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great plains skink rescued

varanid Jun 26, 2010 11:00 PM

We got a frantic call this evening from a wife's coworker. Despite being annoyed at the interruption, she answered the phone...lady was freaking out, her cats had a lizard and she wanted us to come get it. I got there and she's pointing under the bookshelf saying it was a black and brown lizard with spots...sure enough, great plains skink. Managed to get it out and safe from the cats. I didn't know they could climb walls, WTH?!? it almost got away from me doing that. And I got bleed by one of her cats that went for it when it did. I hate cats.

Usually I'd have just set it loose but the lady lives in a fairly large apartment complex, and I'm frankly amazed they had anything on the grounds. No grass, or trees, just a massive parking lot, and 5 buildings, right next to a freeway and a rather decrepit shopping center. So I took it home. Now, I'm guessing it's a subadult, since it's like 5" long and I've seen much larger.

As far as care:
I'm guessing a temp gradient like I'd use for most natives, room temp to mid 80s, 3-4" of mulch or soil, flat rocks and large limbs for shelter? Do these need UV lighting? My gut would say no, since they're fossorial and nocturnal but I want to check. Also, do they need supplements or is a diet of crickets, mealworms and the odd pinky mouse going to work?
I've got a spare tub in my juvy snake rack, it's like 22x14", I'm guessing that's large enough for now? If it doesn't need UV that's probably what I'll keep it in for now.
Oh, and do these recognize standing water or do I need to mist them for moisture?
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We wouldn't have 6 and a half billion people if you had to be beautiful to get laid.
6.6 African House snakes
3.2 reticulated pythons
.1 corn snake
4.2 Florida Kings
1.2 speckled kings
1.2 ball pythons
0.0.1 Argentine boa

Replies (1)

varanid Jun 26, 2010 11:18 PM

right now he's in a 10 gallon I had laying around. Tossed in some rocks and junk for him to hide under/climb on etc.
Little bugger is crazy too. I like him


-----
We wouldn't have 6 and a half billion people if you had to be beautiful to get laid.
6.6 African House snakes
3.2 reticulated pythons
.1 corn snake
4.2 Florida Kings
1.2 speckled kings
1.2 ball pythons
0.0.1 Argentine boa

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