By Gidgee Skinks are fascinating reptiles that make intriguing pets for intermediate level reptile enthusiasts. Due to their relatively small size, unique appearance, and non-aggressive nature, they are becoming increasingly popular among reptile keepers. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover all aspects of Gidgee Skink care, including diet, habitat, and tank setup, to help you provide the best possible environment for your new pet.
Table of Contents
- Introduction to Gidgee Skink
- Gidgee Skink Appearance and Characteristics
- Gidgee Skink Behavior and Temperament
- Gidgee Skink Diet
- Gidgee Skink Habitat and Tank Setup
- Gidgee Skink Feeding Schedule and Frequency
- Handling and Socialization
- Health Concerns and Common Issues
- Gidgee Skink Availability and Pricing
- Conservation and Threats
- Conclusion
Introduction to Gidgee Skink
The Gidgee Skink (Egernia stokesii) belongs to the Scincidae family and is native to the arid regions of Australia. They can be found in Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory. Gidgee Skinks are known for their spiny tails, keeled scales, and unique appearance. They are shy and agile creatures that can become personable over time with proper care and handling.
Quick Facts
- Experience level: Best for intermediate reptile pet owners
- Family: Scincidae
- Scientific name: Egernia Stokesii
- Average adult size: 10 to 12 inches
- Lifespan: Over 20 years in captivity and at least 5 years in the wild
- Clutch size: 1 to 8 eggs per female; some females may not reproduce within a year
- Food: Fruits, leaves, mice, and small insects
- Average temperature: 95°F to 100°F (35°C to 38°C) in summer and 64°F (18°C) minimum during winter
- UVB lighting: Optional but recommended
- Conservation status: Species is protected in Australia; export is not allowed
Gidgee Skink Appearance and Characteristics
Gidgee Skinks are characterized by their spiny tails and keeled scales, which give them a unique and appealing appearance. They typically grow to a length of 10 to 12 inches, making them a smaller-sized reptile that is easy to house and care for. Their coloration ranges from dark brown to black with lighter markings on their backs, which helps them blend in with their natural surroundings.
Sexual Dimorphism
Males and females are generally similar in appearance, but males may have slightly larger and more developed femoral pores, which are used for scent marking their territory. Additionally, males may have slightly larger heads and thicker tails compared to their female counterparts.
Gidgee Skink Behavior and Temperament
Gidgee Skinks are known for their shy and elusive nature. They are quick to hide when they feel threatened or stressed, and it may take some time for them to become comfortable with their new surroundings and human interaction. However, with patience and gentle handling, Gidgee Skinks can become quite personable and may even enjoy being held.
It is also important to note that Gidgee Skinks are territorial creatures and may exhibit aggression towards other skinks if they feel their territory is being threatened. If you plan to house multiple Gidgee Skinks together, it is essential to ensure that they are compatible and have ample space to establish their own territories within the enclosure.
Gidgee Skink Diet
Gidgee Skinks are omnivorous, which means they consume a variety of food items, including fruits, vegetables, insects, and small mammals. Providing a balanced and varied diet is essential for their overall health and well-being.
Insects
A significant part of a Gidgee Skink’s diet should consist of insects such as crickets, roaches, and other small bugs. These insects should be gut-loaded with nutritious food before being fed to your skink, as this boosts their nutritional value. You can also dust the insects with a calcium supplement to ensure your skink receives adequate calcium to support healthy bone growth.
Fruits and Vegetables
Gidgee Skinks also enjoy consuming fruits and leafy greens, which should make up a portion of their diet. Some suitable options include beans, peas, collard greens, and kale. Be sure to wash and chop the fruits and vegetables into small, manageable pieces for your skink.
Small Mammals
Occasionally, Gidgee Skinks will consume small mammals such as pinky mice. These can be offered pre-killed or frozen and thawed to minimize the risk of injury to your skink.
Supplements
In addition to a varied diet, it is essential to provide your Gidgee Skink with calcium and vitamin supplements. Calcium can be added to your skink’s food every other feeding, while a multivitamin supplement can be provided once a week.
Gidgee Skink Habitat and Tank Setup
Creating a suitable habitat for your Gidgee Skink is crucial for their overall health, well-being, and happiness. In the wild, they inhabit dry, desert-like areas with plenty of cover and shelter. When setting up your skink’s enclosure, it is essential to replicate these conditions as closely as possible.
