Reptile · Skink
Cunningham's skink care guide
Egernia cunninghami
The cunningham's skink is a intermediate-level skink from SE Australia. Adults reach 30–40 cm and live 20–30 years in captivity. Rock-pile dweller; can live in pairs with plenty of cover.
- Enclosure 120 × 60 × 60 cm
- Temp Basking 35°C, cool 20°C
- Humidity 40–60%
How much does a cunningham's skink cost in Canada?
Cunningham's skink quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 30–40 cm
- Lifespan
- 20–30 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- SE Australia
- Minimum enclosure
- 120 × 60 × 60 cm (47 × 24 × 24 in, ≈ 114 US gal)
- Housing
- Up to 2 can share; add about 50% more floor space for each extra animal.
- Temperature
- Basking 35°C, cool 20°C
- Humidity
- 40–60%
- UVB
- Required
- Diet
- Omnivore – roaches, crickets, greens, fruit
- Bioactive style
- Temperate forest
Cunningham's skink enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 120 × 60 × 60 cm (47 × 24 × 24 inches). Up to 2 can share; add about 50% more floor space for each extra animal. This species suits a temperate forest bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- 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 35°C, cool 20°C. Humidity: 40–60%. UVB: Required.
What does a cunningham's skink eat?
Omnivore – roaches, crickets, greens, fruit. Adults 3 times a week, juveniles daily.
Handling, temperament & health
Shy at first; can become handleable.
Health watch: Obesity and stuck shed.
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 cunningham's skink bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (120 × 60 × 60 cm).
Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix
Bioactive soil layer, 10 cm
Coco Husk Chips - Dried Loose Pack
Optional top layer (coco husk chips)
Red Oak Leaves 15/Pack
Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew
Cork Bark Flats
A hide in each temperature zone
Cork Branches
Many colubrids climb more than people expect
Cunningham's skink FAQ
Is the cunningham's skink good for beginners?
The cunningham's skink is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Shy at first; can become handleable.
What size enclosure does a cunningham's skink need?
At least 120 × 60 × 60 cm (about 47 × 24 × 24 inches, roughly 114 US gallons) for one adult. Up to 2 can share; add about 50% more floor space for each extra animal.
How much does a cunningham's skink cost in Canada?
Typically $1000–3000 CAD to buy, about $880–1600 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $250–400 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a cunningham's skink need?
Temperature: Basking 35°C, cool 20°C. Humidity: 40–60%.
What does a cunningham's skink eat?
Omnivore – roaches, crickets, greens, fruit. Adults 3 times a week, juveniles daily.
Similar species
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.