Description
Available instore or for local delivery only (Victoria, Australia)
The Cunningham's Skink (Egernia cunninghami) is a robust, spiny-tailed lizard native to southeastern Australia, including parts of New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia. Found in rocky outcrops, woodlands, and scrublands, this diurnal species is known for its strong social structure, often living in family groups. With its distinctive keeled scales, inquisitive nature, and hardiness in captivity, the Cunningham's Skink makes an excellent pet reptile for keepers seeking an interactive, long-lived lizard that thrives with regular handling and a well-managed enclosure.
Features of Cunningham's Skink
• Native Australian species found in rocky and temperate regions
• Grows up to 40 cm in total length, including the tail
• Heavily keeled (spiny) scales and a broad, muscular body
• Colour varies from grey-brown to black with cream or yellow speckles
• Social and intelligent, often forming colonies in the wild
• Diurnal and basking, active during the day
• Can live 15–20 years or more in captivity with proper care
Enclosure Setup for Cunningham's Skink
Cunningham’s Skinks require a secure, spacious, and well-heated terrestrial enclosure to support their active, ground-dwelling behaviour.
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Enclosure Size: A minimum of 120 x 60 x 60 cm for a single adult; larger if housing a pair or group. Provide floor space over height for ground movement.
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Substrate: Use a mix of sandy soil, coconut husk, and bark mulch to create a loose, diggable layer. Spot-clean regularly and replace as needed.
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Heating: Maintain a basking area at 35–40°C and a cooler end around 22–26°C. Use a combination of ceramic heat emitters or basking bulbs regulated by a thermostat.
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UVB Lighting: Provide high-output UVB (10.0 strength) for 10–12 hours daily to support healthy calcium metabolism and prevent metabolic bone disease.
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Humidity & Ventilation: Keep relative humidity moderate (40–60%), with good airflow to prevent respiratory issues. Mist lightly as needed depending on your climate.
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Hides & Décor: Include rock stacks, cork bark, logs, and artificial caves to replicate their natural rocky habitat. Ensure hides are stable and cannot collapse.
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Water Dish: Always provide fresh, clean water in a shallow dish large enough for soaking but easy to access.
Diet for Cunningham's Skink
Cunningham’s Skinks are omnivores and thrive on a mixed diet of plant matter, insects, and occasional protein sources.
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Vegetables: Offer dark leafy greens (e.g., kale, dandelion, endive), squash, carrot, and sweet potato regularly.
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Fruits: Use fruit sparingly—berries, mango, apple, or banana make occasional treats.
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Insects: Feed crickets, wood roaches, and mealworms dusted with calcium and multivitamin supplements.
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Protein: Occasionally provide cooked egg, boiled chicken, or pinky mice (only as a treat for adults).
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Feeding Frequency: Juveniles should be fed daily, while adults can be fed 3–4 times per week depending on activity and condition.
Proper nutrition, UVB exposure, and enclosure design are essential for maintaining the health and longevity of Cunningham's Skinks in captivity.
