By Feeding your Gidgee Skink can be a rewarding experience, as these unique reptiles have specific dietary needs that set them apart from other pet reptiles. Gidgee Skinks (Egernia stokesii) are native to Australia and are known for their stout bodies, spiny tails, and agile movements. As intermediate-level pet reptiles, they require specialized care in terms of their habitat, lighting, temperature, and of course, feeding. In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss everything you need to know about Gidgee Skink feeding, ensuring that your pet thrives in captivity.
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Gidgee Skink Diet in the Wild
In their natural habitat, Gidgee Skinks primarily consume a diet of insects and other small invertebrates, such as spiders, grasshoppers, and termites. This insectivorous diet provides them with the essential nutrients and proteins they need to maintain their health and energy levels. Occasionally, Gidgee Skinks may also feed on plant matter, such as leaves and fruits, although this makes up a smaller portion of their diet.
Feeding Insects to Gidgee Skinks
Types of Insects
When feeding your Gidgee Skink in captivity, it’s essential to replicate their natural diet as closely as possible. Offer a variety of insects to ensure they receive the necessary nutrients and maintain interest in their food. Some suitable insect options for Gidgee Skinks include:
- Crickets
- Dubia roaches
- Mealworms
- Superworms
- Black soldier fly larvae (also known as Nutrigrubs)
- Hornworms
- Silkworms
- Snails
Make sure to choose insects that are appropriately sized for your Gidgee Skink. Generally, the length of the insect should not be larger than the width of the skink’s head to prevent choking or digestive issues.
Gut-Loading and Dusting
Before feeding insects to your Gidgee Skink, it’s important to gut-load the insects by providing them with a nutritious diet for at least 24 hours. Gut-loading ensures that the insects are full of essential nutrients that will be passed on to your skink during feeding.
In addition to gut-loading, dust the insects with a calcium and vitamin supplement, such as Repashy Calcium Plus LoD, before offering them to your skink. This helps prevent nutrient deficiencies and supports overall health. Lightly dust the insects with the supplement every other feeding or once a week.
Feeding Frequency
The feeding frequency for Gidgee Skinks depends on their age and size. Juvenile skinks should be fed daily, with both insects and leafy greens provided in appropriate portions. Adult Gidgee Skinks, on the other hand, should be fed every other day, with an adjusted portion size to accommodate their lower metabolism.
During each feeding session, offer as many insects as your Gidgee Skink can consume within a 5-10 minute period. Remove any uneaten insects from the enclosure after this time to prevent them from nibbling on your skink or causing stress.
Feeding Plant Matter to Gidgee Skinks
Although Gidgee Skinks are primarily insectivorous, they may also benefit from the occasional addition of plant matter to their diet. This can include leafy greens, vegetables, and fruits. Keep in mind that the plant matter should make up a smaller portion of their diet compared to insects.
Leafy Greens
Some suitable leafy greens for Gidgee Skinks include:
- Collard greens
- Cactus pads
- Spring mix
- Arugula
- Kale
- Alfalfa
- Bok choy
- Carrot greens
- Spinach
- Dandelion greens
- Hibiscus greens
- Turnip greens
- Mustard greens
- Parsley
- Romaine lettuce
- Escarole
- Watercress
- Clover
Vegetables
In addition to leafy greens, you can offer a variety of vegetables to your Gidgee Skink, such as:
- Broccoli
- Rapini
- Zucchini
- Cauliflower
- Sweet potato
- Bell pepper
- Squash
- Carrots
- Okra
- Sprouts
- Pea pods
- Green beans
- Shredded carrots
Fruits and Treats
Fruit should be offered sparingly due to its high sugar content. Some suitable fruit options for Gidgee Skinks include:
- Berries
- Mango
- Cantaloupe
- Apple
- Banana
- Papaya
Edible flowers, such as dandelion and nasturtium, can also be offered as a more frequent treat.
Supplements for Gidgee Skinks
In addition to providing a balanced diet, Gidgee Skinks also require calcium and vitamin supplements to ensure they receive all the necessary nutrients for optimal health. As mentioned earlier, dust the insects with a calcium and vitamin supplement, such as Repashy Calcium Plus LoD, before offering them to your skink.
Water and Hydration
Gidgee Skinks require access to fresh water at all times to maintain proper hydration. Provide a small to medium-sized water bowl in their enclosure, ensuring that the water is clean and fresh. Change the water daily and clean the bowl with a reptile-safe disinfectant weekly or whenever it becomes soiled.
Handling and Feeding Interaction
While Gidgee Skinks may not enjoy handling as much as other pet reptiles, they can still form bonds with their owners through hand-feeding. You can use feeding tweezers to offer insects to your skink, allowing them to associate your presence with positive experiences, such as food. This can help build trust and create a stronger bond between you and your pet.
Conclusion
Feeding your Gidgee Skink a balanced and varied diet is essential for maintaining their overall health and well-being. By offering a range of insects and plant matter, along with proper supplementation and hydration, you can ensure that your Gidgee Skink thrives in captivity. Remember to monitor your skink’s appetite and adjust the feeding frequency and portion sizes as needed. With proper care and attention to their feeding needs, your Gidgee Skink can live a long and healthy life.