Broad-headed skink (Plestiodon laticeps)
Photo: Ryan Somma / CC BY-SA 2.0 · via Wikimedia Commons

Reptile · Skink

Broad-headed skink care guide

Plestiodon laticeps

Beginner

The broad-headed skink is a beginner-level skink from SE USA. Adults reach 20–32 cm and live 8–12 years in captivity. Semi-arboreal; add vertical logs.

  • Enclosure 90 × 45 × 60 cm
  • Temp Basking 32–35°C, cool 22°C
  • Humidity 50–70%
Plan this build Best plants for this animal

How much does a broad-headed skink cost in Canada?

Animal$60–150Typical captive-bred price
Bioactive enclosure$650–1200Enclosure $300–570 · equipment $210–450 · bioactive supplies ≈ $150
Yearly upkeep$200–300Food, supplements, bulbs, power, vet fund
First year total$910–1650All prices CAD, estimates

Broad-headed skink quick facts

Skill level
Beginner
Adult size
20–32 cm
Lifespan
8–12 years
Activity
Diurnal
Native range
SE USA
Minimum enclosure
90 × 45 × 60 cm (35 × 18 × 24 in, ≈ 64 US gal)
Housing
Best kept alone.
Temperature
Basking 32–35°C, cool 22°C
Humidity
50–70%
UVB
Required
Diet
Insectivore – crickets, roaches, superworms
Bioactive style
Temperate forest

Broad-headed skink enclosure & bioactive setup

Give one adult at least 90 × 45 × 60 cm (35 × 18 × 24 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a temperate forest bioactive build.

  1. Leaf litter2 cm
  2. Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix10 cm

Keep a moisture gradient: drier on top and at the warm end, slightly moist underneath and at the cool end.

Temperature: Basking 32–35°C, cool 22°C. Humidity: 50–70%. UVB: Required.

What does a broad-headed skink eat?

Insectivore – crickets, roaches, superworms. Adults every 2 days, juveniles daily.

Handling, temperament & health

Bites hard when grabbed; minimal handling.

Health watch: Metabolic bone disease and tail loss.

Cleaning & maintenance schedule

Daily

  • Check temperatures and refresh water.

Weekly

  • Lightly moisten the cool end and lower soil.
  • Spot-clean waste.

Monthly

  • Top up leaf litter; check hides and branches are stable.

Yearly

  • Partially refresh soil in high-traffic areas.
  • Replace UVB bulbs (if used).

Recommended for a broad-headed skink bioactive

Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (90 × 45 × 60 cm).

Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix Bioactive soil layer, 10 cm Qty: 2 × 3L + 2 × 20Lfrom $12.99 Coco Husk Chips - Dried Loose Pack Coco Husk Chips - Dried Loose Pack Optional top layer (coco husk chips) Qty: 1 × 20L · optionalfrom $7.99 Red Oak Leaves 15/Pack Red Oak Leaves 15/Pack Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew Qty: 2 packs$10.99 Cork Bark Flats Cork Bark Flats A hide in each temperature zone Qty: 2 × Largefrom $7.99 Cork Branches Cork Branches Many colubrids climb more than people expect Qty: 1 × 24"from $13.99

Broad-headed skink FAQ

Is the broad-headed skink good for beginners?

Yes – the broad-headed skink is a good choice for beginners. Bites hard when grabbed; minimal handling.

What size enclosure does a broad-headed skink need?

At least 90 × 45 × 60 cm (about 35 × 18 × 24 inches, roughly 64 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.

How much does a broad-headed skink cost in Canada?

Typically $60–150 CAD to buy, about $650–1200 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $200–300 CAD a year to keep.

What temperature and humidity does a broad-headed skink need?

Temperature: Basking 32–35°C, cool 22°C. Humidity: 50–70%.

What does a broad-headed skink eat?

Insectivore – crickets, roaches, superworms. Adults every 2 days, juveniles daily.

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This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.