skink question

[xdiversichicx]

anyone ever had a schniders skink ( i may have spelt that wrong, or even got the name mixed up, please correct me if im wrong)
i saw them at our local shop. they're a yellowish color. kinda caught my eye, but i stopped myself from buying it. im doing better on the spur of the moment buys lol.
anyway, i was wondering if anyone could help me out on this. ive looked and looked and cant find any information about them at all. i would be interested in getting one, but i dont want to get one and not know how to take care of it. any suggestions on books i could get and/or sites to read up on? any if anyone has any personal experiences with them that theywould share, that would be appreciated too. thanks in advance.

[ReptiliansDOTca]

Hey there, my experience with Schneider’s Skinks is limited; however I can share my knowledge with you. Schneideri are a relatively large skink, growing to lengths in and around 12 inches, generally at a maximum of 18 inches. They are primarily terrestrial, so provide hides on the floor of your terrarium; cork bark works wonders. I would recommend coconut husk as a substrate - it is great, resistant to bacteria, easy to clean and a wonder to work with. The overall environment should be semi-arid; not dry yet not wet, find a comfortable medium. The enclosure should be at least three feet wide for adult specimens, with approximately four inches of substrate. This is important, as they are natural burrowers; keep the substrate relatively damp so that it may support tunneling.. UVB lighting is required, for reasons similar to that of any UVB/UVA seeking reptile. A basking temperature of 95 - 110°F should be provided, with an overall gradient temperature of 85°F. A cool retreat of 75 - 80°F should be provided. Their diet consists chiefly of insects; however they will on occasion consume vegetable matter. Insects should be dusted with a calcium supplement.

With a proper environment, they are a joy to work with and a fun addition to any collection, if you do not mind them hiding of course. If there is anything I left out that you need to know, please feel free to ask or send me a PM.

[Tim and Julie B]

Found in Africa this species has an average life span of 18-20 years and is quite non-aggressive. They should be kept in singles unless paired with a mate for breeding, in no less than a 33 gallon tank with several hiding spots. They prefer a hot dry environment: day temps 75-85, night temps 65-75 and a basking area of 105+. UV is necessary approximately 12-14 hours a day and food (insects) should be calcium dusted teice a week. They are a great reptile for beginners or advanced keepers! :D

Julie

[xdiversichicx]

thanks for all the info!