia, where it thrives in savannas, woodlands, and semi-arid environments. Recognized for its striking blue tongue, robust body, and calm temperament, it has become a popular choice among reptile enthusiasts and pet owners. This captivating reptile belongs to the skink family, known for their smooth, shiny scales and remarkable adaptability.

Northern Blue Tongue Skinks are medium-sized lizards, typically reaching lengths of 18 to 24 inches as adults, making them manageable for most keeper setups. They are characterized by their stout bodies, wide, triangular heads, and distinctive blue tongues, which they use as a defensive mechanism to ward off predators by displaying it in an exaggerated fashion. Their coloration features an attractive pattern of brown, black, and cream bands, allowing them to blend seamlessly into their natural surroundings.

Known for their docile and inquisitive nature, these skinks are relatively easy to handle, even for beginners. They exhibit curious behavior, often exploring their enclosures when comfortable, which can make them enjoyable to observe. While generally hardy, they do have specific care requirements to ensure their long-term health and well-being, necessitating proper knowledge and attention from their owners.

Adaptable yet vulnerable to stress, these reptiles thrive in a well-maintained environment that mimics their natural habitat. They are omnivorous, consuming a varied diet that includes fruits, vegetables, insects, and protein sources. Understanding their specific needs, such as appropriate enclosure size, heating, lighting, and nutrition, is crucial for creating an enriching and safe environment. With the right care, Northern Blue Tongue Skinks can live for 15 to 20 years in captivity.

Understanding the Natural Habitat of Northern Blue Tongue Skinks

Northern blue tongue skinks, scientifically known as Tiliqua scincoides intermedia, are native to the savannas, woodlands, and tropical forests of northern regions of Australia. These habitats are characterized by a warm climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. Understanding their natural environment is essential for replicating optimal conditions in captivity to ensure their health and well-being.

In the wild, these skinks primarily dwell on the ground, utilizing leaf litter, underbrush, and fallen logs for shelter and protection from predators. They thrive in areas with plenty of low vegetation that provides ample shade and hiding spots. Temperatures in their native range average between 80°F and 100°F, with occasional cooler nights, making them highly adapted to warm climates. Replicating these conditions in an enclosure is crucial to meet their thermoregulation needs.

These reptiles are crepuscular, meaning they are most active during dawn and dusk. This behavior aligns with the moderate temperatures during these times in their natural habitat. They are opportunistic foragers, feeding on a variety of foods, including insects, plants, fruits, and small animals. This diverse diet reflects their adaptability and ability to survive in areas where food availability fluctuates with the seasons.

Rainy seasons in their native habitat bring an abundance of moisture, which contributes to the skinks’ natural hydration and health. During the drier months, they rely on shaded, humid microclimates for survival. Providing a humid hide in captivity mimics this crucial aspect of their environment.

Their natural surroundings emphasize the need for careful attention to temperature gradients, humidity levels, and substrate choices when creating their captive home. By understanding their native habitat, one can ensure that the captive environment reflects the needs of these hardy yet sensitive reptiles.

Selecting the Right Enclosure and Substrate

Creating a suitable habitat for a Northern Blue Tongue Skink begins with choosing the right enclosure. This species requires ample space to move, hide, and feel secure. An enclosure that measures at least 48” x 24” x 18” is recommended for a single adult skink. Glass terrariums, melamine enclosures, or PVC tanks with front-opening doors are popular options due to their durability, ease of use, and suitability for maintaining proper temperature gradients. Ensure the enclosure is escape-proof and ventilated without excessive airflow that might dry out the habitat.

Proper substrate selection is equally vital for the skink’s comfort, health, and environmental enrichment. Loose substrates like cypress mulch, coconut husk, or a soil/sand mix are favored because they promote burrowing behavior, a natural instinct for this species. Avoid substrates such as cedar or pine shavings, as they release harmful oils that can cause respiratory issues. If choosing a loose substrate, ensure it is free of pesticides and additives. Non-loose materials like reptile carpet or paper towels can be used as alternatives for owners concerned about impaction but may lack the enrichment benefits of natural materials.

Consider factors like humidity when selecting substrates. Northern Blue Tongue Skinks thrive in mid-range humidity levels of 40% to 60%, which some natural substrates can help maintain. Including hides, such as cork bark or half logs, within the enclosure is critical to create a secure environment with both humid and dry zones. Combining the right enclosure and substrate ensures the skink remains active and comfortable while mirroring its natural habitat.

