
Here’s a basic feeding schedule for your pet Peters banded skink:
- Juveniles — Insects daily, plants daily
- Adults — Insects every 2-3 days, plants daily
What do Peter’s banded skinks eat?
Although Peter’s Banded Skinks are omnivores, they do not typically eat fruits and vegetables. The bulk of your skink’s diet will be comprised of proteins such as roaches, worms, crickets, or even chicken, fish, and eggs.
Do Peter's banded skinks need a hide box?
However, they appear to enjoy using hide boxes and exploring over rocks and ledges. Peter's banded skinks require an ambient temperature of 85°F during the day and 75-80°F overnight. During the day a basking area with a temperature of 95-100°F should be provided.
What temperature do Peter's banded skinks need?
Peter's banded skinks require an ambient temperature of 85°F during the day and 75-80°F overnight. During the day a basking area with a temperature of 95-100°F should be provided. While UVB lighting requirements have not been determined yet for this species, until more is known it is a good idea to provide it.
Are banded sand skinks friendly?
Peter's Banded Sand Skinks can be quite friendly and are a good first lizard choice. They tolerate quite a lot of handling. Start slow with your new pet and gradually increase the amount of time you hold it. It won't be long before your skink gets used to being held.

Can Peters banded skinks eat fruit?
Exo Terra bowls or Flukers rock dish are nice naturalistic non-porous water bowls. Peter's Banded Sand Skinks are omnivores. As such, they have quite a varied diet. They will eat proteins, vegetables/greens and fruits.
How often do Peters banded skinks eat?
Peter's Banded Skinks do not need to be fed every day, but you should make sure to give them food at least every 2-3 days. In addition to feedings, you should also make sure that your skink always has access to fresh water in his enclosure.
How do you care for a Peters banded skink?
Peters banded skinks should have a warm hide temperature of 90-95°F, cool side temperature between 75-80°F, and nighttime temps no lower than 65°F. Heat sources should be turned off at night. Place a digital probe thermometer on the cool side of the enclosure to make sure it never gets too warm.
How big do Peter's banded skinks get?
about 5 to 7 inchesAnswer: Peter's banded skink (Scincopus fasciatus) is a newcomer to the trade that has arrived from northern Africa in just the past couple years. It averages about 5 to 7 inches in total length and inhabits the arid stretch of grasslands known as the Sahel, below the Sahara Desert.
Do Peters banded skinks bite?
The Peter's Banded Skink is, at first skittish, but after awhile, they will get used to you being near their tank. Eventually you will be able to hold your skink. They are very friendly and will not bite unless hurt. They have been compared to have a bearded dragon like temperament.
What is the best pet skink?
The 7 Skinks That Make Great PetsBlue-Tongued Skinks.Blue-Tailed Skink.Fire Skink.Monkey-Tailed Skink.Red-Eyed Crocodile Skink.Schneider's Skink.Ocellated Skinks.
How do you breed a Peters banded skink?
1:524:29Peters Banded Sand Skink "Eggs"! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo I keep them in about 4 3 to 4 inches of natural sand not calcium sand not crushed walnuts. JustMoreSo I keep them in about 4 3 to 4 inches of natural sand not calcium sand not crushed walnuts. Just natural sand their temps are about 105 to 110 degrees.
Are Peters banded skinks diurnal?
Peters banded skinks are nocturnal, which means that they are most active from dusk to dawn.
What size tank does a fire skink need?
The Ideal Fire Skink Enclosure An adult skink can be kept in a 20-gallon long tank measuring 30 inches long by 12 inches deep and 12 inches tall, but nothing any smaller. Because fire skinks will make use of whatever space is provided, a 40- to 50-gallon tank would be much preferred.
How long do sand skinks live for?
They are typically 6-8” (15-20cm) long, with a 6-10 year average lifespan. Like many other lizards, sandfish skinks are insectivores, which means that they primarily eat insects such as beetles.
Does Petco sell skinks?
Skinks are available for purchase at your Petco Pet Care Center. Please call ahead to check availability.
What do gidgee skinks eat?
They eat a number of items, including crickets, roaches, almost all other insects, fruit, leafy greens, beans, canned dog food, ground turkey and canned omnivore food. They will also eat pelleted food, such as those produced for bearded dragons, iguanas and tortoises.
How long do sand skinks live for?
