Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi all i'm new to the world of skinks because i found a ground skink in my backyard and decided to keep himher. I would like to know proper care and proper size encloser and what it eats. Right now I have it in a 2-gal will water bowl and eco- earth as a sustrate with sphagnum moss in there and some rollie-pollies as food(not sure if he ate any). Thanks in advance.

Jared, the kid
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Denise (Mom) and/or Jared (son)
Take care!

1.0 Ball Python - Roy (name change)
1.0 Bearded Dragon - Merlin
1.0 Pixie Frog - Pixel
2.0 Chinese Fire belly Newts - Fred n' Ed, and Ed n' Fred
1.0 Black Cat - Shorty
1.0 Anery Kenyan Sand Boa - coming soon (completing brumation with present owner before joining our home)
0.0.4 Tanks waiting on us to decide what is going in them! LOL

I have never had good luck with wild caught animals as pets. I don't know much about the species in question, but perhaps you could find a breeder and obtain some captive bred skink information, then after educating yourself purchase one and take it from there.

You are of course free to do as you choose, but even with captive bred animals it is usually encouraged to do research BEFORE getting the animal. To buy one and try to learn as you go usually ends up detrimental to the reptile. By the time we learn the mistakes we've made, the animal is already suffering from a health standpoint.

Good luck in whatever you choose.

Dawn

I know the rule that says do your home work before getting a new critter,but I tried to find information on ground skinks before i got one but theres ot much out there on them, so i thought i should get some personal experience.

Jared
-----
Denise (Mom) and/or Jared (son)
Take care!

1.0 Ball Python - Roy (name change)
1.0 Bearded Dragon - Merlin
1.0 Pixie Frog - Pixel
2.0 Chinese Fire belly Newts - Fred n' Ed, and Ed n' Fred
1.0 Black Cat - Shorty
1.0 Anery Kenyan Sand Boa - coming soon (completing brumation with present owner before joining our home)
0.0.4 Tanks waiting on us to decide what is going in them! LOL

unless you get some facts very soon. You wouldn't want his health to suffer while you learn. (Just my opinion)
Often the reason there isn't information or care sheets on native wild herp husbandry is because many just don't fair well in captivity. It can also be really traumatizing for them. :~(

I enjoy finding them and catching them for a quick look or inspection....or even rehabilitation for a short while, if needed, but in the long run they are ususally better off with their freedom.

Even wild caught in pet stores/reptile trade are usually discouraged, because they just aren't used to captivity, while the captive breds are accustomed to human interaction and aren't as stressed by it.

Just something to think about! :~} Good luck.

I'll tell you what I know from observing ground skinks in Missouri and Texas.

I've always found them in forest floor leaf litter or under boards. Always in moist, humid situations in areas that were shaded or getting dappled sunlight.

I'd say a 10-gallon tank could hold one skink. They get to about 4-5 inches. Your substrate sounds OK, but I'd mist it regularly. I once collected a ground and put in in a shoe box for temporary housing. It died of dehydration by the next day. They are almost like scaly salamanders in their need for moisture.

Moist - not soaking wet.

In addition to misting, you could include a shallow water bowl - maybe something like a jar lid.

I'd keep temps in the 70s and 80s. I don't know if they bask. They always seem to be running around under the leaf litter in the woods. You could try a basking spot in the mid 80s.

For food I'd go with the little roly polys, maybe some tiny mealworms, and pinhead or very young crickets. Dust prey like you would for any lizard.

Of course, letting it go would be the easiest and best option.