Berber Skink

Berber Skink

Scientific name: Eumeces schneiderii
Common names: Berber Skink, Schneider's Skink, Berber Skink
Adult size: Around 30–45 cm
Lifespan: 15–20+ years

📏 Size

• Stocky, ground-dwelling lizard with a thick tail.
• Males are generally larger and heavier than females.

🏡 Housing

• Large, secure terrestrial vivarium with excellent ventilation.
• Adult minimum around 120 × 60 × 60 cm; larger is preferable.
• Use a deep, dry substrate suitable for digging.
• Provide sturdy hides, cork, rocks and branches.
• Leave plenty of open floor space for movement.

🌡️ Temperature

• Basking surface: 40–45°C
• Warm end: 30–35°C
• Cool end: 24–28°C
• Night: 18–22°C
• All heating should be thermostatically controlled.

💡 Lighting

• Strong UVB (10–12%) is recommended.
• Provide bright full-spectrum lighting for around 10–12 hours daily.
• Ensure shaded areas are available.

💧 Humidity

• Generally 30–50% with good ventilation.
• Keep the main enclosure relatively dry.
• A slightly more humid hide can be provided when needed.

🦗 Food

• Omnivorous, with insects forming an important part of the diet.
• Offer crickets, locusts, roaches, mealworms and other suitable insects.
• Adults can also receive appropriate vegetables and occasional fruit.
• Dust insects with calcium and provide suitable vitamin supplementation.

💧 Water

• Provide fresh, clean water in a sturdy shallow bowl.
• Replace regularly, particularly if contaminated with substrate.

🐍 Shedding

• Skin becomes dull before shedding.
• Provide appropriate humidity and rough surfaces to help remove loose skin.
• Never pull retained shed from the animal.

🤲 Handling

• Can become very tame with patient, regular handling.
• Support the body fully and avoid grabbing the tail.
• Allow a new skink time to settle before beginning frequent handling.

❤️ Health

• Monitor appetite, weight, activity and shedding.
• Correct UVB, calcium and temperatures are important for preventing metabolic bone disease.
• Watch for respiratory problems, parasites and obesity.

🧽 Cleaning

• Spot-clean faeces and uneaten food regularly.
• Keep the water bowl clean.
• Replace contaminated substrate and thoroughly clean the enclosure periodically.

🏠 Before You Bring Your Skink Home

• Run the vivarium and check all temperatures before introduction.
• Have UVB, heating, hides, substrate and suitable food ready.
• Securely guard all heat sources.

⚠️ Important Bits

• Berber Skinks are strong, active lizards and need a spacious enclosure.
• Provide a hot basking area and cooler retreat so the skink can regulate its temperature.
• They can live for many years, so they are a long-term commitment.
• Do not house multiple males together.
• Avoid excessive humidity and poor ventilation.