Keeping Australian skinks as pets can be a rewarding experience. A Guide to Australian Skinks in Captivity offers detailed information on keeping a variety of Australian skink species. This guide covers various species, including Blue-tongued and Shingleback Skinks, Burrowing Skinks, Crevice Skinks, Forest and Water Skinks, Prickly Forest Skinks, Rainbow Skinks, Sand Swimmers, Slender Blue-tongued Skinks, Pink-tongued Skinks, Small Terrestrial Skinks, and Striped Skinks.
General Husbandry
Proper care starts with selecting healthy skinks and maintaining a hygienic environment. When choosing a skink, look for signs of vitality. Regular handling, when necessary, should be done gently to minimize stress. Maintaining hygiene is crucial in preventing the spread of diseases.
When transporting skinks, ensure they are in a secure and comfortable container. Establishing a relationship with a reputable breeder or pet store is also important for guidance and support. Quarantine new skinks to monitor their health before introducing them to existing collections.
Enclosure Options
Skinks can be housed both indoors and outdoors, depending on the climate and species. The enclosure size is important, and compatibility between skinks should be considered to avoid conflicts. Adequate ventilation is essential for maintaining air quality.
Substrates, Hides, and Enrichment
Choosing the right substrate is crucial for replicating the skink’s natural habitat. Provide multiple hide sites to allow skinks to feel secure. Enclosure enrichment, such as climbing structures and varied terrain, can enhance their well-being.
Heating and Lighting
Maintaining the correct temperature gradient is vital for skinks’ thermoregulation. Utilize appropriate heating devices and thermostats for temperature control. Providing UVB and UVA lighting is crucial for their health and well-being.
Diet and Nutrition
Skinks have varied diets that can include invertebrates, vertebrates, and artificial diets. Culturing insect foods can provide a sustainable food source. Dietary supplements, such as calcium and vitamins, are essential for preventing deficiencies. Address feeding problems by adjusting the environment and diet.
Breeding Skinks
Successfully breeding skinks involves understanding their reproductive biology and providing the appropriate conditions.
Sexing Techniques
Visual sexing techniques, such as observing physical differences, can be used to determine the sex of some skink species. Other sexing techniques, including advanced methods, may be necessary for certain species.
Courtship and Mating
Understanding skink courtship rituals is crucial for successful breeding. Cooling and separation periods can stimulate reproductive behavior. Different skink species exhibit various reproductive strategies, including live birth and egg-laying.
Caring for Gravid Females
Proper care of gravid females is essential for healthy offspring. Nest facilities should be provided to allow females to lay their eggs in a suitable environment.
Egg Management and Incubation
Managing eggs involves proper handling and incubation. Artificial incubation facilities and regimes are often necessary for maintaining optimal temperature and humidity. Temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD) can influence the sex ratio of hatchlings in some species.
Hatchling Care
Hatchling care involves providing appropriate food, water, and shelter.
Common Diseases and Disorders
Skinks are susceptible to various diseases and disorders that can be prevented and treated with proper care. Nutritional disorders, parasitic infections, skin problems, nail issues, eye problems, respiratory infections, traumatic injuries, reproductive disorders, and oral problems can affect skinks.
Administration of Medications
Administering medications requires proper techniques and dosages. Consulting with a reptile veterinarian is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Species-Specific Information
Detailed information on various skink species includes pronunciation of their names, descriptions, subspecies, distribution, habitat, captive status, indoor and outdoor housing, compatibility, feeding habits, breeding methods, incubation details, color variants, and hybrids.
Additional Resources
Herpetological societies and websites offer valuable resources for skink keepers. An extensive bibliography and a glossary of common reptile terms provide further learning opportunities.
By providing a comprehensive guide to Australian skinks in captivity, this information helps enthusiasts create thriving environments for their skinks while promoting responsible herpetoculture.
