Five-lined skink (Plestiodon fasciatus)
Photo: Patrick Coin / CC BY-SA 2.5 · via Wikimedia Commons

Reptile · Skink

Five-lined skink care guide

Plestiodon fasciatus

Beginner

The five-lined skink is a beginner-level skink from Eastern North America (incl. S Ontario). Adults reach 13–20 cm and live 6–10 years in captivity. Protected in parts of Canada; captive-bred only.

  • Enclosure 60 × 45 × 45 cm
  • Temp Basking 32°C, cool 20°C
  • Humidity 50–70%
Plan this build Best plants for this animal

How much does a five-lined skink cost in Canada?

Animal$40–100Typical captive-bred price
Bioactive enclosure$510–960Enclosure $190–370 · equipment $210–450 · bioactive supplies ≈ $120
Yearly upkeep$150–250Food, supplements, bulbs, power, vet fund
First year total$700–1310All prices CAD, estimates

Five-lined skink quick facts

Skill level
Beginner
Adult size
13–20 cm
Lifespan
6–10 years
Activity
Diurnal
Native range
Eastern North America (incl. S Ontario)
Minimum enclosure
60 × 45 × 45 cm (24 × 18 × 18 in, ≈ 32 US gal)
Housing
Best kept alone.
Temperature
Basking 32°C, cool 20°C
Humidity
50–70%
UVB
Required
Diet
Insectivore – crickets, roaches, mealworms
Bioactive style
Temperate forest

Five-lined skink enclosure & bioactive setup

Give one adult at least 60 × 45 × 45 cm (24 × 18 × 18 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°C, cool 20°C. Humidity: 50–70%. UVB: Required.

What does a five-lined skink eat?

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

Handling, temperament & health

Fast and drops tails; minimal handling.

Health watch: Tail loss and metabolic bone disease.

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 five-lined skink bioactive

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

Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix Bioactive soil layer, 10 cm Qty: 1 × 3L + 1 × 9L + 1 × 20Lfrom $12.99 Coco Husk Chips - Dried Loose Pack Coco Husk Chips - Dried Loose Pack Optional top layer (coco husk chips) Qty: 1 × 9L · 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 × Mediumfrom $7.99 Cork Branches Cork Branches Many colubrids climb more than people expect Qty: 1 × 24"from $13.99

Five-lined skink FAQ

Is the five-lined skink good for beginners?

Yes – the five-lined skink is a good choice for beginners. Fast and drops tails; minimal handling.

What size enclosure does a five-lined skink need?

At least 60 × 45 × 45 cm (about 24 × 18 × 18 inches, roughly 32 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.

How much does a five-lined skink cost in Canada?

Typically $40–100 CAD to buy, about $510–960 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $150–250 CAD a year to keep.

What temperature and humidity does a five-lined skink need?

Temperature: Basking 32°C, cool 20°C. Humidity: 50–70%.

What does a five-lined skink eat?

Insectivore – crickets, roaches, mealworms. 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.