Proper Temperature and Humidity Levels for Northern Blue Tongue Skinks

Maintaining precise temperature and humidity levels is essential for the health and well-being of Northern Blue Tongue Skinks. These reptiles thrive in environments that mimic their natural habitat, and improper conditions can lead to health complications such as respiratory infections or shedding issues. Knowing how to achieve and sustain appropriate levels ensures your skink remains active and healthy.

Temperature Requirements

Northern Blue Tongue Skinks are ectothermic, meaning they rely on external temperatures to regulate their body heat. A temperature gradient is necessary to allow them to thermoregulate effectively.

• Basking Area: The basking spot should have a temperature between 95°F and 105°F. This can be achieved using a heat lamp or ceramic heat emitter placed above the basking zone.
• Cool Side: The cool side of the enclosure should remain around 75°F to 85°F. This cooler area allows skinks to retreat when they need to avoid overheating.
• Nighttime Temperatures: During the night, temperatures can safely drop to 70°F to 75°F, simulating their natural nocturnal conditions.

Use an accurate digital thermometer with probes to measure temperatures in different areas of the enclosure.

Humidity Levels

Humidity plays a critical role in ensuring proper skin hydration and successful shedding. Northern Blue Tongue Skinks thrive in moderate humidity levels.

• Optimal Range: Keep the enclosure’s humidity between 35% and 50%.
• Methods of Maintenance: Use a hygrometer to monitor levels. Adding a shallow water dish, lightly misting the enclosure occasionally, or including moist hides will help maintain proper humidity.
• Special Considerations: If your skink has trouble shedding, temporarily increasing humidity by misting or introducing damp substrate in one area of the tank may assist.

Consistently monitoring and adjusting these environmental factors ensures the skink’s comfort and supports its natural behaviors.

Creating an Enriching Environment with Hides and Decorations

A well-designed habitat is crucial for the physical and mental well-being of a Northern Blue Tongue Skink. Incorporating hides and various decorations not only mimics their natural environment but also provides essential opportunities for hiding, climbing, and exploring. These features contribute to reducing stress and promoting healthy behaviors.

Importance of Hides

Hides are particularly important as they offer a secure space where the skink can retreat and feel safe. At least two hides should be provided in the enclosure—one on the warm side and another on the cool side. This placement allows the skink to thermoregulate while maintaining a sense of security. Popular choices for hides include cork bark, hollow logs, half logs, or commercially available reptile caves. Ensure that the opening of the hide is large enough for the skink to enter comfortably but snug enough to maintain its sense of protection.

Beneficial Decorations

Decorative elements serve both functional and aesthetic purposes, adding enrichment to the skink’s habitat. Natural materials like rocks, driftwood, and branches encourage climbing and basking activities, which help maintain muscle tone and overall health. Additionally, a few live or artificial plants can be introduced to replicate the natural environment. While using live plants, opt for non-toxic species like pothos or spider plants, and ensure the potting soil is free from chemicals and fertilizers.

Creating Depth with Substrate and Layers

Using varying substrate depths and layering with items like leaf litter or moss can enhance the habitat’s complexity. These elements provide sensory engagement for the skink, allowing them to dig and burrow. Such natural behaviors are essential for their mental stimulation and physical exercise. Furthermore, the skink’s ability to interact with its surroundings encourages exploration and reduces boredom.

By customizing the hides and decorations to fit the skink’s needs, the keeper fosters both a secure and dynamic environment that encourages healthy, instinctual behaviors.

Dietary Needs: What to Feed Your Northern Blue Tongue Skink

Providing a balanced and nutritious diet is essential for the health and longevity of a Northern Blue Tongue Skink. These omnivorous reptiles thrive on a varied diet that replicates their natural eating habits. An appropriate feeding routine combines protein, vegetables, fruits, and occasional supplements. Below is a breakdown of their dietary requirements:

Protein Sources

Protein is a key component of a Northern Blue Tongue Skink’s diet, especially for juveniles. Suitable protein options include:

• Cooked lean meats, such as chicken, turkey, or beef, cut into bite-sized portions.
• Live insects, like crickets, dubia roaches, and superworms, are excellent for stimulation and nutrition.
• Canned foods, such as low-sodium dog food or reptile-specific meat, can be offered occasionally as a convenient protein source.

