Reptile · Skink
Shingleback skink care guide
Tiliqua rugosa
The shingleback skink is a intermediate-level skink from Southern and western Australia. Adults reach 30–40 cm and live 20–40 years in captivity. Rare and very costly outside Australia; insist on documented captive-bred stock.
- Enclosure 120 × 60 × 60 cm
- Temp Basking 35–38°C, cool 22°C
- Humidity 30–50%
How much does a shingleback skink cost in Canada?
Shingleback skink quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 30–40 cm
- Lifespan
- 20–40 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Southern and western Australia
- Minimum enclosure
- 120 × 60 × 60 cm (47 × 24 × 24 in, ≈ 114 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Basking 35–38°C, cool 22°C
- Humidity
- 30–50%
- UVB
- Required
- Diet
- Omnivore – greens, flowers, snails, roaches
- Bioactive style
- Semi-arid
Shingleback skink enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 120 × 60 × 60 cm (47 × 24 × 24 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 35–38°C, cool 22°C. Humidity: 30–50%. UVB: Required.
What does a shingleback skink eat?
Omnivore – greens, flowers, snails, roaches. Adults 2–3 times a week, juveniles every day or two.
Handling, temperament & health
Calm and very handleable.
Health watch: Obesity and respiratory infection in damp builds.
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 shingleback skink bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (120 × 60 × 60 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
Shingleback skink FAQ
Is the shingleback skink good for beginners?
The shingleback skink is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Calm and very handleable.
What size enclosure does a shingleback skink need?
At least 120 × 60 × 60 cm (about 47 × 24 × 24 inches, roughly 114 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a shingleback skink cost in Canada?
Typically $3000–8000 CAD to buy, about $930–1670 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $300–500 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a shingleback skink need?
Temperature: Basking 35–38°C, cool 22°C. Humidity: 30–50%.
What does a shingleback skink eat?
Omnivore – greens, flowers, snails, roaches. Adults 2–3 times a week, juveniles every day or two.
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.