Care Sheet for SkinksAverage Rating Given To This Care Sheet Is 4.46 (1=lowest, 5=highest) Last Updated: 02/04/2006 |
Main Category: | Lizards |
Sub Category: | Skinks |
Care Sheet Submitted By: | HHFrog |
Years Experience: | 5 to 10 Years |
Species: | Schneider’s Skink (Novoeumeces schneideri) |
Other Species or Phases this Care Sheet May Cover: | Berber Skink
Dotted Skink (both other common names for species) |
Sexing and Characteristics: | Sometimes difficult to tell gender, but generally males have a broader head that is wider than the neck while females have a head the same width as the neck. Males are usually larger overall than females as well. |
Mostly Active During: | None |
Substrate and Water Needs: | 2 to 4 inches of fine playground or calcium sand is best, as these skinks like to burrow. In one area of the cage, bark or mulch may be mixed in with the sand and occasionally sprayed to make a more humid burrowing area.
A water dish, however, is not required because these are desert animals and can obtain all the water they need from their food.
These lizards will occasionally climb, so low rock structures and/or branches held securely in place should be provided. Also, at least one hiding area should be made out of rock, cardboard tubes, or pipe to simulate burrows and caves. |
Lighting and UVB: | Schneider’s skinks need lighting during the day, and UV lighting is best, as it helps in digestion and growth. |
Temperatures and Humidity: | Daytime temperatures should be 75-80 degrees on the cool side, and 80-90 degrees on the warm side with a basking area of about 95 degrees. Nighttime temperatures should be around 70 degrees.
A humid area can be provide to aid in shedding and to relax in, but the rest of the tank should be dry. |
Heating and Equipment: | A UV bulb with a reflector dome should be placed at a distance where the correct temperatures are provided in the tank during the day. At night, an under-tank heater or heat bulb can be used to attain proper nighttime temperatures. |
Caging Provided: | All-glass terrariums are perfect, but there must be a secure screen lid for ventilation.
For one skink, the minimum size tank is a 20 gallon long. A 40 gallon breeder tank is good for a pair and 50 gallons for a trio. These lizards need a lot of space to exhibit natural behavior and be happy and healthy. |
Diet: | Omnivorous |
Description of Diet: | Diet should consist mainly of insects-crickets, mealworms, waxworms, etc. an occasional pinky mouse can be provided for larger animals. Shredded greens and chopped fruits like collared greens, lettuce, grapes, and apples should be offered as a regular part of their diet, though some individuals may refuse them and choose to be only carnivorous. |
Supplements, Nutrition and Usage: | Insects should be dusted with a calcium and vitamin supplement and gut-loaded, especially if veggies and fruits are refused. |
Maintenance: | Tank should be completely cleaned, disinfected, and substrate replaced every month or so, depending on how many animals and live food items are in the tank (the more mess the more often it should be cleaned). Spot cleaning should be done as necessary. |
Some Words on this Species: | Schneider’s skinks are a relatively low-maintenance and hardy lizard that are great for beginners. They generally tolerate handling well and are mild-natured and friendly. However, they are little known by many people and often hard to find on the pet trade.
Picture of Schneider’s skink:
http://photobucket.com/albums/y195/HHFrog/Signatures/?action=view¤t=160a624d.jpg |
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