Vegetables

Vegetables should make up a significant portion of their meals, as they provide essential vitamins and fiber. Ideal vegetable options include:

• Leafy greens like collard greens, dandelion greens, and mustard greens.
• Squash varieties such as butternut, zucchini, or yellow squash.
• Other options like carrots, green beans, or bell peppers, all chopped finely for easier consumption.

Fruits

While fruits are a treat due to their sugar content, they should only comprise about 10% of the skink’s diet. Safe fruits include:

• Blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries.
• Small slices of apple, papaya, or mango.
• Avoid citrus fruits, as they can upset their digestive system.

Supplements

Calcium and vitamin D3 supplements are crucial, particularly for younger skinks, to prevent metabolic bone disease. Dust food with calcium powder a few times a week and provide D3 once or twice weekly.

Feeding Guidelines

Feed juvenile skinks every 1-2 days and adults every 2-3 days. Ensure portions are appropriate for the skink’s size, and always remove uneaten food to prevent spoilage. Fresh water should be available at all times.

Hydration and Importance of Clean Water Access

Ensuring proper hydration is essential when caring for a Northern Blue Tongue Skink. Access to clean, fresh water is crucial for maintaining their overall health and well-being. Water supports their basic physiological processes and aids in digestion, thermoregulation, and shedding. Without adequate hydration, these reptiles may develop health issues such as dehydration, kidney problems, or complications during shedding.

A sturdy, shallow water dish should be placed in the tank and filled daily with fresh, clean water. The dish should be low enough for the skink to easily access but heavy enough to prevent tipping. It is important to ensure the water temperature is slightly cool or lukewarm, as excessively cold or hot water can impact their safety. Additionally, the dish and surrounding areas should be cleaned regularly to prevent bacterial growth or contamination.

Relative humidity levels in the enclosure play an indirect role in hydration. Northern Blue Tongue Skinks thrive in a humidity range of 40% to 60%, which promotes healthy skin and reduces the risk of respiratory issues. Monitoring enclosure humidity with a hygrometer is recommended to maintain this range. If levels drop too low, misting the habitat lightly or adding a moist hide may help.

Tap water should be evaluated for safety before use. Water containing chlorine or other harmful chemicals may negatively affect the skink’s health. Using filtered or dechlorinated water is an ideal solution. Consistent access to clean water ensures that Northern Blue Tongue Skinks remain hydrated and resilient in their care environment.

Maintaining Health Through Regular Vet Visits

Regular vet visits are instrumental in ensuring the health and longevity of a Northern Blue Tongue Skink. These checkups provide an opportunity to address potential issues early and maintain optimal care tailored to the skink’s unique needs. Exotic reptiles, such as Northern Blue Tongue Skinks, require specialized care, and a herpetology-focused veterinarian is best equipped to provide this expertise. Owners should seek out a vet experienced with reptiles to ensure proper health evaluations.

During a routine visit, the vet typically performs a thorough physical examination. This includes checking for signs of external parasites, skin abnormalities, or improper shedding. The vet will also assess the skink’s body condition to ensure it is neither overweight nor underweight, which could point to underlying health or dietary issues. Regular stool testing is often recommended to check for internal parasites that might not be visibly apparent but can impact the skink’s digestion and overall health.

Vaccinations are not generally required for reptiles, but they still benefit from regular health monitoring. Blood work may occasionally be advised to assess organ function, especially in older skinks. These tests are vital for detecting conditions like kidney or liver disease in its early stages.

Additionally, regular vet visits provide an excellent opportunity to discuss environmental setup, diet, and care practices with a professional. For instance, many health issues arise from incorrect temperature gradients or poor nutrition, which can be adjusted with expert advice. Scheduling annual or biannual checkups ensures the skink receives preventative care and avoids emergencies.

Handling and Socializing Your Northern Blue Tongue Skink

Proper handling and socialization are essential in building trust with a Northern Blue Tongue Skink. These skinks, known for their calm demeanor, can become even more personable if handled consistently and correctly. It is important to give a new skink time to acclimate to its environment before attempting direct interaction. Generally, a waiting period of one to two weeks can help reduce stress.

