This week’s segment features Skinkles the 9-week-old blue-tongued skink!!! Skinkles came to us right after being brought home by his owner where she noticed that Skinkles may have mites and had some other health concerns. Bringing your new exotic pet—whether it’s a bird, reptile, or small mammal (“pocket pet”)—to the veterinarian soon after adoption is one of the best ways to set them up for a long, healthy life. Many exotic species can carry internal or external parasites or have subtle health issues that aren’t immediately obvious. A thorough physical examination and fecal screening allow your veterinarian to identify and treat these problems early, before they become serious. In addition to checking your pet’s health, an initial visit provides a valuable opportunity to discuss diet, enclosure setup, lighting, temperature, humidity, and enrichment—all of which are critical to your exotic pet’s well-being. Proper husbandry is often the most important factor in preventing illness in these species, and small adjustments early on can make a big difference. In Skinkles case we were able to provide him with the medication he needed for his mites and dewormer for intestinal parasites and during the visit we were able to provide his owner with further information on his care. Thanks to that initial visit we have set Skinkles up for a long, happy and healthy life!!