Fire Skink General Info: Length up to 13" Fire skinks are considered to be one of the most beautiful skinks in the world. Their fiery red and orange coloration makes them popular among reptile enthusiasts. Fire skinks are known as the "true" fire skinks when compared to their lesser red counterparts; red-sided skinks. Most skinks will readily tame down with patience and frequent gentle handling. Skinks have powerful mouths and are capable of inflicting a painful bite. Children should only handle these lizards in the company of an adult.

Temperature/Humidity: Ideal daytime temperature for fire skinks should range between 75 and 85 degrees. Nighttime temperature should remain between 65-75 degrees. Additionally, a basking area should be created on one end of the enclosure to maintain a local temperature of 95-105 degrees. This can be achieved with a basking lamp or an undertank heater or heated stone. The humidity for these skinks should be maintained at 75 percent or higher.

Lighting: All skinks require ultraviolet lighting to maintain good health. Ultraviolet lighting is recommended for 12 hours per day. The use of a timer will assist in maintaining an accurate schedule of light periods. Feeding/Watering: Fire skinks are omnivorous (diet consists of both plant and animal matter). So a diet of a variety of vitamin/calcium dusted insects such as crickets, mealworms, earthworms, superworms and waxworms as well as offering vegetables and some fruits is recommended. Suggested vegetables include, but are not limited to: kale, collard greens, legumes, carrots, squash, and berries. In addition to vegetables and insects as the majority of the diet, high quality, low-fat cat or dog food can be mixed in with vegetables. A shallow water bowl should be provided and changed daily. Adult skinks should be fed 3-4 times per week, some juveniles can be fed twice daily during their growing period. Always remove prepared food four hours after it is offered to prevent spoilage.

Habitat/Housing: Successful permanent maintenance requires at least a 20 gallon long terrarium. A screen lid is essential for proper air exchange. The enclosure must include a basking area, a suitable hiding area, and a "cool" area to allow for thermoregulation. Cork bark is an excellent item to use with all terrestrial (land-dwelling) skinks. The bark can be "layered" to allow the skink many hiding and foraging areas. Artificial plants also help to create a natural look. Unless breeding is desired, skinks are best kept singularly. Substrate

(Bedding): A mixture of Repti-Bark and Bed-A-Beast is an ideal substrate for skink terrariums as most skinks love to burrow. 2" to 3" inches of this mixture is required to encourage their natural burrowing instinct. The substrate should be kept moist to maintain an even humidity level, but changed regularly to avoid bacterial growth.