Reptile · Skink
Ocellated skink care guide
Chalcides ocellatus
The ocellated skink is a beginner-level skink from Mediterranean, North Africa, Middle East. Adults reach 20–30 cm and live 10–15 years in captivity. Live-bearing burrower. Groups with one male work.
- Enclosure 60 × 45 × 30 cm
- Temp Basking 35°C, cool 22°C
- Humidity 30–50%
How much does a ocellated skink cost in Canada?
Ocellated skink quick facts
- Skill level
- Beginner
- Adult size
- 20–30 cm
- Lifespan
- 10–15 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Mediterranean, North Africa, Middle East
- Minimum enclosure
- 60 × 45 × 30 cm (24 × 18 × 12 in, ≈ 21 US gal)
- Housing
- Up to 3 can share; add about 40% more floor space for each extra animal.
- Temperature
- Basking 35°C, cool 22°C
- Humidity
- 30–50%
- UVB
- Required
- Diet
- Insectivore – crickets, roaches
- Bioactive style
- Semi-arid
Ocellated skink enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 60 × 45 × 30 cm (24 × 18 × 12 inches). Up to 3 can share; add about 40% more floor space for each extra animal. 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 ocellated skink eat?
Insectivore – crickets, roaches. Adults every 2 days, juveniles daily.
Handling, temperament & health
Calm and tolerates handling.
Health watch: Impaction 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 ocellated skink bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (60 × 45 × 30 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
Ocellated skink FAQ
Is the ocellated skink good for beginners?
Yes – the ocellated skink is a good choice for beginners. Calm and tolerates handling.
What size enclosure does a ocellated skink need?
At least 60 × 45 × 30 cm (about 24 × 18 × 12 inches, roughly 21 US gallons) for one adult. Up to 3 can share; add about 40% more floor space for each extra animal.
How much does a ocellated skink cost in Canada?
Typically $40–100 CAD to buy, about $490–910 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $150–250 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a ocellated skink need?
Temperature: Basking 35°C, cool 22°C. Humidity: 30–50%.
What does a ocellated skink eat?
Insectivore – crickets, roaches. 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.