By The Shingleback Skink, also known as the Bobtail Lizard, Two-Headed Skink, or Pinecone Lizard, is a fascinating reptile that hails from Australia. Despite their unique appearance and relatively low maintenance requirements, they remain lesser-known to reptile enthusiasts outside of their native region. This comprehensive care guide and species profile will cover all aspects of keeping Shingleback Skinks in captivity, including diet, habitat, tank setup, and more. If you’re considering adding one of these captivating creatures to your reptile collection, read on to learn everything you need to know about their proper care and maintenance.
Table of Contents
Shingleback Skink Overview
Quick Facts
- Common Names: Shingleback Skink, Bobtail Lizard, Two-Headed Skink, Pinecone Lizard
- Scientific Name: Tiliqua rugosa
- Adult Size: 10-18 inches
- Lifespan: 10-25+ years
- Diet: Omnivorous (plants, insects, snails)
- Tank Size: Minimum 10-20 gallons
- Humidity & Temperature: Humidity 20-40%; Temperature 80-90°F (incandescent lighting)
- Popular Alternatives: Blue-Tailed Skinks, Fire Skinks
Species Profile
The Shingleback Skink is a unique and fascinating reptile species native to Australia. They are characterized by their armored bodies, blue tongues, and brown or beige coloring. One of the most distinctive features of the Shingleback Skink is its broad tail, which stores fat reserves and helps to confuse predators by resembling its head.
These reptiles are generally about 10 to 12 inches long but can grow up to 18 inches in length. Male skinks are typically stockier and have larger heads than females, while females are often larger overall. Shingleback Skinks are known for their docile nature and can make excellent pets for reptile enthusiasts who can provide the proper care and environment.
Availability and Cost
In Australia, Shingleback Skinks can be found for anywhere from 50AUD to 400AUD, depending on the seller. However, outside of Australia, they are less commonly available and may be more expensive. Purchasing any exotic pet requires thorough research and vetting of potential sellers, as the market for these reptiles can be murky and confusing. It’s crucial to find a reputable breeder and ensure that you are not unwittingly contributing to the illegal smuggling of live animals or supporting unethical breeding practices.
Additionally, owning or importing a Shingleback Skink may require obtaining and paying for additional licenses or certificates. Be sure to check with your local and state regulations to ensure you are in compliance with all laws and regulations.
Shingleback Skink Care Guide
Caring for a Shingleback Skink requires attention to their specific needs and preferences. The following sections will cover all aspects of their proper care and maintenance, from tank setup and lighting to diet and common health concerns.
Tank and Enclosure
The ideal tank for a Shingleback Skink is a 10 or 20-gallon glass tank, with dimensions of approximately 3′ x 2′ x 1.5′ (L x W x H). The enclosure should provide ample space for the skink to move around and multiple basking spots. While skinks are larger than many domestic lizards, they can blend into their surroundings quite well, so limit the amount of vegetation in the enclosure to ensure you can always locate your pet.
A secure lock on the tank is recommended, despite the docile nature of Shingleback Skinks. Additionally, it’s best to keep the tank in a quiet room that is not used frequently, such as a guest room, office, or basement, as skinks have sound sensitivity similar to humans.
At least two shelters or hideaways should be provided within the enclosure, allowing your skink to feel safe and secure while resting. Position one near a heat source and another in a cooler, more shaded area.
Lighting and Heating
As native inhabitants of the hot and dry regions of Australia, Shingleback Skinks require ample light and warmth in their enclosures. Incandescent lighting is an excellent choice for reptiles and should be kept on for at least 12 hours a day to simulate their natural environment. Combined with a heating pad placed under the tank, this lighting can help maintain a temperature range of 80 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
A humidifier should be used to monitor the tank’s humidity levels, which should ideally be maintained at 20-40%. An open water dish can be placed in the tank to serve as a drinking source and to help regulate humidity.
Substrate
The substrate for your skink’s enclosure can be simple and straightforward. Newspaper, packing paper, or paper towels are all suitable choices. Avoid using materials with glossy inks or strong odors, as these can be harmful to your skink’s health.
Sanitation
Regular cleaning and sanitation of your skink’s enclosure are essential for maintaining their health and wellbeing. Commercial cleaning solutions, dish soap, or bleach can be used for this purpose, with the following precautions:
- Wear gloves and old clothes to protect yourself during cleaning.
- Rinse all surfaces and items thoroughly to remove any residue.
- Dry the tank and accessories with paper towels before returning your skink to its enclosure.
- For stubborn odors, a mixture of baking soda and water can be used as a cleaning solution.
Diet
As omnivorous reptiles, Shingleback Skinks enjoy a varied diet that includes insects, plants, and snails. Mealworms, crickets, wax worms, and silkworms are all excellent options for insect-based foods. It’s important to gut-load any prey insects prior to feeding them to your skink, ensuring that they are as nutritious as possible.
