Maybe she can do with more human contact time for petting and cuddles and misses the interaction she got with her enclosure mates. I think they can get depressed, though I'm sure some here will poo poo that possibility and say they are incapable of such emotional states.
Personally from what I've seen , skinks and dragons are certainly capable of emotional responses and show things like affection.
Just a thought - maybe a mirror outside the enclosure might be worth trying .
Wow, while you are at it you may as well put a collar and leash on it and take it for walks. Even play fetch!
Seriosly though, blueys are the most tolerant of the Australian skinks in regards to handling
but you are drawing a very long bow to state they enjoy cuddles.
It goes against their default programming from birth that everything above them is a predator. Hence their tendency to flee to cover and their 'death from above' mantra.
Their psychology is discussed in a chapter within the fantastic book called, "Blue Tongued-skinks, Contributions to
Tiliqua and
Cylodomorphus". This book is expensive but if you really want to improve your knowledge on blueys, even though it was published back in the 90's, it is still the best source for information. I strongly suggest you read it. At the very least, do a google search for a dedicated blue tongued skink forum. Your questions will receive a more specialised response from its membership.
As for blueys pining after missing enclosure mates..........again , really? Please do some reading.
I had to 'poo poo' this post, I couldn't let rubbish like that go through to the keeper.
Cheers,
Dave.
thanks