They are typically 6-8” (15-20cm) long, with a 6-10 year average lifespan. Like many other lizards, sandfish skinks are insectivores, which means that they primarily eat insects such as beetles.
What size tank does a fire skink need?
The Ideal Fire Skink Enclosure An adult skink can be kept in a 20-gallon long tank measuring 30 inches long by 12 inches deep and 12 inches tall, but nothing any smaller. Because fire skinks will make use of whatever space is provided, a 40- to 50-gallon tank would be much preferred.
Does Petco sell skinks?
Skinks are available for purchase at your Petco Pet Care Center. Please call ahead to check availability.
Where do fire skinks live?
western AfricaThe fire skink is indigenous to the tropical rainforests of western Africa and primarily live in open woodlands, at the edge of open grasslands and rainforests. These skinks are primarily terrestrial species because they spend the majority of their time on the ground.
How much space do Peters banded skinks need?
A single Peters banded skink should be housed in no smaller than a 40 gallon (36” x 18” x 16”) terrarium. Of course, larger is likely to be used if provided, and highly recommended as one way to increase your pet’s quality of life in captivity.
Do Peters banded skinks need UVB?
Peters banded skinks are nocturnal, which means that they are most active from dusk to dawn. Because not much is known about their husbandry requirements, it’s best to play it safe and provide an appropriate amount of high-quality UVB lighting. Aside from helping provide a day/night cycle, UVB is also good for your skink’s overall wellbeing.
What basking temperatures do Peters banded skinks need?
Peters banded skinks should have a warm hide temperature of 90-95°F, as measured by a digital probe thermometer with the probe placed inside the warm hide. There should also be a cooler area on the opposite side of the enclosure that stays between 75-80°F.
What humidity levels do Peters banded skinks need?
Peters banded skinks need a low-humidity environment with access to a humid microclimate for best health. Average humidity should be below 50%, as measured by a digital probe hygrometer with the probe in the middle of the terrarium.
What substrate is good for Peters banded skinks?
Substrate covers the floor of your skink’s terrarium and helps make the enclosure more attractive, but it also cushions your skink’s body and provides something for them to dig in. It’s ideal to use a substrate that imitates the “substrate” that the reptile naturally lives on in the wild.
What decor can you use in a Peters banded skink terrarium?
It’s terribly boring (and stressful!) for a lizard to be stuck in an enclosure with nothing in it except substrate and food/water bowls. It doesn’t matter how big the enclosure is if you don’t put things in it for your pet to use and interact with.
What do Peters banded skinks eat?
Peters banded skinks are primarily insectivorous, which means that they need to eat insects (preferably live) in order to get the nutrition that their bodies need. However, they are known to eat some plants as well.
Minimum terrarium size for Peters banded skinks
The minimum terrarium size for a Peters banded skink is 36”L x 18”W x 16”H, or a 40 gallon “breeder” tank. Of course, larger is always better — if you provide, they will use it!
Do Peters banded skinks need UVB?
Peters banded skinks are nocturnal, so they may be able to survive without UVB lighting as long as proper vitamin D3 supplementation is provided. However, it’s safest and best practice to provide high-quality UVB lighting in an appropriate dose.
Best temperature for Peters banded skinks
Peters banded skinks should have a warm hide temperature of 90-95°F, cool side temperature between 75-80°F, and nighttime temps no lower than 65°F. Heat sources should be turned off at night. Place a digital probe thermometer on the cool side of the enclosure to make sure it never gets too warm.
Best humidity levels for Peters banded skinks
Peters banded skinks do best in an environment with average humidity below 50%, as measured by a digital probe hygrometer with the probe in the middle of the terrarium. However, they also need access to a humid hideout lined with moist substrate to give them a place to go when they need more moisture, such as when they’re shedding.
Best substrate for Peters banded skinks
Peters banded skinks need a layer of substrate at least 4” deep so they can dig and burrow, which is a natural behavior for them. The best substrates for Peters banded skinks include:
How to decorate a Peters banded skink terrarium
A barren terrarium is boring to look at and stressful for your lizard to live in. Make the most of your terrarium by adding a variety of enrichment items for your pet to climb and explore. Here are some ideas:
What to feed to a Peters banded skink
Peters banded skinks are primarily insectivorous, which means that they eat mostly insects and other invertebrates. However, they are also known to eat some plants as well. Here’s a basic feeding schedule for your pet Peters banded skink:
What kind of light do you use for Peter's banded sand skinks?
