Reptile · Skink
Schneider's skink care guide
Eumeces schneideri
The schneider's skink is a beginner-level skink from North Africa to Central Asia. Adults reach 35–45 cm and live 15–20 years in captivity. Burrower. Keep alone.
- Enclosure 90 × 45 × 45 cm
- Temp Basking 35°C, cool 24°C
- Humidity 30–40%
How much does a schneider's skink cost in Canada?
Schneider's skink quick facts
- Skill level
- Beginner
- Adult size
- 35–45 cm
- Lifespan
- 15–20 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- North Africa to Central Asia
- Minimum enclosure
- 90 × 45 × 45 cm (35 × 18 × 18 in, ≈ 48 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Basking 35°C, cool 24°C
- Humidity
- 30–40%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Insectivore – crickets, roaches, occasional greens
- Bioactive style
- Semi-arid
Schneider's 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 Blend15 cm
No drainage layer – water deeply but rarely so the bottom stays slightly moist while the surface stays dry.
Temperature: Basking 35°C, cool 24°C. Humidity: 30–40%. UVB: Recommended.
What does a schneider's skink eat?
Insectivore – crickets, roaches, occasional greens. Adults every 2–3 days, juveniles daily.
Handling, temperament & health
Usually calm and handleable.
Health watch: Impaction, stuck shed and obesity.
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 schneider's skink bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (90 × 45 × 45 cm).
Jurassic ABG Semi-Arid Blend
Bioactive soil layer, 15 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
Schneider's skink FAQ
Is the schneider's skink good for beginners?
Yes – the schneider's skink is a good choice for beginners. Usually calm and handleable.
What size enclosure does a schneider's 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 schneider's skink cost in Canada?
Typically $60–150 CAD to buy, about $620–1130 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $200–350 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a schneider's skink need?
Temperature: Basking 35°C, cool 24°C. Humidity: 30–40%.
What does a schneider's skink eat?
Insectivore – crickets, roaches, occasional greens. Adults every 2–3 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.