I talked to a couple of petstore owners.. They told me they can buy these skinks for as little as $3.00 each..and then sell them for like $19-$25.



99% of all schneider skinks are wild caught and imported in mass numbers. Many of these guys never make it to the petstore..ie die in transit. Because of the parasite risk to other reptiles, many reputable Petshops will not carry them..but there are still crappy shops out there.



There is a local Petshop that is selling one..has had it for well over a year). But it has also been living with a wild caught Fire skink. I just can't take the risk of disease.(if I had a quarantine area I would jump on it.



As for tame/friendliness.. I have noticed the ones with the nasty temperament usually have a reason..mites, parasites, or poor environment.



My breeding pair are longterm captives from Petco..and were cleaned out before they were sold..and have a great temperament.. I take them to every educational display I am involved with. They handle very well and even allow the kids to pet and hold them without threat of biting or running off.



I have a third schneider's, named Zombie (cause he came back from the dead), that was rescued from a garage..in the most horrible condition..I actually brought him home for a warm place to die..he was that bad off.. But he bounced back better than ever... Zombie will not let anyone touch him..wants nothing to do with us humans..other then feeding time. and I don't blame him.



Billie

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