We feel, Peter's Banded Sand Skinks may benefit from having UVB lighting. The best bulbs are the mercury vapors such as Exo Terra's Solar Glo bulbs, ZooMed's Powersun, or Solar bright bulbs. These provide heat and UVB all in one bulb. You can also use separate basking (heat) bulb and UVB bulbs.
What temperature should skinks be?
This way your skink can move back and forth between the different temperatures depending on its needs. A basking area of 115-125 degrees should be provided. The cool side of the enclosure can be around 84 degrees.
How often should I scrub my lizard bowl?
These skinks will drink some. You might have to change the water everyday if your lizard defecates or kicks bedding into it. Scrub the bowl at least once a week to keep bacteria slime from building up. Exo Terra bowls or Flukers rock dish are nice naturalistic non-porous water bowls. FEEDING.
Can skinks go under sand?
This can be as simple as a flat rock or driftwood for them to go under. Several choices is especially important if you keep more than one skink. They like to bury themselves in the sand but some of them seem to prefer to be in the sand and under a "structure' of some kind, like a food dish or a log.
What do Peter's banded skinks eat?
Peter’s Banded Skinks can eat a variety of different foods when kept in captivity. Dubia Roaches , Discoid Roaches, Crickets, Locusts, Superworms, Mealworms, and sometimes cooked chicken. Offer food every other day, and make sure to dust with calcium and multivitamins to help prevent risks of bone disease. It is nice to allow them to hunt as it stimulates their mind.
What temperature should I use for Peter's banded skinks?
Temperatures should reach at least 100 degrees Fahrenheit on the warm side, aim for 100-110 degrees Fahrenheit. You should be using a Ceramic Heat Emitter or a noncolored basking/heat bulb to heat their tanks.
How big do Peter's banded skinks get?
Size and Appearance. Peter’s Banded Skinks are medium-sized lizards. They normally grow to be between 8 to 10.5 inches in length with not much gender dimorphism as males are a bit bulkier than females.
How often should you remove poop from a sandbox?
You should also remove any uneaten food after within 24 hours of it being served. It is recommended to remove the substrate and replace it every 2 months.
Do squid need water?
While they are native to dry areas that seldom experience rain, and they get most of their hydration from their prey in the wild, a water dish is still needed. You most likely will not see them drinking from it often, but it is necessary. It is also important to provide a food dish.
What are Peter's banded skinks?
They tend to become quite tame and will often beg their owner's for treats. Peter's banded skinks, Scincopus fasciatus, are a monotypic species of the Genus Scincopus which are recognized by their squat bodies, robust limbs, short tails and orange/yellow and black dorsal banding patterns. This species has two described subspecies, S. f. fasciatus and S. f. melanocephalus. The former being described possessing distinct dark transverse blank bands with little to no black on the head while the latter is described as having an almost completely black head and far less distinct black banding. Most captive specimens can be presumed to be of the S. f. fasciatus subspecies based on morphologic appearance. These nocturnal lizards are native to the Sahelian and southern Saharan regions of northern Africa. These sandy regions are extremely arid with limited annual rainfall. Average high temperatures within these regions range from 24 to 42°C (81-108°F) with coolest temperatures dropping as low as 15°C (90°F). Similar environmental conditions should be provided in captivity. Little data is available concerning the natural diet of Scincopus fasciatus. They are believed to be primarily insectivorous, but may consume some plant material. A variety of commercially available insects should be offered along with small amounts of fruits, flowers, and vegetables. The diet should be supplemented with vitamins and minerals. This species UVB lighting requirements are also unknown. Providing this lighting should be strongly encouraged given recent studies have demonstrated benefit in another nocturnal lizard, the leopard gecko ( Eublepharis macularius ).
What do Scincopus fasciatus eat?
They are believed to be primarily insectivorous, but may consume some plant material. A variety of commercially available insects should be offered along with small amounts of fruits, flowers, and vegetables.
Do blue tongue skinks have bigger heads?
Males tend to have larger, wider heads. But this isn't a hard fast rule. The most accurate way to sex this species is by using contrast radiography to identify hemipenes, similar to what has been found in Blue Tongue Skinks and Shingleback Skinks.
Do Peter's banded skinks have respiratory infections?
Respiratory and skin infections are also common in nearly imported Peter's banded skinks as well. Once parasites have been eliminated and these skinks become acclimated to captivity they seem relatively hardy and illness is rarely noted.