When beginning handling sessions, approach the skink slowly and from the side, as coming from above may trigger a defensive response. Gently scoop it up with both hands, supporting its entire body, including the tail. Initially, keep sessions short, lasting around 5 to 10 minutes, gradually extending the time as the skink becomes more comfortable. Daily but brief handling helps develop trust.

Socializing outside the enclosure introduces the skink to new sights and smells, which may improve adaptability. Allow the skink to explore a secure area under supervision, ideally on the floor or a flat surface where it cannot injure itself. While outside, monitor for signs of stress, such as puffing, hissing, or attempts to hide.

For younger skinks, regular handling is key to promoting a calm and docile adult temperament. Consistent routines signal safety and trustworthiness, encouraging the skink to feel comfortable around humans. Treats, like pieces of banana or small amounts of cooked egg, can also be offered during handling as positive reinforcement.

Avoid sudden movements or loud noises while interacting with the skink. Patience and a calm approach are crucial in fostering a bond. Over time, with consistent handling and positive experiences, a Northern Blue Tongue Skink can transform into a friendly and engaging reptile companion.

Common Health Issues and How to Prevent Them

Northern blue tongue skinks, like any pets, are susceptible to specific health problems that can impact their wellbeing. Awareness of common conditions and adopting preventative measures are essential for maintaining their health and longevity.

1. Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD)

Metabolic Bone Disease is a frequent condition in reptiles caused by calcium deficiency or improper UVB exposure. Without adequate UVB lighting, skinks cannot synthesize vitamin D3, essential for calcium absorption, leading to skeletal deformities and fractures.

Prevention:

• Provide a high-quality UVB bulb (10–12% output) and ensure it covers the basking area.
• Replace UVB bulbs every six to twelve months, as their efficacy diminishes over time.
• Maintain a balanced diet with calcium-rich foods and utilize calcium supplements with D3.

2. Respiratory Infections

Respiratory issues often arise from inadequate humidity levels, poor tank hygiene, or fluctuating temperatures. Common signs include lethargy, wheezing, nasal discharge, or open-mouth breathing.

Prevention:

• Keep ambient tank temperatures between 75–80°F and basking spots at 95–100°F.
• Avoid drafts and maintain consistent temperatures using thermostats.
• Ensure tank humidity remains between 40–60% and clean the enclosure regularly.

3. Parasites

Internal or external parasites, such as mites and worms, can cause digestive problems, lethargy, or skin irritation. Parasites typically spread through contact with contaminated substrates or feeder insects.

Prevention:

• Use high-quality, reputable feeder sources.
• Quarantine new skinks for 30–60 days before introducing them to other pets.
• Schedule routine veterinary checks to identify and address infestations promptly.

4. Shedding Problems

Improper sheds (dysecdysis) occur due to humidity imbalances or skin injuries. Retained shed can restrict blood flow, especially around the tail or toes, potentially leading to necrosis.

Prevention:

• Maintain proper tank humidity levels and provide a moist hide with sphagnum moss.
• Offer occasional warm, shallow soaks during shedding periods.
• Inspect the skink after shedding to ensure no skin remains stuck.

5. Obesity

Obesity can result from overfeeding or a diet high in fatty foods. This condition puts unnecessary strain on the skink’s organs and reduces its lifespan.

Prevention:

• Feed a well-rounded diet with a 50% vegetable, 40% protein, and 10% fruit ratio.
• Avoid over-reliance on fatty feeder insects like waxworms.
• Establish a regular feeding schedule and monitor portion sizes.

By addressing these risks proactively, caregivers can enhance a skink’s overall health and quality of life. Proper husbandry, consistent monitoring, and regular vet visits are vital to keeping Northern blue tongue skinks thriving.

Tips for Cleaning and Maintaining the Enclosure

Keeping the enclosure of a Northern Blue Tongue Skink clean and well-maintained is essential for the skink’s health and overall well-being. A clean environment helps prevent illnesses, reduces stress, and ensures a pleasant habitat for your pet. Skinks thrive best in hygienic surroundings that mimic their natural ecosystems, making regular cleaning a priority.

