Schneider’s Skink Care
Lifespan:
Up to 10–15 years in captivity with excellent care.
Sexing:
Males generally have broader heads and more vivid coloration, while females are slightly smaller and duller in tone. Mature males may also display larger femoral pores.
Enclosure:
Juveniles:20-gallon long terrarium (30” x 12” x 12”).
Adults: 40-gallon breeder or larger (36” x 18” x 18”).
Provide a horizontal-style enclosure with plenty of ground space, rocks, hides, and driftwood for climbing and basking.
Substrate:
Use a loose arid substrate mix that mimics their natural environment — a blend of play sand, topsoil, and fine coconut fiber (around 60:30:10). This allows for digging and humidity pockets while preventing compaction. Paper towels can be used temporarily for quarantine or juveniles, but reptile carpets should be avoided due to hygiene and injury risks.
Lighting & Temperature:
Basking Spot: 95–100°F
Ambient Range: 80–85°F
Cool Side: 72–75°F
UVB: The use of a 10.0 UVB bulb is recommended for this species,
Humidity:
Maintain moderate humidity between 40–50%, with a slightly moistened hide or burrow to assist with shedding. Avoid excessive dampness.
Food:
Schneider’s Skinks are omnivorous, feeding on a mix of gut-loaded insects (crickets, roaches, mealworms, silkworms) and small portions of finely chopped fruits and greens. Feed adults 3–4 times per week and juveniles daily.
Water:
Provide a shallow, sturdy dish of clean water at all times. Replace daily to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
Supplementation:
Calcium without D3: Dust food 3-4 times weekly.
Calcium with D3: Use once a week if adequate UVB lighting is provided.
Multivitamins with D3: Offer once monthly in place of the Calcium with D3 to support overall health.
Schneider’s Skinks are active, durable, and engaging reptiles that thrive in well-maintained enclosures. Their friendly nature, attractive coloration, and manageable size make them a rewarding species for anyone seeking a personable, easy-to-care-for lizard.
Can you get a Schneider’s Skinks in Frederick, Maryland?
Schneider’s Skinks are available now at Critters, Reptiles & Exotics. If you are in the Frederick County, Maryland area, or one of the surrounding counties come Visit us today to learn more about their care and setup needs — because there’s always a new adventure waiting at Critters, Reptiles & Exotics!