If you are like many herpetoculturists, you may be wondering if it is possible to keep Fire Skinks together in the same tank. This comprehensive guide will answer that question and more! We will discuss everything from housing requirements and diet to breeding behavior and common health concerns. So, whether you are just starting out with Fire Skinks or have been keeping them for years, this guide has something for everyone.
Introduction
Can fire skinks live together? It depends on a few factors, including the size of the enclosure, the number of skinks, and the personality of the individual skinks. In general, it is best to house fire skinks separately, as they can be quite aggressive towards one another.
However, if the enclosure is large enough and there are several skinks, they may be able to coexist peacefully. Ultimately, it is important to monitor the skinks closely if they are living together, as fights can break out at any time.
So long as the requirements we have listed below are met then there is no reason why Fire Skinks can not be housed together
Housing Requirements
Fire skinks are social lizards that enjoy living in groups. In the wild, they can often be seen basking in the sun together on a log or rock.
When keeping fire skinks in captivity, it is important to provide them with enough space to live comfortably.
A 20-gallon tank is a minimum size recommended for a group of three skinks. However, bigger is always better, and a 40-gallon tank will provide your skinks with plenty of room to explore and play.
In addition to space, fire skinks need hiding places where they can retreat when they feel threatened.
Cork bark or hollow logs make excellent hiding spots, and you should provide at least one hiding spot for every two skinks.
Finally, fire skinks need access to UVB light in order to thrive. A fluorescent bulb designed for reptiles should be used to provide your skinks with the necessary light and heat.
By following these simple guidelines, you can create a happy and healthy home for your fire skinks.
How to create hiding places
When keeping multiple fire skinks together, it is important to provide hiding places for them to retreat to. Skinks are naturally shy creatures, and they will be stressed if they feel exposed.
In the wild, skinks live in burrows or among rocks, so replicating these habitats in captivity is essential. The easiest way to provide hiding places is to use commercially available reptile hides.
These come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be easily placed in the terrarium. If you are using live plants, make sure to choose species that have dense foliage.
This will provide the skinks with plenty of places to hide, and will also help to create a more naturalistic environment.
Finally, remember that skinks are notoriously good escape artists. Be sure to secure any hides or plants that could potentially be toppled over. By taking these steps, you can create a safe and comfortable home for your fire skinks.
What type of plants?
When choosing plants for your fire skink habitat, it is important to select species that are native to the skink’s natural range. This will help to ensure that the plants are able to thrive in the same conditions as the skink.
Some suitable options include cocos palms, cycads, and ferns.
Fake plants can also be used, but it is important to choose ones that are made from materials that are safe for reptiles. Some fake plants are treated with chemicals that can be harmful to fire skinks, so be sure to do your research before making a purchase.
In general, it is best to provide a variety of both real and fake plants in order to create a habitat that is both visually appealing and functional for your fire skink.
Lighting and Heat
In terms of lighting, fire skinks need full-spectrum UVB lighting in order to generate vitamin D3 and calcium absorption.
This can be provided through a fluorescent tube, mercury vapor bulb, or LED panel.
Heat should be generated via an under-tank heat pad or ceramic heat emitter placed on one side of the enclosure.
The temperature should be maintained between 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, with a basking spot reaching up to 90 degrees.
At night, the temperature can be allowed to drop down to 70 degrees. By providing the proper lighting and heat, fire skinks can stay healthy and active in captivity.
Fire Skinks Diet
When keeping multiple fire skinks together, it is important to provide them with a diet that is rich in nutrients and variety.
In the wild, these lizards are known for their opportunistic feeding habits, and this should be reflected in their captivity diet.
A good way to provide a nutrient-rich diet is to feed them a base diet of commercially-produced reptile food, supplemented with live insects and fresh fruits and vegetables.
Fire skinks are particularly fond of crickets, mealworms, and waxworms. When choosing vegetables for your fire skink, it is important to select items that are high in vitamin A, such as dark leafy greens, carrots, and sweet potatoes.
This will help to ensure that your lizard remains healthy and vibrant. Fruits can also be offered as an occasional treat, but should not make up more than 10% of the overall diet. By providing a diet that is rich in nutrients and variety, you can help to keep your fire skink healthy and happy.
What gender of fire skinks is best together
When it comes to fire skinks, there are a few things to keep in mind in terms of gender. Males and females can both be great companions for each other, but sometimes it’s best to keep them separate.
If you’re keeping more than one fire skink, it’s important to have at least one of each gender so that they can mate.
However, if you’re not planning on breeding your fire skinks, then it’s really up to your personal preference as to which gender you prefer.
Some people find that males are more active and have higher energy, while females tend to be more docile and low-key.
Ultimately, it’s really up to you as to which gender of fire skink you prefer as a companion.
Breeding Behavior
When breeding behavior is observed, the male will chase the female and attempt to grab her tail. If successful, he will then drag her to a hidden spot where he can mate with her.
After mating has occurred, the female will lay a clutch of eggs, which she will then bury in the ground. The eggs will hatch after approximately two months, at which point the young lizards will be on their own.
Although fire skinks are not overly aggressive, it is important to provide adequate hiding places for each individual lizard. Otherwise, the lizards may become stressed and fight with one another. By understanding their breeding behavior, it is possible to successfully keep multiple fire skinks together.
Common Health Concerns
When it comes to keeping multiple fire skinks together, there are a few health concerns that you need to be aware of.
One of the most common problems is respiratory infections. These can be caused by a number of factors, including poor ventilation, dusty substrates, and overcrowding. If not treated promptly, respiratory infections can lead to serious health problems and even death.
Another common health concern in fire skink communities is parasites. These tiny creatures can cause a variety of problems, including anemia, weight loss, and diarrhea. If you suspect that your fire skinks have parasites, take them to a reptile vet for treatment.
Lastly, fire skinks are susceptible to MBD, or metabolic bone disease. This condition is caused by a lack of vitamin D3 and calcium, and it can lead to deformed bones and joints. To avoid MBD, make sure that your fire skinks have access to UVB light and a high-quality calcium supplement. By taking these precautions, you can help keep your fire skinks healthy and happy.
Conclusion
Though they are generally hardy reptiles, fire skinks can be susceptible to a few health concerns, particularly when kept in groups. One such concern is the risk of injuries from fighting.
Fire skinks are territorial animals, and when multiple skinks are kept together in a confined space, they may fight for dominance. This can result in serious injuries, including broken bones and puncture wounds. As such, it is important to provide each skink with plenty of hiding places and to closely monitor them for signs of aggression.
Another common health concern for fire skinks is stress. When kept in groups, these animals may become stressed due to the increased competition for food and shelter. This can lead to a number of health problems, including a weakened immune system and an increased susceptibility to diseases
. As such, it is important to provide fire skinks with a spacious enclosure and to offer them a varied diet. By understanding the common health concerns associated with keeping multiple fire skinks together, owners can help to ensure the well-being of their pets.