To maintain cleanliness effectively, schedule spot cleaning daily to remove visible waste, uneaten food, and debris from the enclosure. Focus on areas near feeding dishes and hiding spots, as these tend to accumulate dirt quickly. Daily monitoring helps reduce odor and prevents harmful bacteria from building up.

Perform a more thorough deep clean of the enclosure once every 3-4 weeks. This involves removing all the decorations, furnishings, substrate, and cleaning them with a reptile-safe disinfectant. Ensure every surface, including walls and corners of the tank, is thoroughly scrubbed to eliminate hidden contaminants. Rinse all items well to avoid chemical residue, and allow them to dry completely before reintroducing the skink.

Replace substrate regularly based on its type. Paper-based substrates may need changing weekly, while loose substrates, like coconut fiber or aspen shavings, can last longer with spot cleaning. Monitor for signs of mold, mites, or foul odors as indicators that substrate replacement is necessary sooner.

Keep the water dish clean and refreshed daily. Wash it with warm water and reptile-safe soap to remove biofilm, which can harbor bacteria. Similarly, inspect decorations and hides for waste or uneaten food and clean them as needed to keep the enclosure hygienic.

Periodically check ventilation and ensure environmental conditions, such as humidity, remain balanced. Proper airflow reduces moisture buildup, which can lead to mold or respiratory issues for the skink. Always wash hands before and after handling the skink or cleaning its home to avoid transferring germs.

Attention to these practices creates a safe, comfortable habitat while reducing stress for your Northern Blue Tongue Skink.

Breeding and Reproduction Basics for Northern Blue Tongue Skinks

Breeding Northern Blue Tongue Skinks requires careful preparation, patience, and a thorough understanding of their natural reproductive behaviors. These skinks are a viviparous species, meaning they give birth to live young rather than laying eggs. Before attempting to breed them, several key aspects must be addressed to ensure the health and well-being of both the adults and their offspring.

1. Selecting Healthy Breeding Pairs

It is vital to choose skinks that are at least 18 months to 2 years of age, weighing around 350 grams or more, with no signs of illness or injury. Both the male and female should exhibit a healthy appetite, robust body condition, and calm, non-stressed behavior. Unhealthy individuals or skinks that are too young or underweight can experience complications during mating or pregnancy.

2. Establishing a Breeding Setup

To encourage breeding, both temperature cycling and appropriate housing conditions are essential. Breeders often simulate seasonal changes by lowering the basking temperatures by 10–15 degrees Fahrenheit during winter and reducing the light duration for a few weeks. Once the temperatures return to normal in early spring, this environmental change can trigger mating behavior in skinks.

3. Recognizing Mating Behavior

Mating typically involves the male pursuing and occasionally biting the female’s flanks, which is normal behavior but should be monitored closely to prevent injury. Once successful mating occurs, the female may appear less active and begin to gain weight within a few weeks.

4. Gestation and Birth

The gestation period for Northern Blue Tongue Skinks usually lasts between 90 and 120 days. Pregnant females should be provided with a stress-free environment, high-quality food with proper supplementation, and consistent hydration. When giving birth, the female may deliver between 5 and 15 live young. These newborn skinks are fully independent and should be housed separately in smaller enclosures with proper humidity and heat settings.

Understanding these basics helps ensure a smooth and successful breeding experience.

Signs of a Healthy Northern Blue Tongue Skink

A healthy Northern blue tongue skink displays several key indicators that reflect its overall well-being. Paying attention to these signs is essential for ensuring the skink’s health and addressing any potential issues early.

1. Appearance of the Skin and Scales

• A healthy skink has smooth, shiny, and properly scaled skin, free from excessive dryness, wounds, or discoloration.
• The skin should shed cleanly and completely during molting, leaving no stuck pieces, especially around the toes and tail.
• The vibrant coloration of the skink reflects good nutrition and proper UVB exposure.

2. Bright and Clear Eyes

• The skink’s eyes should be bright, alert, and free from cloudiness or discharge.
• Proper eye health is a sign of hydration and the absence of infections like conjunctivitis.

3. Active and Alert Behavior

• Healthy skinks are curious and responsive to their environment. Movements should appear fluid without signs of stiffness or lethargy.
• Though they spend much time basking, they will eagerly explore their enclosure or interact when stimulated.

