Reptile · Skink
Spiny-tailed skink care guide
Egernia stokesii
The spiny-tailed skink is a intermediate-level skink from Western and central Australia. Adults reach 20–27 cm and live 20–30 years in captivity. Social; family groups can work with ample rock crevices.
- Enclosure 90 × 45 × 60 cm
- Temp Basking 35–38°C, cool 22°C
- Humidity 30–40%
How much does a spiny-tailed skink cost in Canada?
Spiny-tailed skink quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 20–27 cm
- Lifespan
- 20–30 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Western and central Australia
- Minimum enclosure
- 90 × 45 × 60 cm (35 × 18 × 24 in, ≈ 64 US gal)
- Housing
- Up to 2 can share; add about 50% more floor space for each extra animal.
- Temperature
- Basking 35–38°C, cool 22°C
- Humidity
- 30–40%
- UVB
- Required
- Diet
- Omnivore – roaches, crickets, greens, fruit
- Bioactive style
- Semi-arid
Spiny-tailed skink enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 90 × 45 × 60 cm (35 × 18 × 24 inches). Up to 2 can share; add about 50% more floor space for each extra animal. This species suits a semi-arid bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Semi-Arid Blend10 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: 30–40%. UVB: Required.
What does a spiny-tailed skink eat?
Omnivore – roaches, crickets, greens, fruit. Adults 3 times a week, juveniles daily.
Handling, temperament & health
Shy; wedges into crevices but calms with time.
Health watch: Obesity 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 spiny-tailed skink bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (90 × 45 × 60 cm).
Jurassic ABG Semi-Arid Blend
Bioactive soil layer, 10 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
Spiny-tailed skink FAQ
Is the spiny-tailed skink good for beginners?
The spiny-tailed skink is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Shy; wedges into crevices but calms with time.
What size enclosure does a spiny-tailed skink need?
At least 90 × 45 × 60 cm (about 35 × 18 × 24 inches, roughly 64 US gallons) for one adult. Up to 2 can share; add about 50% more floor space for each extra animal.
How much does a spiny-tailed skink cost in Canada?
Typically $1500–4000 CAD to buy, about $660–1220 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $250–400 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a spiny-tailed skink need?
Temperature: Basking 35–38°C, cool 22°C. Humidity: 30–40%.
What does a spiny-tailed skink eat?
Omnivore – roaches, crickets, greens, fruit. Adults 3 times a week, 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.