How to care for Schneider's Skink

Common Name:Schneider's Skink, Berber Skink, Dotted Skink

Latin name: Eumeces schneideri

Native to: Northwest Africa and Western Asia

Size: 16 inches

Life span: Up to 20 years
Schneider's Skink (Eumeces schneideri)

General appearance: The Schneider's skink is a long tubular skink with sandy coloration. Orange and yellow blotches and a solid yellow stripe running along the lizard are also present. The underbelly is a lighter sand color. The legs are short with clawed fingers adapted for digging and moving in sand.

Housing requirements:

Enclosure: A 20-gallon aquarium is the minimum size recommended for Schneider's skinks, though larger is often is recommended. A secure fitting lid should also be provided. There should be a suitable hiding area to make the lizard feel secure.

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.

Heat/Light: The use of an UVB bulb is necessary. A timer will assist you of an accurate light cycle of 12 - 14 hours. A basking light or ceramic emitter can be used to achieve a basking spot. Hot rocks are not recommended. At night, if heat is needed, a ceramic emitter or infrared night-light can be used.

Substrate: Tropical play sand is the most popular for the Schneider's skink. It is important to make sure that the substrate is at least three inches so the lizard can bury itself. Other suitable substrate is Carefresh® and Bed-a-Beast®.

Environment: In the wild, Schneider's skinks are found in dry, brushy areas as well as rocky steppes. There should be a cool spot, for thermoregulation, that is slightly dampened.

Diet: Schneider's skinks are considered omnivores, eating both plant and animal matter. They should be offered a variety of items including crickets, mealworms, earthworms, super worms, wax worms, and pink mice can be offered. Canned Monitor/Tegu food, and high quality low fat dog or cat food can be offered sparingly. 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. Fresh water in a shallow dish should be offered daily.

Maintenance: The enclosure should be spot cleaned daily. A thorough cleaning should be performed on a regular basis. A 5% bleach solution is an excellent disinfectant. Be sure to thoroughly rinse the enclosure before replacing the substrate and placing the lizard back in the enclosure. Hand washing after handling the lizard or any cage furnishings is essential.