Reptile · Skink
Great Plains skink care guide
Plestiodon obsoletus
The great plains skink is a beginner-level skink from Central USA, N Mexico. Adults reach 25–35 cm and live 10–15 years in captivity. Burrower; needs deep soil and flat rocks.
- Enclosure 90 × 45 × 45 cm
- Temp Basking 35°C, cool 22°C
- Humidity 30–50%
How much does a great plains skink cost in Canada?
Great Plains skink quick facts
- Skill level
- Beginner
- Adult size
- 25–35 cm
- Lifespan
- 10–15 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Central USA, N Mexico
- Minimum enclosure
- 90 × 45 × 45 cm (35 × 18 × 18 in, ≈ 48 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Basking 35°C, cool 22°C
- Humidity
- 30–50%
- UVB
- Required
- Diet
- Insectivore – crickets, roaches, superworms
- Bioactive style
- Semi-arid
Great Plains skink enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 90 × 45 × 45 cm (35 × 18 × 18 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a semi-arid bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Semi-Arid Blend12 cm
No drainage layer – water deeply but rarely so the bottom stays slightly moist while the surface stays dry.
Temperature: Basking 35°C, cool 22°C. Humidity: 30–50%. UVB: Required.
What does a great plains skink eat?
Insectivore – crickets, roaches, superworms. Adults every 2 days, juveniles daily.
Handling, temperament & health
Can be nippy; brief handling.
Health watch: Metabolic bone disease and stuck shed.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Check basking surface temperature with an infrared thermometer.
- Keep the humid hide damp; refresh water.
Weekly
- Spot-clean waste.
- Every 1–2 weeks, pour water down into the soil around plants and in the cool corner.
Monthly
- Check stones and wood are stable and can’t be tunnelled under.
- Add a few leaves to the cool corner for isopods.
Yearly
- Refresh the top layer in the basking area.
- Replace UVB bulbs on schedule.
Recommended for a great plains skink bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (90 × 45 × 45 cm).
Jurassic ABG Semi-Arid Blend
Bioactive soil layer, 12 cm
Canyon Sand
Optional: mix in for a firmer, sandier texture
Eastern Oak Leaves 10/Pack
Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew
Terrarium Moss 7L Bag
Humid hide moss
Cork Bark Half Rounds
A hide at each end – plus one humid hide filled with damp moss
Mopani Wood
Climbing and a raised basking spot
Carnelian Stone
Holds heat under the lamp – place directly on the enclosure floor
Great Plains skink FAQ
Is the great Plains skink good for beginners?
Yes – the great Plains skink is a good choice for beginners. Can be nippy; brief handling.
What size enclosure does a great Plains skink need?
At least 90 × 45 × 45 cm (about 35 × 18 × 18 inches, roughly 48 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a great Plains skink cost in Canada?
Typically $80–200 CAD to buy, about $620–1130 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $200–300 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a great Plains skink need?
Temperature: Basking 35°C, cool 22°C. Humidity: 30–50%.
What does a great Plains skink eat?
Insectivore – crickets, roaches, superworms. Adults every 2 days, 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.