Do you want a new pet? If so, have you considered an African Fire Skink? These little lizards are becoming increasingly popular as pets, and for a good reason! They are cute, friendly, and easy to care for. In this blog post, we will discuss the basics of keeping African Fire Skinks as pets. We will cover everything from housing and feeding to breeding and health care. So if you’re thinking about adding an African Fire Skink to your family, keep reading!
What Are African Fire Skinks and Where Do They Come From?
African Fire Skinks are small lizards that originate from Africa. They get their name from their bright red and orange coloration. African Fire Skinks typically grow to be about eight inches long, and they live for six to eight years. These lizards make great pets because they are friendly, outgoing, and relatively easy to care for.
Moreover, African Fire Skinks are not currently considered endangered, so they can be legally imported into the United States.
How to Care for African Fire Skinks
When caring for an African Fire Skink, there are a few things you will need to keep in mind. First and foremost, these lizards require a warm environment. The ideal temperature range is 80-85 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature falls below 70 degrees F or above 90 degrees F, your lizard may become ill.
In addition, African Fire Skinks need plenty of UVB light. This can be provided by using a reptile light bulb or by placing your lizard near a window that gets direct sunlight. It is also important to provide your lizard with a hiding spot and plenty of places to climb.
African Fire Skinks are also relatively easy to feed. These lizards are carnivores, so they require a diet that is high in protein. Crickets, mealworms, and other small insects should make up the majority of their diet. You can also offer your lizard the occasional pinky mouse or fuzzy rat. Just be sure to dust these live foods with a calcium supplement before feeding them to your lizard.
As far as water goes, African Fire Skinks will drink from a bowl of freshwater or from a misted plant. Be sure to change the water daily and mist the plants twice a day.
Housing Your African Fire Skink
When it comes to housing your African Fire Skink, a ten-gallon aquarium is typically sufficient. If you plan on keeping more than one skink, you will need a larger enclosure. Be sure to include a hiding spot, as skinks like to have a place to retreat when they feel threatened. African Fire Skinks are also good climbers, so be sure to provide some branches or rocks for them to climb on. The enclosure should have a tight-fitting lid, as skinks are escape artists!
Furthermore, the enclosure should be kept at a temperature of 80-85 degrees Fahrenheit. A reptile heat lamp can be used to create this warm environment. It is also important to provide UVB light, which can be done with a reptile light bulb or by placing the enclosure near a window that gets direct sunlight.
Breeding African Fire Skinks
If you are interested in breeding African Fire Skinks, it is best to get a pair of lizards that are around the same size. The female skink will lay two to four eggs per clutch, and she will typically lay one clutch per year. The eggs take about 60 days to hatch. Once they hatch, the baby skinks will be independent and ready to start eating insects. If you are not interested in breeding your skinks, it is best to have only one lizard per enclosure.
The Benefits of Keeping African Fire Skinks as Pets
Interestingly, keeping African Fire Skinks as pets also offers a lot of benefits for humans. For one, these lizards are known to be good for stress relief. Studies have shown that interacting with a pet lizard can help to reduce blood pressure and heart rate. In addition, African Fire Skinks can help teach children about responsibility and caring for another living creature.
African Fire Skinks make great pets for a variety of reasons. They are friendly and outgoing, and they are relatively easy to care for.
What to Do If You Have an Injured or Sick Skink
Just like any other pet, an African Fire Skink is also prone to get injured. That’s why it is important to know what you need to do if you encounter such cases. If your skink has an open wound, you will need to clean it with mild soap and cool water. You can then use a topical antibiotic ointment to help the healing process.
If your skink is having trouble breathing, or if it is not eating or drinking, it is best to take it to a veterinarian. These are all signs that your lizard may be sick and needs medical attention.
Can You Keep an African Fire Skink with Other Pets?
African Fire Skinks can be kept with other pets, but it is important to do your research first. Some animals, such as snakes, may see the skink as prey. It is also important to make sure that the lizard’s enclosure is escape-proof, as skinks are known for their ability to get out of tight spots.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, African Fire Skinks make great pets for a variety of reasons. They are friendly and outgoing, and they are relatively easy to care for. In addition, they are not currently considered endangered, so they can be legally imported into the United States. If you are interested in owning an African Fire Skink, be sure to do your research first and find an experienced breeder who can help you get started.