Substrate for a fire skink

[Lady_Kiya]

Hey guys, I am buying a fire skink today and I want to know if just using soil is okay for now until I can get my hands on some sphagnum moss (Have to order it online). Any suggestions on whether there is a particular type of soil to use would be appreciated. I was also wondering if wood chips can be used.

 

[Lena]

I read that bed-a-beast is great. What kind of soil are you talking about?

I think their care is really close to that of AFTs, only they need something to burrow in.

 

[Pepper]

The soil needs to be kept semi moist, I use a combination of organic soil and coconut fiber.

Wood chips don't stay moist enough, and it's not easy for them to burrow in.

Are you getting the skink from a pet store?

 

[Lena]

Be very careful about who you buy from. They could be sick before you get them. I learned that the hard way.

Bought a beautiful little fire skink from a wholesaler and he died on me the next day.

 

[Pepper]

Yeah I'm going through the same thing, all are wild caught so they are most likely riddled with parasites/worms.

My guy is still holding on, I even got him to eat a few days ago.

But I'm pretty sure he's loaded with nasty stuff inside his body and I am trying to find something to do about it, but we have no herp vets up here.

First thing to do if you get him is set him up on paper towels and get a fresh fecal to have it tested.

 

[acpart]

I would think that even a non-herp vet could look at a fecal, identify the parasites and then look up the correct dosage based on your skink's weight.

Aliza

 

[Pepper]

No they won't. I've called every vet in town...BUT I think I found a herp vet and it's right down the road!!

Hopefully it's not hundreds of dollars like everything else is haha.

 

[Lady_Kiya]

Alrighty, so I got the Skink today. I decided to call IT Cynder. I have no idea whether it is male or female.. as with them it is hard to find out. I think I am going to try to get a fecal. I am sure the vet that was willing to see Kiya will do a fecal for me on him. I will get him antibiotics if needed. I got some organic soil, as I thought would be best. It does have perlite (I think that is it). I thought that would be okay considering it is mainly to hold moisture in. I also ended up finding some spagnum moss while I was looking for the soil. :main_thumbsup: LOL! Right now she seems to be enjoying her new home. I did get her from the petstore. I had to get her out of there though. They had no idea what they were doing.

 

[Pepper]

How large is it? What size tank?

As adult they can reach up to 14 inches so a 20 long is minimum.

 

[Coqui]

Can't wait to see pics!