berber skink care - Noah's Ark Pets
Common Name: Schneider’s Skink, Berber Skink
Scientific name: Eumeces schneideri
Adult Size: 13-18 inches
The Schneider's skink has adapted to live and dig in the deserts and savannahs of North Africa and the Middle East, where it's hot and dry. Its body is long and tubular and it has smooth, shiny scales. The head is pointed and the neck is barely visible. Its legs are strong and well developed and its fingers are long. Schneider's ear openings are covered with three comb-like scales to prevent sand from entering the ear while borrowing. The lizard is a long tubular skink with sandy coloration. Orange and yellow blotches and a solid yellow stripe running along the lizard are also present. They may live up to twenty years in captivity.
Captive Enclosure:A 20-gallon aquarium is the minimum size recommended for these lizards, though larger is often is recommended, at least 30-50 gallon. This gives you enough room to house a couple of skinks. Larger enclosures allow for more room and more natural behaviors. Smaller or overcrowded enclosures lead to stress and reduced activity. Set up a mostly arid tank with three-four inches of clean sand for a substrate. In one area, mix the sand with small reptile bark or shreds, or shredded coconut husks, to provide an area which will hold moisture and provided a more humid microhabitat. Furnish the enclosure with bark slabs and supported rock structures for basking on and burrowing under; if rocks are not supported, they may sink and crush a lizard that has burrowed beneath it.
Lighting: Full-Spectrum lighting that emits UVB is a must for captive reptiles. Reptiles depend on ultra-violet light to synthesize vitamin D3, which regulates calcium absorption in the intestine. The light should be positioned less than 18" from your pet for maximum effect. Glass blocks ultraviolet light, and air circulation, therefore it should never be used as a top for the enclosure. A 12- hour day/ night lighting cycle is a good start for your pet reptile. Using a timer is the best way to ensure that the proper amount of light is received.
Temperature: Daytime temperatures should be maintained between 85°- 90° F with a basking spot of 95° - 105° F. The nighttime temperatures can drop down to 63°- 68° F. There are several methods for establishing the proper temperature range for your reptile. Using spotlights of variable wattage incandescent bulbs on the outside of the enclosure, under tank heaters or heat rocks or any combination of these. When using spotlights for 24 hour heat use red, night bulbs or a ceramic heating element to maintain day / night light cycle. Never place lights inside the enclosure where the reptile could come in contact with them and get burned. Use a thermometer to ensure proper temperature range is maintained.
Food:These skinks are considered omnivores, eating both plant and animal matter. They should be offered a variety of items including crickets, mealworms, earthworms, superworms, waxworms, and pink mice can be offered may also eat canned Monitor/ Tegu food. Also plant matter should be offered twice to three times a week. Items that are suitable include kale, collard greens, legumes, carrots, squash, mashed fruits can be offered.
Water:Provide a small bowl of de-chlorinated water. Clean the bowl daily or more often if needed.
NOTE: This care sheet is a general guide, to learn more about your pet consult a book about it.