Enclosure Size and Type
A suitable enclosure for a Gidgee Skink should be a minimum of 40 gallons in size, with a secure lid to prevent escapes. Glass terrariums are a popular choice, as they provide excellent visibility and are easy to clean. However, wooden or plastic enclosures can also be used, as long as they have proper ventilation and allow for temperature control.
Substrate
The substrate in your Gidgee Skink’s enclosure should be something that allows for proper drainage, is easy to clean, and remains dry. Some suitable options include bark, soil, or a specially designed reptile substrate such as Zoo Med’s Excavator Clay. A sandy area should also be provided, as Gidgee Skinks enjoy digging and burrowing.
Temperature
Gidgee Skinks thrive in hot environments, so it is essential to maintain proper temperatures within their enclosure. A basking area with a temperature of 110°F to 120°F (43°C to 49°C) should be provided at one end of the enclosure, while the cooler end should be maintained around 80°F (27°C). If your home’s temperature drops below 70°F (21°C) at night, consider using an infrared heat emitter to maintain the proper evening temperature.
Humidity
Although Gidgee Skinks are native to arid environments, it is still essential to maintain adequate humidity levels within their enclosure. Lightly mist the tank once or twice a week, and provide a water dish for your skink to drink from and help maintain humidity.
Lighting
If your Gidgee Skink’s enclosure is located outdoors, natural sunlight should be sufficient for their needs. For indoor enclosures, UVB lighting is recommended to provide your skink with the necessary light and heat they would receive from the sun in the wild. A 10.0 or stronger UV lamp can be used, with a 12-hour on/off cycle to mimic natural daylight conditions.
Accessories and Décor
Providing your Gidgee Skink with a variety of hiding spots and climbing opportunities is essential for their well-being. Hollow logs, rock crevices, and artificial caves can be used to create hiding spots, while branches, rocks, and other cage furniture can be added for climbing and basking opportunities. Be sure to secure all items properly to prevent accidents and injuries.
Gidgee Skink Feeding Schedule and Frequency
Feeding your Gidgee Skink a balanced and varied diet is crucial for their overall health. You can offer insects, fruits, vegetables, and small mammals in appropriate quantities and frequencies to ensure they receive the necessary nutrients.
Young Gidgee Skinks can be fed daily, while adults can be fed every other day or three times a week. Adjust the portion size and frequency of feedings based on your skink’s appetite and growth.
Handling and Socialization
Gidgee Skinks are shy and elusive by nature, so it may take some time for them to become comfortable with handling. Begin by allowing your skink to adjust to their new environment, and then slowly introduce handling sessions. Be patient and gentle, and over time your Gidgee Skink should become more personable and comfortable with being held.
Health Concerns and Common Issues
Gidgee Skinks are relatively hardy reptiles, but they can still be susceptible to various health issues if not cared for properly. Some common health concerns include:
- Parasites: Wild-caught Gidgee Skinks may be prone to tick infestations, so it is essential to purchase your skink from a reputable breeder to minimize this risk.
- Metabolic bone disease: A lack of calcium in the diet can lead to metabolic bone disease, which can result in weak bones and deformities. Ensure your skink receives adequate calcium supplementation to prevent this issue.
- Respiratory infections: Poor enclosure hygiene and incorrect temperature and humidity levels can lead to respiratory infections in Gidgee Skinks. Maintain proper enclosure conditions and clean the enclosure regularly to minimize this risk.
Gidgee Skink Availability and Pricing
Gidgee Skinks are protected in Australia, and their export is not allowed. However, captive-bred Gidgee Skinks are available for purchase in the United States, although their prices can be relatively high. Be sure to purchase your Gidgee Skink from a reputable breeder to ensure you receive a healthy and well-cared-for animal.
Conservation and Threats
Gidgee Skinks face several threats in the wild, including habitat destruction, bushfires, illegal hunting by pet collectors and traders, and predation by foxes, dingoes, snakes, and birds of prey. The species is protected in Australia, and a permit is required to keep Gidgee Skinks in most territories.
Conclusion
Gidgee Skinks are fascinating and unique reptiles that make excellent pets for intermediate reptile enthusiasts. With proper care, attention to their dietary needs, and a suitable enclosure that mimics their natural habitat, Gidgee Skinks can thrive in captivity and provide a rewarding pet-keeping experience. If you are considering adding a Gidgee Skink to your reptile collection, be prepared to invest time and effort into creating the ideal environment and providing the best possible care for your new pet.