Reptile Forum, Reptile Classifieds - CaptiveBred

[H.S.]

I am currently looking into the possibility (and practicability) of getting a pair of Crocodile Skinks.
On a recent visit to a rep store, I saw these rather interesting animals and was instantly taken by them.
I happen to have a 3ft bow front tank and stand begging to be used for something nice, and so started to research the requirements of these creatures.
Information isn't too hard to find, but it can be quite conflicting with regards the requirements of UVB and Basking lights.
I have read one or two care sheets that state the animal is nocturnal and does not require UVB, however, I have also read that these animals DO require UVB. I have also read that a basking light should be used in conjunction with other heat sources, as well as reading that a heat mat provides adequate heating.
As I know that a couple of people on here keep Crocodile Skinks, I thought I would ask about your set ups and whether you provide UVB and/or Basking lights.
At the moment my plan for the set up would be as follows:

3ft Bow Front Tank (I believe the other dimensions are 18" tall and 12" widening 15" or 18" deep).

Heat mat (under one end) temp range: 22c to 27c

UVB lighting (recommendations on specific tube welcome).

Substrate of Cypress Mulch, Sphagnum Moss. Planted with bark, plastic plants and vine wood/bog wood, obviously places to hide at both ends.

Water bowl (possibly cat litter tray) between 3" to 5" deep as I understand they like a soak.

I am not planning to use a basking lamp unless advised otherwise, although I am planning to use a moonlight fluorescent at night.

My only other concern is Humidity, I have read that Humidity should be kept between 60% and 100%, however, I have also heard that too high a humidity can cause a fungus problem on the animals.
Also, with regards the provision of humidity, would the addition of a waterfall or mister(sp?) be advisable?.

Any advice regarding the set up and care of Crocodile Skinks, especially from personal experience, would be welcomed. Thanks.

[Jordi J]

Ey,

Nice choice

At first, Dallas Zoo had written some article's about their juveniles dieing because they didn't had a UV source.
So it is important that young animals have a good UV source.
And about Humidity, I spray their vivarium almost every day. And sometimes they lay all the day in their water bowl.
And they love moving water so a waterfall would be appreciated by them .

How I keep them.

70*40*40 cm box.
23W UV lamp.
Heat-mat under the box.
about 5 a6 cm of Coco-peat.
A lot of hiding places
And of course a big water bowl which they use a lot.

I don't see them very often. they are very very shy.
The key to success with these animals is rest. a lot of rest.

Here is the article written by Dallas Zoo.
http://www.arav.org/Journals/JA011655.htm
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[Al Stotton]

Hello H.S,

I have been keeping a couple of tribs for approx 6 months now and never once regretted it.I'd been toying with the idea of getting these for 3,4 yrs
and wished i'd got some sooner.

I know how you feel about conflicting info its frustrating sometimes.

The two i keep are in a 3ft melamine viv.substrate is coco and i find a 'brick' fills it just right (once soaked). i heat the viv using a spot bulb running through a dimmer stat.
I use a plastic tub with sponges in as a bathing spot and use multiple hides,eg cork bark tubes.
I tend to spray them less than at first(every day) as they seem to prefer to spend most of there time semi buried in dryer areas.This said they do seem appreciate a good spray every 2/3 days and the moisture held in the substrate keeps the humidity levels up nice.

maybe you could try Dean,s site www.tribolonotus.com

Hope This Helps.........AL
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