The skincids covered by this article belong to the smaller species (12-35 cm), with dimensions similar to those of anolides. Their skin is very similar to that of a snake. Here are some steps that can help you take care of your skink.
Steps
Step 1. Get a 40 liter tub or display case, if not larger
Fill it with a soft substrate, such as mulch or potting soil.
Step 2. Remember to add some tubs of water (bottle caps are the best choice)
Step 3. Add some flat rocks and some seedlings
Step 4. If you wish to keep more than one skink in the case, make sure they all get along well and take animals of the same species and similar size
You can keep several females, but males tend to compete with each other. For this reason, before placing them permanently inside the display case, it is best to give the new skinks a test ride to see if they get along well with the others.
Step 5. These animals feed on small arthropods, for example:
- Onisco or vulgar armadillo
- Tipule
- Crickets
- Centipede
- Moths (older Sinchi like them; keeping them locked in a jar for about half an hour will stun them and stop flying, and you can see them go straight to your skink's hideout which will devour them, and it's quite fun to watch)
- Some vegetables
Step 6. Be very careful when handling centipedes, as they have very large pincers and can inflict annoying bites
Step 7. Larger skinks can also eat more aggressive prey, such as tomato caterpillars or medium-sized wolf spiders
Step 8. If you decide to feed your pets with tomato caterpillars, make sure they come from healthy, pesticide-free places
Advice
- Try to keep your skink in a warm place.
- Do not simply throw food inside the display case. Only feed a certain amount of food at a time. Not dosing your food can lead your reptile to overeat.
- If your skink's tail comes off, either because you tried to catch it or because of a fight, you may think you need to take it to the vet. If the skink is well fed, the tail will generally grow back on its own without the need for any medical intervention. The new tail will never be as long as the previous one, and it is better to avoid touching it due to the stress it can cause to the animal.
- The skink is not a good climber. You need to provide your pets with a soft substrate. It will make them less aggressive and make them live better.
- If the animals inside the case stick together, then you should keep them separate.
Warnings
- The skink can become very aggressive to defend itself and its territory. If he feels threatened or if you take him the wrong way he can bite. If it does bite you, immediately disinfect your hands or where you have been bitten. Skinks, lizards, snakes and other reptiles can carry diseases, especially snakes, regardless of their venom.
- Do not put too high water containers in the case. Your pets could fall into the water tank and drown if the walls are too high to prevent them from getting out. A shallow basin of water will provide the skink with both a refuge under which to hide and a place to cool down when it wishes.
- Don't squeeze your skink and don't grab it by the tail.