The gut load you choose should be based on your preferences and the specific needs of your skink. If they are showing signs of a particular vitamin deficiency, adjust the gut load accordingly.
Be sure to only introduce prey into your skink’s enclosure when they are awake, as some Shingleback Skinks are diurnal while others are nocturnal. Pay attention to your pet’s activity schedule and adjust feeding times as needed.
Shingleback Skink Health & Disease Guide
Like all reptiles, Shingleback Skinks can be susceptible to certain health issues and diseases. The following sections will cover some of the most common concerns, as well as tips for prevention and treatment.
Metabolic Bone Disease
Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD) occurs when a reptile does not consume enough calcium, vitamin D3, or phosphorus, leading to weakened bones and lethargy. In severe cases, MBD can cause tremors and other neurological symptoms. To prevent MBD, ensure that your skink receives an adequate intake of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D3 through their diet. A UVB lamp in their enclosure or dietary supplementation can also provide necessary vitamin D3.
Mouth Rot
Mouth rot, also known as stomatitis, is a bacterial infection that can occur when a reptile’s immune system is weakened due to stress or improper environmental conditions. Signs of mouth rot may include pus or fluid draining from the nose and throat, inflammation of the mouth, and a loss of appetite. If you suspect that your skink is suffering from mouth rot, consult a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Parasites
Parasitic infections can occur in reptiles through exposure to contaminated food, their environment, or other animals in their enclosure. Symptoms of a parasitic infection may include loose stools, weight loss, loss of appetite, and a distended abdomen. Regular fecal testing by a veterinarian can help detect and treat parasites before they become a serious health concern.
Shedding
Shingleback Skinks typically shed their skin once every few months as adults. Occasionally, they may experience difficulty shedding, which can result in flaky skin, stuck shed on their tails or eyes, and restlessness. If your skink is having trouble shedding, try giving them a warm water bath to help loosen the skin. If the problem persists, consult a veterinarian for further assistance.
Respiratory Conditions
Cold, dry, or dirty conditions can lead to respiratory infections in reptiles. Signs of a respiratory infection can include discharge from the nose or mouth, or audible breathing. If you suspect that your skink has a respiratory infection, seek veterinary care as soon as possible.
Lifespan
While the average lifespan of a Shingleback Skink in captivity is 10-15 years, some individuals have been known to live for up to 25 years or more with proper care. Ensuring that your skink receives appropriate care and maintenance throughout its life can help maximize its lifespan and overall health.
Shingleback Skink Behavior
Understanding the behavior of a Shingleback Skink is essential for providing appropriate care and ensuring their wellbeing. The following sections will discuss various aspects of skink behavior, from handling and aggression to reproduction and fire sensitivity.
Handling
Shingleback Skinks are generally docile and tolerant of handling, making them a popular choice for reptile enthusiasts. However, they may exhibit aggressive behavior if they feel threatened, such as opening their mouth, sticking out their tongue, hissing, or flattening their body. While their bites are not venomous, they can still be painful and should be treated with care to avoid infection.
Brumation
Brumation is a period of dormancy that some reptiles, including Shingleback Skinks, undergo in response to cooler temperatures. During brumation, the skink’s metabolism slows down, and they may become less active or stop eating altogether. It’s essential to ensure that your skink has access to water during this period, and to schedule a veterinary checkup before brumation begins, as unhealthy individuals may not survive the process.
Reproduction
Shingleback Skinks are viviparous, meaning they give birth to live young rather than laying eggs. Offspring are typically large, with a single baby accounting for as much as 35% of the mother’s body weight. Brood sizes are usually small, with an average of 2-3 offspring per litter.
Newborns and Youth
Female Shingleback Skinks give birth to their young approximately 3-5 months after mating. Newborns are born with a well-developed placenta, which they consume for essential nutrients and antibodies. Though they may spend their first few days with their mother, they are born fully capable of caring for themselves and will soon shed their skin for the first time before venturing out on their own.
Shingleback Skinks reach full maturity at around three years of age, with males and females developing at similar rates.
Fire Sensitivity
Shingleback Skinks are highly sensitive to the smell of smoke, as their native Australian habitat is prone to bushfires. They may exhibit signs of stress or agitation if they detect smoke in their environment. Be mindful of this sensitivity and take appropriate precautions to minimize their exposure to smoke.
Shingleback Skinks: A Great Pet
Shingleback Skinks can make excellent pets for those willing to invest the time and effort into providing appropriate care and maintenance. Though they may be more difficult to find outside of Australia, the rewards of owning one of these unique and fascinating creatures can be well worth the effort. Ensuring that you purchase your skink from a reputable breeder and following the guidelines outlined in this care guide will set you on the path to a long and enjoyable relationship with your Shingleback Skink.