4. Regular Eating Habits

• A healthy skink shows interest in food during feeding times and consumes meals regularly. They should maintain a balanced diet of protein, vegetables, and fruits.
• Unexpected refusal of food for more than a few days could indicate illness or stress.

5. Sturdy Body and Strong Limbs

• A healthy Northern blue tongue skink has a wide, muscular body, with no visible indentations along the spine or tail.
• They should possess firm limbs strong enough for support and movement without signs of trembling or dragging.

6. Clean and Properly Functioning Waste

• Their waste should be well-formed, with both solid feces and properly colored urates (white or off-white). Persistent diarrhea or discolored waste may signal a potential health issue.

7. Healthy Respiratory Function

• Breathing should be silent and regular, without audible wheezing, clicking, or gasping.
• Absence of nasal discharge is also indicative of a healthy respiratory system.

By observing these signs, owners can confidently gauge the health of their skink and ensure it thrives in its captive environment. Regular veterinary checkups further aid in maintaining long-term wellbeing.

Troubleshooting Behavioral Issues in Northern Blue Tongue Skinks

Northern blue tongue skinks are generally docile reptiles, but behavioral issues can occasionally arise due to stress, illness, environment inconsistencies, or improper handling. Identifying and resolving these behaviors is crucial for ensuring the skink’s well-being and quality of life.

Recognizing Common Behavioral Issues

1. Excessive Hissing or Gaping: Hissing or opening their mouths wide is typically a defensive behavior. This often indicates the skink feels threatened or stressed.
2. Hiding Constantly: While some hiding is natural, excessive hiding can signal fear, temperature issues, or illness.
3. Refusal to Eat: A skink that refuses food may be stressed, ill, or unhappy with its enclosure conditions.
4. Tail Whipping or Biting Attempts: These aggressive behaviors are often prompted by improper handling or feeling cornered.

Investigating Potential Causes

• Environmental Stressors: Ensure the enclosure is properly set up. Check basking temperatures (usually 95-100°F), humidity levels (40-60%), and clean substrate. Bright lighting or noisy surroundings can also contribute to stress.
• Improper Handling: Rough handling or handling too soon after acquiring the skink can make it defensive. Allow new skinks time to acclimate before interacting with them.
• Health Concerns: Parasites, respiratory infections, or other illnesses can lead to altered behavior. Consult a reptile veterinarian for any unusual or persistent changes.

Approaches to Resolve Issues

• Always approach the skink slowly and handle it gently to reduce stress.
• Provide plenty of hiding spots and adjust the enclosure to ensure it meets optimal requirements.
• Monitor routine for signs of improvement, and offer a variety of foods to regain the skink’s appetite.
• Seek professional assistance for severe or unmanageable behavioral changes to rule out underlying health concerns.

Persistent behavioral issues require patience and careful observation to identify and address root causes effectively.

Conclusion: Ensuring Long-Term Care and Happiness for Your Pet

Providing long-term care for a Northern Blue Tongue Skink requires a consistent commitment to meeting its physical, behavioral, and environmental needs. Since these skinks can live up to 20 years or more in captivity, ensuring their happiness involves creating a stable, enriching routine that aligns with their natural instincts. Proper care goes beyond the basics of habitat setup and nutrition; it demands attention to their changing needs over time.

Regular vet check-ups are critical for identifying potential health issues early. Blue Tongue Skinks are prone to ailments like respiratory infections and metabolic bone disease if their living conditions or diet are inadequate. Monitoring for symptoms such as lethargy, changes in appetite, or abnormal behavior is essential to catch problems before they progress. Additionally, keeping their habitat clean and maintaining proper temperature and humidity levels reduces the risk of disease.

Socialization with humans plays a key role in their overall happiness. While these skinks are generally docile, daily interaction can help them feel comfortable and form a bond with their caregiver. Handling should always be gentle and stress-free, allowing the skink time to adjust to being picked up or touched.

A varied and balanced diet also ensures long-term health. Keep their meals nutritious, with a mix of fruits, vegetables, and high-quality proteins. Supplementing their diet with calcium and vitamin D3 aids in preventing deficiencies over time. As skinks age, be prepared to adjust their diet and care routine to accommodate their evolving needs.

Finally, enrichment activities such as providing interactive hides, climbing branches, and occasional rearrangement of their enclosure encourage mental stimulation and physical activity, which contribute to happiness and longevity.