I am enjoying my Fire Skink so much that I've decided it would be an interesteing project to try and breed them. Of course I expect to do a LOT of research first, which is why I'm posting.
I could spend hours searching the net, or ask some questions here and get some guidance on good links & resources.
I have heard that breeding these skinks is difficult, which makes it far more interesting for me, personnally.
If anyone knows of good, detailed, Fire Skink sites, could they please let me know?
I have some very basic questions people here might be able to help with.
Is there ANY way, other than probing, to determine (or make a good guess at) the sex of a fire skink? I was reading an anole page where it listed sex characteristics of males & females saying that these aren't always true but if you made a list of characteristics on your anole, you could make a good guess as to its sex.
I have no clue what sex my fire skink is, just that "he" is 13" and growing and has incredibly vibrant colors. when I look at the skink where I work (I work at a pet store) the only difference I see is size. The one at work is 11" (I took "him" out and measured), no noticble difference in markings or headshape or tailthickness that I could find. But maybe I don't know what to look for, guidance please!
I haven't moved Jerry to the 75 gallon yet, I still need to make a top for it that will bear the weight of a cat, I have the plans I just need to do it...
What are common pitfalls of breeding? Bad habits people get into or easy mistakes to make?
What are the possible complications to the skinks themselves? I know that mating is not romantic in the reptile world, would housing the female seperate for most of the time be a good idea?
I do have plans for, and parts for, an incubator if needed. I got these together because one of the geckos at work is gravid.
I appreciate any and all help! I'm a very patient person, if it takes me a year to learn enough and get everything together to make this work, than so be it. I believe in not rushing. If I wanted an easy project, I'd breed my leopard gecko (and who knows, one day i might but "he" is still quite small now).
thanks in advance
Sasha
